GREAT BAY--The St. Maarten Sports Federation has held its 2026 Annual General Meeting, bringing together member federations, strategic partners, volunteers and invited stakeholders to review two years of organizational development and set priorities for the period ahead.
Since the current board assumed office in March 2024, the federation has focused on strengthening governance, improving financial accountability, reconnecting with its membership and building partnerships to support the development of sport in St. Maarten.
During the AGM, members reviewed the federation’s progress in modernizing its internal structures, improving financial oversight and administration, supporting member federations and advancing safeguarding initiatives.
The federation has also continued to support Team St. Maarten and national representation, assist athletes and sporting organizations participating in regional and international competitions, and advance its Strategic Plan and Needs Assessment.
The Needs Assessment is intended to provide a clearer understanding of the priorities, challenges and development needs within St. Maarten’s sporting community.
Several governance matters were addressed during the meeting, including the approval of the 2025 AGM minutes and the 2025 financial report.
Members also advanced the federation’s updated Constitution and Phase One of its By-Laws.
The governance reform process is aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, membership participation and organizational continuity. The federation is completing the remaining steps required to ratify and formalize the updated Constitution.
Members supported the establishment of committees focused on Marketing and Communications, Events and Fundraising Activities, and Safeguarding and Anti-Doping.
The committees are expected to broaden participation within the federation and strengthen its ability to implement the Strategic Plan.
Ahead of the AGM, the federation hosted presentations from representatives of the Sports Tripartite, including the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, the Department of Sports and the National Sports Institute.
Discussions focused on continued cooperation in advancing the National Sports Vision, supporting federation development, improving sporting infrastructure and expanding opportunities for athletes.
As the current board enters the third year of its mandate, the federation said it will remain focused on implementing its Strategic Plan, strengthening member federations and expanding development opportunities for coaches and sports administrators.
Other priorities include safeguarding, good governance and supporting Team St. Maarten’s participation in regional and international competitions.
The AGM also introduced the St. Maarten Sports Federation Sports Fund, which is intended to diversify funding opportunities and improve the long-term sustainability of sport.
Further details about the Sports Fund will be announced separately.
SMSF Presdeint Naomi Korstanje
Federation President Naomi Korstanje said the work of the past two years has gone beyond rebuilding the organization.
“Over the past two years, our work has not simply been about rebuilding an organization. It has been about rebuilding confidence in sport, strengthening our member federations, creating opportunities for our athletes, and laying the foundation for a stronger and more sustainable sports sector.
“There is still much work ahead, but we are proud of the progress made and grateful to everyone who has contributed to this journey. Building the future of sport requires collaboration, shared responsibility, and a collective commitment to creating opportunities for the generations that will follow,” Korstanje said.
The federation expressed appreciation to SXM Sports, particularly Latoya Lake and her team, for their continued work in promoting and showcasing sport in St. Maarten.
It also thanked Akilah Meulens of 1072 Digital for her support in branding, communications and project development, and Breanna Barrie of Media House Consultancy for her work on the federation’s Needs Assessment, research, administration and federation development.
Additional appreciation was extended to Joe Dominique for serving as the AGM minute taker and supporting the federation, and to Erik Spit of Spido Accounting for assistance with financial administration and compliance.
The federation also thanked SOAB for providing guidance during its restructuring and organizational development process.
That support was made possible through the Klein Projecten Fonds of the Representation of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten.
The federation further recognized its board, member federations, volunteers, athletes, coaches, trainers, technical officials, sports administrators, executives, parents and partners for their continued service to sport.
The St. Maarten Sports Federation said it remains committed to working with its members and partners to build a stronger, more inclusive, accountable and sustainable sports sector.
