FORT-DE-FRANCE, MARTINIQUE--French members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States strengthened their calls for deeper regional integration, greater local decision-making authority and closer security cooperation during two high-level conferences held at the University of the Antilles in Martinique from July 1 to 3.

GREAT BAY--Galore Kids Fun Zone at Aleeze is open today, Thursday, and tomorrow, Friday, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, giving children and families another opportunity to enjoy an evening of rides, games and entertainment.

GREAT BAY--Former Member of Parliament, former Minister, former Commissioner Theo Heyliger could become eligible for release anytime between this month and the coming three to four months, depending largely on how the time he spent in pretrial detention is calculated and credited toward his five-year prison sentence. His release is being eagerly anticipated by his family first and foremost, but the fervor among the general public is also unmistakable, reflecting the continued interest surrounding one of St. Maarten’s most prominent political figures.

GREAT BAY--Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Patrice Gumbs and the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication will meet with representatives of Sun Resorts NV next week to discuss the way forward for Mullet Bay, particularly the status of vendors operating in the area.

CASTRIES--The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States is moving to strengthen regional sargassum management after technical experts and policymakers completed a study mission to Martinique and Guadeloupe, where they examined collection, monitoring, processing and commercial-use strategies.