Our Contributors

Tracy is a culinary consultant, food creative, and entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling through food. Born and raised in St. Maarten, she was immersed in the island’s rich culinary heritage from a young age. Influenced by her father, a historian and entrepreneur, and her mother, who co-owned a catering business, she developed a deep appreciation for both history and cooking.

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With over a decade in the restaurant industry, Tracy specializes in menu development, operational consulting, and culinary concept creation. She crafts bold, ingredient-driven menus while optimizing efficiency, blending Caribbean traditions with global influences. Beyond consulting, she leads Flamboyant Spoon Studio, a passion project that showcases Caribbean flavors through pop-ups and collaborative food experiences, highlighting both sweet and savory creations.

Stéphie is a cybersecurity consultant and a passionate advocate for St. Martin’s history and heritage. Born and raised on the island, she studied at Sciences Po Paris, earning degrees in Humanities, Social Sciences, and International Law, with additional studies in Salvador da Bahia (UFBA).

 

As a founding member and treasurer of the Historical Society of St. Martin, she actively researches and shares the island’s rich history through plays, podcasts, articles, and online content. Her interests span Caribbean music, migration, languages, African spirituality, liberation movements, climate issues, and the creative arts.

Richard is a dedicated freelance photographer based in St. Maarten, capturing the island's vibrant essence through his lens. Specializing in weddings, engagements, portraits, and landscapes, Richard's work offers a diverse portfolio that reflects the beauty and culture of the Caribbean. His passion for aviation photography is evident in his stunning images of aircraft landing and taking off at the iconic Maho Beach, a favorite spot for aviation enthusiasts.

 

Richard's commitment to his craft is showcased on his website RTGH Photography where visitors can explore his extensive galleries and purchase prints.

Lysanne is a Queer, AfroCaribbean, Feminist/Womanist, aunty, artist, activist, academic, educator, and cultural/community organizer. Engaged with art from a young age, she is primarily drawn to poetry and short stories, though her creative expression also spans calypso, roadmarch, power and groovy soca,theater, and photography. She has also co-edited two memoirs with her grandmother.

 

Her poetry often explores themes of love, loss, longing, liberation, marginalization, and the intersection of politics, community, and nature. A central influence in her work is Audre Lorde, particularly the quote, “There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.”

Glenda is the founder of GCY Initiative, a destination marketing platform showcasing the rich culture and lifestyle of St. Maarten. With a background in Hospitality and Tourism Management, she focuses on promoting cultural tourism beyond the island’s traditional sun, sea, and sand appeal. Through blogging, vlogging, and interviews, she highlights local stories and experiences. Her series "Sit, Sip & Chat" gives a voice to community members with meaningful messages.

 

Passionate about her island, Glenda remains committed to presenting St. Maarten in its truest and most authentic light.

Massimo is a strategist, movement specialist, and entrepreneur dedicated to transformation and impact. Born in St. Maarten/ St. Martin and shaped by global experiences, he has developed a unique method focused on awareness, communication, and resilience. His ventures span Europe, the US, the Caribbean, and Africa, while he continues to explore opportunities in other regions.

 

As a collaborator, he helps elevate people, businesses, and organizations within his network, fostering growth and innovation. His work is driven by a mission to challenge narratives, inspire identity empowerment, and create lasting change.

A certified auditor in international financial services turned heritage & succession land specialist on the island of St. Maarten.  She is a descendant of Dutch Caribbean people that have been residing in St. Maarten for over 300 years.  

 

Mrs. Jones devotes her time to heritage preservation & education and empowerment of the African - Caribbean Diaspora in the Dutch Caribbean.

Born, raised, and deeply rooted in the Isle of St. Maarten, Amaris embodies the essence of a true and proud St. Maartener/Antillian. A deep love for the island, the Caribbean, and its Diaspora serves as the driving force behind her service and purpose. With a background in Architecture and Civil Engineering, Amaris has accumulated nearly two decades of experience within the Island Government of St. Maarten.

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Currently serving as the Manager of the Sint Maarten National Heritage Foundation & Museum, Amaris is dedicated to promoting, embracing, and enhancing awareness of St. Maarten’s culture, history, heritage, healing, and traditions. She also works to foster and strengthen connections within the Dutch Kingdom, the Caribbean, and its diaspora.