Caribbean aviation of the future
By Cdr. Bud Slabbaert Just imagine. A small island, or a short runway, or just a resort with ample open space. Out of the blue sky comes an airplane and lands right there, like a helicopter, and brings forty passengers. More...
Caribavia-founder Slabbaert envisions huge expansion
PHILIPSBURG — Cdr. Bud Slabbaert founder of the annual aviation conference Caribavia envisions a huge expansion of this event into a multifunctional organization that covers everything from the establishment More...
Cdr. Bud Slabbaert and the search for St. Maarten’s unique selling point
PHILIPSBURG — In his article ‘Positioning a Caribbean tourism destination’ Cdr. Bud Slabbaert basically points out that a destination must have a unique selling point; in other words, offer something More...
New Year’s messages like fireworks
by Cdr. Bud Slabbaert It is the season for it. It can show the difference between the message of a real Leader and the work of a ghostwriter. In most cases, you wouldn’t even know, because of the lack of unique More...
They come visiting us carrying a hidden treasure
by Cdr. Bud Slabbaert For fifteen years now, he and his wife are coming to St Maarten; and that twice a year. Why didn’t we meet them before? I found out that they have so much give: Wilmer Woodland and his wife More...
Where the majority of the people decides
by Cdr. Bud Slabbaert Voters in Switzerland, this Sunday approved by a clear margin legislation which introduced a special COVID-19 certificate that lets only people who have been vaccinated, recovered or tested More...
Applying magic to Caribbean tourism
by Cdr. Bud Slabbaert Having aspirations to be part of the Caribbean tourism industry? Get education in hospitality programs of universities or academies, right? Not always right! Webinars or workshops of hospitality More...
St.Maarten/St.Martin Research and Development Center
by Cdr. Bud Slabbaert It is common knowledge that the economies in the Caribbean desperately need diversification. Being dependent for about 70-85% on tourism is insane. It is sad that no realistic alternatives More...
Creating a new normal for the future
by Cdr. Bud Slabbaert I don’t know when it was, the night of December 31, 2020 or December 2021, that I heard a leading politician make the statement: “We have seen hardship, we have seen triumph. We shall More...
Developing the Caribbean from within – part two
by Cdr. Bud Slabbaert In a previous essay, the “Development from within the Caribbean” was suggested. Up to five territories could be the Founders of such an initiative. Which territories is the first question More...
