The stage is set, the nominees have been selected, and the Caribbean is preparing for a night that promises to be etched into history.
The SUNSHINE Awards has officially announced the nominees for its 38th Annual SUNSHINE Awards, taking place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Aleeze Convention Center in Sint Maarten. This landmark celebration will bring together distinguished artists, cultural icons, entertainers, and community leaders from across the Caribbean and beyond for an extraordinary evening celebrating excellence, creativity, achievement, and the enduring power of the arts.
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Founded in 1989, the SUNSHINE Awards has built a distinguished legacy of recognizing individuals and organizations whose contributions have enriched the cultural landscape of the Caribbean and the world. The 2026 celebration represents a historic return to the Caribbean and promises to be one of the most memorable events in the organization’s 38-year history.
2026 SUNSHINE Awards Nominees
The nominees represent a remarkable cross-section of talent and achievement from across the region and internationally:
- Clara Reyes — Curacao
- Yubi Kirindongo — Curaçao
- Bankie Banks — Anguilla
- Bregje Boetekees — Curacao
- Ruby Bute (Posthumously) – Aruba
- Christopher Henocq, — France
- Danielle Chance — St. Maarten
- Nakishma Rogers — Anguilla
- Isidore Sosthene Hilarion York (Mighty Dow) — St. Maarten
- Ihndhira Richardson-Marlin — St. Maarten
These nominees reflect the extraordinary depth, diversity, and international reach of Caribbean talent and the contributions of individuals whose work continues to inspire, influence, and shape the cultural identity of the region.
A Night of Unforgettable Entertainment
The evening will be co-hosted by two of the Caribbean’s most dynamic personalities, Errol Fabien and Nikki Crosby, who will guide audiences through a spectacular celebration of laughter, music, culture, achievement, and entertainment. One of the most anticipated highlights of the evening will be a special performance by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Band — Women’s Contingent, appearing in their distinguished ceremonial uniforms. The contingent’s participation will add a powerful element of pageantry, discipline, musical excellence, and international cultural diplomacy to what is expected to be a truly historic evening.
The program will also showcase the exceptional talent of Sint Maarten, including performances by local favorites T-MO and King Beau Beau and the Mighty Dow. The INDISU Dance Theater of St. Maarten will bring its dynamic artistry and cultural expression to the stage, while world-renowned Caribbean jazz artist John Arnold will add his internationally acclaimed musical brilliance to the evening. Together, these performances will create a celebration that honors the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean while bringing together artists and audiences from across the region and the world.
A Historic Moment for Sint Maarten and the Caribbean
The 38th Annual SUNSHINE Awards will be more than an awards ceremony. It will be a historic gathering of Caribbean excellence — a meeting of cultures, nations, generations, and artistic traditions. With nominees representing St. Maarten, Curaçao, Anguilla, and France, and performers representing some of the finest musical and artistic talent in the region, the 2026 SUNSHINE Awards will shine an international spotlight on Sint Maarten as a premier destination for culture, entertainment, and the celebration of Caribbean achievement.
The evening will be held under the theme “Black Inventions,” paying tribute to the extraordinary creativity, ingenuity, innovation, and contributions of Black people throughout history and around the world.
The SUNSHINE Awards invites the public, visitors, cultural enthusiasts, community leaders, businesses, and supporters from across the Caribbean and internationally to join in this historic celebration. On October 17, 2026, Sint Maarten will not simply host an awards ceremony. It will host a moment in history. The evening will be a celebration of the brilliance of those who have created, performed, inspired, served, and contributed to the advancement of Caribbean culture and the global community. It will be a night where achievement is honored, culture is celebrated, and the extraordinary spirit of the Caribbean takes center stage.
Tickets for this very special event are now on sale and can be purchased online through SXMExperience.sx, St. Maarten’s secure online event ticketing platform, where attendees can conveniently reserve their seats and receive instant confirmation. The platform provides a safe and seamless ticket purchasing experience for both residents and visitors.
For those who prefer to purchase tickets in person, tickets are also available at the ALEEZE Box Office, offering personalized customer service and assistance with ticket sales.
Organizers encourage the public to purchase tickets early, as demand is expected to be high for one of St. Maarten’s premier celebrations recognizing excellence, achievement, and community leadership. For additional event information and online ticket purchases, visit SXMExperience.sx
The 38th Annual SUNSHINE Awards are coming to Sint Maarten — and on this historic night, the Caribbean will shine brighter than ever before.
