Fourteen-year-old athlete Nahjah Wyatte Muñoz (third right), winner of the 2026 President of Parliament Award, stands with the other finalists and Parliament officials during Tuesday’s reception marking the opening of the new parliamentary year. Muñoz was recognised after becoming St. Maarten’s first NACAC Age Group Championships gold medallist in 2025 and its first CARIFTA Games gold medallist in April 2026. This year’s award attracted a record 20 nominations. From left are finalists Sara Bharwani and Arianna Khemchandani, President of Parliament Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, finalists Mai-Angel Martis, Muñoz and Ingemar Arndell, and Parliament Secretary-General Garrick Richardson.
PHILIPSBURG--Fourteen-year-old athlete Nahjah Wyatte Muñoz has been named the recipient of the 2026 President of Parliament Award after making history for St. Maarten twice in two years.
Muñoz received the 14th Annual President of Parliament Award during the reception marking the opening of the new parliamentary year on Tuesday.
He was recognised for his contributions to the community and people of St. Maarten through his dedication, perseverance and commitment to his sport. In 2025, Muñoz became St. Maarten’s first-ever gold medallist at the NACAC Age Group Championships.
He followed that achievement in April 2026 by becoming St Maarten’s first-ever CARIFTA Games gold medallist, winning the boys’ Under-17 800-meter event in a personal best time of 1 minute, 53.26 seconds.
This year’s award attracted a record 20 nominations. The other four finalists were Mai-Angel Martis, Arianna Khemchandani, Ingemar Arndell and Sara Bharwani.
The nominees represented a range of talents and achievements, including writing, athletics, dance, academics, community service and public service. According to Parliament, they shared a commitment to making a positive contribution to the St. Maarten community.
Muñoz attended the reception with his mother and twin brother and accepted the award, expressing his gratitude for being selected.
He was nominated by Naomi Korstanje of the St. Maarten Sports Federation.
Parliament encouraged young people in St. Maarten to continue demonstrating leadership and actively contributing to the development of the island and its people.
