August 25, 2026 No comments
RISE Foundation Back-to-School 2026 Supports 100 Students and Expands Reach
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - RISE Foundation has completed the core phase of its 2026 Back-to-School Support Project, providing uniforms, backpacks, school supplies and shoe assistance to students across four partner primary schools while extending additional student and classroom support to other schools and organizations. This year, the Foundation set out to mobilize support toward 100 uniform vouchers, 100 backpacks and shoe assistance for 100 students through its annual Back-to-School Donation Drive. Working alongside Marie Genevieve De Weever Primary School, Leonald Conner Primary School, Oranje School and Ruby Denise Labega Primary School, RISE Foundation provided 100 uniform vouchers valued at $150 each, with 25 allocated to each of the four partner schools. The project also provided 76 backpacks through its core school...
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August 25, 2026 No comments
MP Doran Questions How Government Can Report a Surplus While Vendors Remain Unpaid
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Member of Parliament (MP) Egbert J. Doran is questioning how government can report a positive financial result while millions of guilders remain owed to vendors and civil servants continue waiting on payments and benefits due to them, the MP said in a press statement on Tuesday. During the 2026 Budget Debate, MP Doran focused on government’s reported first-quarter positive result of approximately Cg 39 million. For Doran, the issue is simple: if government is doing financially well, that should also be reflected in how it meets its obligations. He questioned why vendors who have already provided goods and services to government are still waiting to be paid, while civil servants continue waiting on jubilees and other outstanding payments. The...
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August 25, 2026 No comments
MP YORK: GOING INTO YEAR THREE, WE ARE EXPECTING MORE
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - TELEM has been identified by government as a national fiscal risk, Member of Parliament (MP) Darryl York said in a press statement on Tuesday. Yet six weeks after MP Darryl York submitted questions on its governance, restructuring, employee turnover, outsourcing, investments, financial position and strategy, Parliament has received no answers. During the clarification of Round 1 of the 2026 Budget Debate, the Minister of Finance confirmed that TELEM management had not provided the requested information despite multiple reminders from his own ministry. The turnaround plan expected since last year remains unfinished, and the appointment of a permanent CEO remains tied to that unfinished process. That exchange set the tone for York's questioning of the Minister of Finance and...
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August 25, 2026 No comments
From Library Experience to New Beginnings: K. Henry Pursues Further Studies
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - As young people across Sint Maarten continue their educational and professional journeys, the Sint Maarten Library celebrates K. Henry, who is concluding four and a half months of work experience at the Library as she prepares to further her studies. During her time with the Sint Maarten Library, Ms. Henry gained practical experience assisting patrons at the circulation desk, preparing library materials, and supporting various projects and public activities. Her placement helped her strengthen her communication, creativity, and professional skills. Reflecting on her experience, Ms. Henry shared: “Every challenge helped her grow in confidence, communication, and creativity. She is grateful for the people and experiences that made her time at the library meaningful.” Her next chapter is a...
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August 24, 2026 No comments
Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell Discusses Opportunities for Cooperation with Aon
THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE) – Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, met with Michel Teunisse, Principal Consultant at Aon, for a constructive exchange on areas of mutual interest and possible future cooperation. Teunisse has longstanding ties to Sint Maarten and Curacao, having previously lived on the islands and worked at ENNIA. His knowledge of the island, combined with his extensive experience in international mobility, insurance and business development, provided a valuable basis for the discussion. During the meeting, Minister Arrindell and Teunisse exchanged views on several topics relevant to the continued development of Sint Maarten, including support for students studying in the Netherlands, attracting and retaining professional talent and preventative measures toward health and wellbeing. The discussion also explored how...
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