September 13, 2026 No comments
The Spirit and the Joy of the Rhythm of Giving Service
SINT MAARTEN (COMMENTARY – By Brian Meade) - The joy of service is not a quiet emotion. It does not sit politely in the corner waiting to be acknowledged. It moves. It vibrates. It carries a rhythm — a pulse that echoes through communities, organizations, and public life. Whether you are a politician, a member of the Lions Club, Rotary Club, or any civic body, the rhythm of giving service is both a privilege and a responsibility. And it demands more than enthusiasm; it demands character. Service, at its core, is an act of moral courage. It is the willingness to place community above ego, people above position, and truth above convenience. Yet in today’s world, where titles are often pursued for...
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September 13, 2026 No comments
HNLMS Friesland returns to the Caribbean
SINT MAARTEN/CURACAO - The naval vessel HNLMS Friesland arrived in the port of Willemstad, Curacao on Sunday, September 13, 2026. After a three-month period in the Netherlands, HNLMS Friesland has returned to the Caribbean to take over the role of station ship from HNLMS Groningen. The ship will patrol the region in the coming months and stand ready to provide emergency assistance. HNLMS Groningen conducted patrols in the Caribbean over the past few months. As the station ship, it served as the eyes and ears of Defense at sea in the Caribbean Region and has been mapping the security situation through its monitoring activities. The ship also supported the Caribbean Coast Guard in detecting and intercepting drug shipments. Earthquake in Venezuela In late June, HNLMS...
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September 11, 2026 No comments
Prime Minister Mercelina & Joint Court President Carmelia Discuss Institutional Cooperation and the Rule of Law
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs, the Honorable Dr. Luc Mercelina, held an introductory meeting with the President of the Joint Court of Justice, mr. Sigmar Carmelia, at the Government Administration Building on Friday. The meeting provided an opportunity for both officials to discuss the importance of constructive institutional cooperation, the administration of justice and the shared responsibility to safeguard public confidence in Sint Maarten’s democratic institutions. Prime Minister Mercelina emphasized that a strong democracy depends on institutions that are respected, adequately supported and permitted to execute their responsibilities independently. “The rule of law is one of the foundations of our democracy. The Government and the judiciary have distinct constitutional responsibilities, but we share an obligation to protect...
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September 11, 2026 No comments
Royal Netherlands Marines Corps Host Bootcamp Initiative for Students at St. Maarten Vocational Training School
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - On Wednesday, 9 September 2026, students at the St. Maarten Vocational Training School (SVTS) took part in a hands-on bootcamp initiative led by the Royal Netherlands Marines Corps, giving young people on the island a firsthand look at military discipline, teamwork, and physical training. The initiative stemmed from a call to action by Member of Parliament Sjamira Roseburg, who recognized the value of connecting young people with the structure and discipline the Marines could offer as part of their personal development. The event was executed through a joint effort between MP Roseburg, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport Melissa Gumbs, and Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, in coordination with the Marines contingent stationed on St. Maarten. “I...
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September 11, 2026 No comments
St. Dominic High School Celebrates Strong IB Diploma Programme Evaluation Results
SINT MAARTEN (SOUTH REWARD) - St. Dominic High School is pleased to share the official results of its 2026 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme evaluation. The three-day evaluation took place in late March and early April 2026 and was conducted by evaluators from the International Baccalaureate Organization, who engaged with the Catholic School Board, school leadership, staff, students and parents. The official report was recently received by the school at the end of August 2026. The report confirmed that all IB requirements are in place at St. Dominic High School and, significantly, that the school demonstrated development beyond requirements across almost all IB standards evaluated. The evaluation team concluded that St. Dominic demonstrates a strong commitment to the principles and philosophy of the Diploma Programme and is well-positioned...
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