SINT MAARTEN/ETHIOPIA - Victor Mooney of Queens, New York will pay homage to the Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson during a Sunrise Ceremony at the African Union Headquarters on February 26. 

On Mooney’s fourth attempt — after countless miles of preparation and relentless self-reflection — he became the first African-American ever to row from the African coast to New York’s Brooklyn Bridge. 

“Sunrise Ceremony” at the African Union is a ritual of remembrance for Rev. Jesse Jackson, a man whose tireless advocacy for civil rights and economic justice has long resonated with the continent’s own struggle for self-determination.

Rev. Jackson’s speeches—full of the cadence of marching drums and the timbre of gospel—have always carried a message of unity that mirrors the African Union’s own motto: “For Unity, Peace, and Development.”

If the ceremonial grounds prove unviable, Mooney will gather under the watchful gaze of the bronze figure of H.E. Kwame Nkrumah, standing tall at the foot of the AU’s main building.

Nkrumah’s statue, his hand outstretched as if beckoning the continent to stride forward together, has long been a physical embodiment of Pan-Africanism.

It is a place where the ideals Rev. Jackson held dear—social justice, economic empowerment, and the unbreakable bond between peoples of African descent—can be felt in the cool morning air, just as the first light of dawn paints the horizon.

“In the end, whether the ceremony takes place on the polished marble of the AU hall or beneath the bronze arms of Kwame Nkrumah, the sunrise will rise, and with it, a renewed commitment to the virtues we hold close: unity, justice, and the unyielding belief that together, we can turn any storm into a promise of a brighter day”, said Mooney.

Time: 6AM

Date: February 26, 2026

Where: African Union HQ | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 

On the net: VictorMooney.com

The late Rev. Jesse Jackson (R) and Victor Mooney (L).

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) confirms the arrest of two local male doctors in connection with a serious ongoing investigation involving allegations of ill-treatment and abuse of one of their employees.

An official complaint was filed with the police, prompting an investigation by detectives. Based on the findings of the preliminary investigation, both suspects were arrested in the early morning hours of Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The suspects are currently being held at the Philipsburg Police Station pending further investigation. 

This serious case remains under investigation and detectives are continuing to gather evidence and conduct interviews surrounding this incident.  

Further information will be provided as this becomes available.

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) – Guests vacationing on the ‘Friendly Island’ continue to have rave reviews about Cabana Bar & Restaurant located at Hilton Vacation Club Royal Palm Resort near the Simpson Bay Bridge.

Ann H. described Cabana Bar & Restaurant as: This place is situated within the Hilton Royal Palm resort where we were staying so we used the establishment regularly for both food and drink. Staff are so friendly, service with a smile and the food was delicious. Good menu with specials and happy hour makes for a fun time.

Make sure to check out Cabana Bar & Restaurant which offers American, Caribbean and Barbeque dishes. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - From February 19 to February 21, 2026, delegations from the Parliaments of the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten will meet in Oranjestad, Aruba for the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultations (IPKO).

These consultations are held semi-annually and serve as an important platform for parliamentary dialogue, cooperation, and the strengthening of relations among the four countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The consultations are hosted alternately in The Hague and the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.

This IPKO’s program will include presentations and discussions on several key topics, including recent national developments within the countries of the Kingdom, geopolitical and regional security developments, financial relations within the Kingdom, aviation connectivity and air service development, cybersecurity awareness, demographic trends such as population ageing, and climate adaptation initiatives within the Caribbean region.

The Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultations will conclude on Saturday, February 21, 2026, with the formal adoption and signing of the agreements list, followed by closing remarks and a joint press conference by the participating parliamentary delegations.

In addition to the IPKO, the delegations of the Parliaments of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten will meet in a Tripartite Consultation. The discussions are scheduled to take place in Aruba, immediately following the IPKO on February 23, 2026. During this meeting, the delegations will discuss specific issues of mutual interest that are affecting these countries such as food security and education.

The delegation of Sint Maarten participating in the IPKO and Tripartite consultations consists of the following Members of Parliament:

• Mrs. Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, President of Parliament and Delegation Leader;
• Ms. Sjamira D.M. Roseburg, Chairlady of the Committee for Kingdom Affairs and Interparliamentary Relations;
• Mr. Viren V. Kotai;
• Mr. Egbert J. Doran;
• Mr. Raeyhon A. Peterson;
• Mr. Francisco A. Lacroes;
• Mr. Lyndon C.J. Lewis; and
• Mr. Garrick J. Richardson, Secretary General of Parliament.