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Registration for Dutch Caribbean Research Week 2026 now open

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - On 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24 of June 2026, the Dutch Research Council (NWO) will organise the fifth Dutch Caribbean Research Week (DCRW2026). This week will be packed with lectures, panel discussions, cultural intermezzi, poster presentations and networking opportunities. The call for abstracts and registration is now open.

This year, DCRW features physical events on all six islands: Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Saba, Sint Maarten, and Sint Eustatius. These events will also be streamed live, and you may follow the programme online, to provide access for as many interested people as possible within and outside the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Due to the 6-hour time difference, the programme will take place in the morning for the Caribbean region and in the afternoon for the European Netherlands. More information about the physical events will follow soon.

DCRW 2026 has six themes spread over the days when a different island welcomes you each day. The themes are derived from the upcoming Caribbean Research Agenda:

  • Education, Research & Technology in the Caribbean | Aruba
  • Health & Healthcare in the Caribbean | Curaçao
  • Social Behavioural Science in the Caribbean | Bonaire
  • Ecology & Environment in the Caribbean | Saba
  • Culture, Literature & Arts in the Caribbean | Sint Maarten
  • Governance & Law in the Caribbean | Statia

Do you want to present your research plans or research results during the Dutch Caribbean Research Week? This is your chance! You can give different types of presentations, and depending on your location, you even have the possibility to present to a live audience. Please submit your abstracts here: https://www.dcrw.nl/abstracts

Please submit your abstract before Sunday 15 February 2026, 23:59:59 hours AST (Atlantic)/ 05:00:00 hours CEST.

Registration

DCRW2026 is a free event. Registration for participants is now open. Please register here: https://www.dcrw.nl/registration

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Tzu Chi volunteers clean, transform home of 71-year-old senior living alone

SINT MAARTEN (COLE BAY) - Tzu Chi volunteers joined forces to provide a full home clean-up and basic living support for a 71-year-old senior living alone in Cole Bay.

The effort was initiated after a single mother of four, facing her own challenges, reached out to Tzu Chi to help someone in need. Her actions, volunteers say, reflect the teaching of Tzu Chi Founder Master Cheng Yen that “Giving is not the privilege of the wealthy, but the privilege of a sincere heart.”

An initial visit in late December 2025 revealed the senior’s apartment in extremely poor and unsanitary conditions. The mattress was infested with bugs, there was no clean area, and the home lacked food and drinking water. 

The senior faces high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic back pain, and knee problems, which affect her mobility. Family support is minimal, with only an 84-year-old sister and an absent son. Following the assessment, the senior was approved to receive monthly food assistance from Tzu Chi.

On January 16, volunteers arrived with food supplies, cleaning materials, and a new bed. With the senior’s consent, all movable items were temporarily removed to allow a thorough cleaning of the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen. Within four hours, the home was transformed into a safe, livable space.

When the senior returned, he became deeply emotional and expressed heartfelt gratitude. Volunteers reassured him that all belongings had been carefully cleaned and organised.

Volunteers also reflected on the experience. Sister Carolina said, “This was my first time participating in a house clean-up project. I felt happy and grateful and deeply experienced the power of teamwork in making things happen.” Brother Cavin added, “I felt joy working with a harmonious team where everyone shared the same mindset and gave back to the community.”

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CPS: Navigating Wellness in 2026: Experts Share Essential Strategies for Sustainable Health and Nutrition Goals

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – It’s a new year – 2026 - and many set out their goals which also includes achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

As we step into the second half of the decade, the landscape of personal wellness is shifting from restrictive dieting toward long-term, sustainable health integration.

Every year the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA), as part of its annual health observances calendar, highlights and creates awareness about health matters.

For the month of January, CPS is profiling healthy weight and nutrition.

CPS would like to offer some tips designed to help individuals set realistic goals that prioritize both physical vitality and mental well-being.

The beginning of a new year often brings a surge of ambitious health resolutions that can be difficult to maintain. However, 2026 is being hailed as the year of "Functional Longevity."

Experts suggest that the most successful individuals are those who move away from "all-or-nothing" mentalities and instead focus on incremental habits.

The key nutrition and wellness tips for 2026 are: prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods where you focus on "adding" rather than "subtracting." Incorporate a wider variety of leafy greens, ancient grains, and lean proteins to support gut health and steady energy levels.

Hydration with intention. Beyond simple water intake, focus on maintaining electrolyte balance, especially for those with active lifestyles.

Mindful movement. Instead of grueling, unsustainable workout schedules, aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week that you actually enjoy, such as brisk walking, swimming, or functional strength training.

Rest as a pillar of health. Sleep hygiene is now recognized as being just as critical as diet. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep to regulate metabolic hormones and cognitive function.

The role of professional guidance. While self-motivation is vital, CPS emphasizes that the foundation of any health journey must be built on professional medical advice. Individual health profiles vary wildly based on genetics, age, and pre-existing conditions.

The most important health goal anyone can set this year is to schedule an annual physical. Do It Yourself health can only take you so far.

Regular screenings and consultations with a primary care physician are essential to catch underlying issues early and to ensure that your nutritional or fitness changes are safe for your specific body chemistry.

CPS recommends that all individuals maintain a "Health Log" to share with their physicians, noting any significant changes in energy, mood, or physical performance.

Contact your family physician or CPS at 914 for more information on maintaining a healthy weight and the nutritional benefits for 2026.

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Make your purchases more rewarding with Kompa Leon and Win a Valentine’s Experience for Two

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - This Valentine’s season, The Windward Islands Bank is giving Kompa Leon cardholders a simple way to turn everyday spending into an unforgettable experience.

From January 15th through February 14th, anyone who uses their Kompa Leon card will be eligible to win one of three Valentine’s prizes for two: a romantic picnic, a sunset cruise, or a couple’s spa day. All prizes are experiences for two.

The campaign is designed to reward customers for using their Kompa Leon card for regular purchases, while adding a little extra excitement during the Valentine’s season. The more customers use their card during the campaign period, the more chances they have to win.

“We wanted to create something fun, simple, and rewarding for our Kompa Leon cardholders,” said Daisy Tyrol-Carolus, Country Head at The Windward Islands Bank. “It’s a great reminder that your Kompa Leon card can do more than pay. It can unlock experiences.”

Customers are encouraged to follow The Windward Islands Bank on Facebook for campaign reminders and updates.

Terms and conditions apply.

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The GED pathway at USM - A Winning Formula

SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - The University of St. Martin (USM) is well known as a hub of activity and opportunity. One of the many options USM offers the community of St. Maarten is the GED Program.

GED stands for General Education Diploma, and it was originally developed in the mid-20th Century to fill a need for the soldiers and service people who came home after World War II.

Many had enlisted and fought without completing high school, and upon returning home, they wanted to attend universities, and these former soldiers had no interest in going back to get their high school diplomas. They had grown up and needed to move forward, not back.

Since those days, the GED has grown to become an internationally recognized accreditation that stands in for the traditional high school four+ years degree. Students in St. Maarten have been taking advantage of the GED Program at USM for more than 25 years.

If they didn’t finish high school, or if they earned a diploma that doesn’t give them a level of accreditation that would allow them to be accepted to a university, they often turn to USM to earn their GED.

This semester, Spring 2026, is set to begin a new GED class on February 23rd. The class is held five days per week for 15 weeks, approximately four hours per day. There are four subjects that are presented: Mathematics, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies.

Dedicated instructors provide lessons that prepare students to succeed in this program. After the classes conclude, in June, students can sign up to take their exams in those four subject areas.

The exams are delivered on campus at dedicated computers that receive the exams straight from GED International. Once all four exams are passed, they have their diploma and are ready to move on to a university of their choice or perhaps a career in health care, law enforcement or the Coast Guard.

The GED diploma is accepted in Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and many other locations around the globe. FYI: Applying to the University of St. Martin is a very affordable way to start that journey, and the staff and instructors are excited to help everyone achieve their goals.

Call 542-5171 or stop by the University offices for more information on how the GED Program can provide a way for anyone to earn the equivalent of an academic high school diploma.

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Dutch Minister of Defense's Working Visit to Sint Maarten on Tuesday

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Minister of Defense Ruben Brekelmans will visit the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands from Monday, January 5th, to Thursday, January 8th.

This is a regular working visit to the Caribbean islands/countries of Aruba, Sint Maarten, Curaçao, and Bonaire.

The Minister will visit the deployed defense units and will receive an explanation of their tasks in the region. 

On Monday, January 5th, the Minister will begin the working visit at the Marine Corps Barracks Savaneta on Aruba. A visit to the Marine Corps Detachment on Sint Maarten will follow on Tuesday, and Naval Base Parera on Curaçao is scheduled for Wednesday.

On Thursday, January 8th, after a visit to the station ship HNLMS Groningen, the Minister will conclude the working visit with the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee on Bonaire. 

In addition to visiting various defense units, Minister Brekelmans will speak with the governors, prime ministers, and the lieutenant governors of the Caribbean islands/countries.

This includes amongst other things attention to the current situation in the Caribbean Region, joint priorities and mutual cooperation.

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Police officers busy with an Aggressive Country-Wide Crackdown on Criminal Activity

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is executing a relentless, island-wide offensive against criminal activity, deploying maximum resources and personnel to eliminate threats to public safety across all districts.

On Thursday, December 11, 2025, KPSM officers swept through the Cay Bay area in a massive enforcement operation, stopping and inspecting over 100 individuals. This aggressive action targeted criminal elements, traffic violators, and anyone threatening the safety of law-abiding citizens.

KPSM strike teams simultaneously descended on Maho and Simpson Bay, saturating high-traffic zones with officers during peak hours and conducting comprehensive safety sweeps to root out illegal activity.

On Wednesday December 10th 2025, control team went into Belvedere, Dutch Quarter, and Middle Region with one mission: seize illegal weapons and narcotics. The operation was a success. Officers confiscated substantial quantities of illegal drugs and seized a machete from individuals who pose a direct threat to community safety.

In Middle Region, three suspects on scooters and a dirt bike attempted to evade officers. KPSM officers intercepted and stopped the dirt bike rider. The vehicle was immediately impounded and removed from the streets.

KPSM will continue to wage an uncompromising pushback on crime and criminals. These large-scale operations will continue with escalating intensity in the days and weeks ahead. Every district. Every street. Every day.

To the public: When KPSM officers stop you during these operations, full cooperation is expected. Your support is essential. Together, we will try to restore safety feeling back on Sint Maarten.

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Police Arrests Four Suspects in Major Armed Robbery Crackdown

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) has arrested four individuals suspected of involvement in a series of armed robberies targeting jewelry stores across the island, including locations in high-traffic tourist areas.

Following intensive investigations into multiple armed robberies committed over recent weeks and months, KPSM detectives executed coordinated arrests:

J.R.S. — Arrested Wednesday, December 10, 2025

S.A.K.G. — Arrested Thursday, December 11, 2025

R.A.J. — Arrested Thursday, December 11, 2025

R.P.P. — Arrested Friday morning, December 12, 2025

All four suspects are currently in custody and are being interrogated by the personnel of the Detective Department in connection with their participation in armed robberies at jewelry stores, including establishments located in tourist districts.

KPSM previously announced its commitment to take stringent measures against criminal figures responsible for these brazen attacks on local businesses. These arrests demonstrate that KPSM follows through on its promises.

The investigation into these armed robberies remains active and ongoing. KPSM detectives will be making additional arrests in the coming days and weeks as the operation continues. The Detective Department is actively pursuing all remaining suspects connected to these criminal activities.

KPSM sends a clear message: anyone targeting businesses or threatening the safety of residents and visitors will be hunted down, arrested, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

The successful apprehension of these suspects is the direct result of dedicated detective work, community cooperation, and KPSM's unwavering commitment to eliminating violent crime from Sint Maarten's streets.

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Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset Spreads Christmas Cheer to Local Hospitals with Support from Kooyman

SINT MAARTEN (CAY HILL) - The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset, with the generous support of Kooyman, proudly brought Christmas cheer to the St. Maarten Medical Center’s Pediatric Ward this holiday season. This heartfelt initiative aimed to bring smiles, comfort, and warmth to young patients spending this special time of year away from home.

Adding to the spirit of giving, the Learning Unlimited Interact Club took it upon themselves to collect and beautifully gift-wrap over 20 presents for children of all ages. The Interactors personally delivered the gifts to the St. Maarten Medical Center, adding an extra touch of joy and compassion. Their thoughtful gesture helped brighten what can be a difficult time for patients and families, proving that a Christmas tree filled with heartfelt gifts can make the recovery process just a little easier.

Club President Alex Pierre expressed, “It brings great cheer for us as a club to serve the community. It brings us joy to help bring that Christmas feeling to those who may feel down while being in the hospital during this period.”

Additionally, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree was also presented to the Maternity Ward at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital. The staff expressed heartfelt appreciation and excitement at the opportunity to bring the warmth of the Christmas season to their department.

Service Project Chair, Jamila Boirard, shared, “This project is dear to our hearts, as Christmas is all about giving and lifting spirits. This Christmas Cheer initiative truly matches the season of giving, and for that, I am extremely grateful to Kooyman for coming on board to make this possible.”

Michele Korteweg of Kooyman added, “Kooyman is happy to support organizations with fresh cut trees each year. We receive many requests and try to spread the joy among a number of different organizations. The Rotary’s efforts will reach both the Dutch side and French side, youth and adults, so we are happy for this collaboration.”

The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset remains committed to serving the community through impactful initiatives that bring joy, comfort, and hope especially during the holiday season.

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Police Force KPSM Launches Youth Wing Initiative

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Police Force of Sint Maarten launches their KPSM Youth Wing Initiative, geared towards guiding trouble youth on the island, with the help of the community.
The Police Force of Sint Maarten would like to elaborate the following:

KPSM Youth Wing: Our Mission and Purpose

In our recent introduction of the new KPSM Youth Wing, we shared only a brief overview of this initiative. The public responded with questions and concerns, and we appreciate the feedback. Now that we have your attention, KPSM would like to clearly outline the purpose, spirit, and goals of this project.

A Social Reality We Cannot Ignore

It is no secret that both the Dutch and French sides of our island are facing growing social challenges. These issues—ranging from lack of guidance, school dropout, family struggles, to community pressures—have a direct influence on our young people. Every day, KPSM encounters youths who are on the verge of making life-changing decisions.


The Purpose of the Youth Wing

The Youth Wing is not a policing program.
It is not about enforcement, surveillance, or criminalization.

This initiative is built on one simple idea:

Use KPSM’s large network of community connections to link troubled or at-risk youth with the right social partners who can help them.

KPSM officers—especially our Community Police Officers (CPOs) and School Resource Officers (SROs)—are often the first to see when a young person is struggling. Our role is not to replace social workers or counselors. Instead, we want to ensure that youths are directed to the right people and organizations who are trained to guide them.

Addressing Public Concerns

We thank the public for sharing their concerns over the uncertainty from our initial launch, the feedback is greatly appreciated.

We want to be very clear:

This initiative is ?????? than any one individual.

The Youth Wing is not about a single officer or personality.
It is about giving the youth of Sint Maarten a real pathway to make better choices—a mission that is greater than any personal opinions or criticisms.

Giving Youth a Chance Before It’s Too Late
We strongly believe in prevention.
Many youths who end up in the criminal circuit often say, “If someone had reached out earlier, things could have been different.”

The Youth Wing aims to:

- Identify youths who may be heading down the wrong path
- Connect them with social services, youth groups, churches, sports clubs, and counselors
- Offer them positive alternatives and support systems
- Help families find the help they need
- Build trust between young people and the police
- Prevent crime before it happens

KPSM’s Responsibility

We know that as the police, we are the last line of defense when things go wrong.
But with this initiative, we are taking an extra step to prevent our young people from reaching that point.

We want our youth to have better choices, stronger support, and real chances to succeed. Protecting the island also means investing in the next generation.

KPSM remains committed to transparency, community involvement, and partnership.
As this pilot continues, we will:

– Share updates
– Work alongside community organizations
– Listen to public feedback
– Adjust and strengthen the program where needed

The Youth Wing is not ONLY a KPSM effort, it is a community effort! We welcome everyone—parent groups, NGOs, churches, sports leaders, mentors—to join us in guiding our youth toward a safer and brighter future.

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