SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Sint Maarten Library joined the other libraries of the Dutch Caribbean—the CAS islands (Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten) and the BES islands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba)—in taking an important step in the further development of their shared network during a week-long conference in El Salvador.

Together, they signed their joint network plan, setting out how they will collaborate on shared ambitions. While in El Salvador, the Sint Maarten Library and its Dutch Caribbean partners also exchanged knowledge and experience with local library professionals as part of an international exchange, separate from the network itself.

The National Library of the Netherlands (KB) and Rijnbrink were present at the conference as partners of the network.

The conference marked an important turning point in building a strong and sustainable network among the libraries of the Dutch Caribbean. By getting to know one another better, sharing knowledge and experience, and formulating shared ambitions, the libraries are laying a solid foundation for long-term collaboration among themselves. In doing so, they can strengthen one another and collectively make a greater impact on their organizations and communities.

Joint network plan signed

The Sint Maarten Library, together with the other libraries of the Dutch Caribbean, is building a strong and sustainable network guided by Common Eye and rooted in their needs, experience, and ambitions.

The signing of the network plan is a significant milestone. Among other things, the shared ambitions focus on strengthening the positioning of the Dutch Caribbean libraries and on developing future-proof libraries.

With their signatures, the libraries—including the Sint Maarten Library—confirmed the ambitions and agreements they have formulated together. The KB, the national library of the Netherlands, the BES islands, and Rijnbrink are partners of the network.

As knowledge and expertise partner, Rijnbrink contributes to the organizational and substantive development of the Dutch Caribbean libraries. The KB and Rijnbrink support the libraries in advancing the ambitions set out in the network plan.

Learning with and from libraries in El Salvador

Alongside the further development of the Dutch Caribbean network, the week also included an international knowledge exchange with local libraries, a separate part of the program, not an expansion of the network itself.

The Sint Maarten Library, together with the other Dutch Caribbean libraries, Rijnbrink, and the KB, visited several libraries in El Salvador and gained insight into their working methods, activities, and experiences.

Library professionals from Sint Maarten, the wider Dutch Caribbean, and El Salvador shared their knowledge and practical experience during these visits. The exchange provided space to explore similarities and differences and to draw inspiration from one another.

Connection as the foundation for further collaboration

The combination of joint network development among the Dutch Caribbean libraries and the international exchange with El Salvador made the conference particularly valuable.

The Sint Maarten Library and its Dutch Caribbean partners look back on a successful week in which connection, encounter, and mutual learning were central. In the period ahead, they will work on the shared ambitions set out in the network plan and continue to shape collaboration between the islands.

SINT MAARTEN (COMMENTARY – By Brian Meade) - Firstly, I want to talk about Leadership Matters — but only when it dances with visionary critical thinking.

Too often, leadership is treated like a title, a badge, or a seat at the head of the table. But leadership is not a chair — it’s a rhythm. And today, I am going to explore leadership from a different angle, one rooted in Caribbean wisdom, cultural rhythm, and deep thinking.

Leadership as Rhythm

Leadership isn’t about rank. It isn’t about who shouts the loudest or who signs the most documents. Leadership is rhythm — the ability to feel the pulse of your people, your community, your moment.

In the Caribbean, rhythm guides everything: the steel pan, the soca beat, the way we walk, talk, and even argue. Leadership should be no different.

But here’s the catch: you cannot feel rhythm if you’re not thinking. And not just thinking, it must be… visionary critical thinking.

That means leaders must:

- Listen deeply

- Question assumptions

- Connect dots

- Anticipate consequences

Leadership without critical thinking is just noise. Leadership with visionary thinking becomes melody.

Caribbean Wisdom

There’s a saying we all know:

“If you can’t read the weather, don’t captain the boat.”

It’s funny, but it’s also profound. A captain who cannot interpret clouds, currents, and wind is not a leader — he’s a danger.

Likewise, a leader who cannot interpret trends, tensions, and truths is steering blind.

Visionary critical thinking is the ability to read the weather of human behavior, organizational culture, and societal change. It’s the compass, the sextant, and the lighthouse all in one.

This is leadership with soul — leadership that blends instinct with insight, culture with clarity, rhythm with reason.

The Problem with Modern Leadership

Many leaders today suffer from what I call executive tunnel vision. They see only what’s directly in front of them — the next meeting, the next crisis, the next headline.

They react instead of reflect.

They manage instead of imagine.

They lead from habit instead of wisdom.

Without visionary critical thinking, leadership becomes:

- Loud instead of wise

- Busy instead of effective

- Impressive instead of impactful

- Popular instead of principled

And when leadership loses its rhythm, communities lose their direction.

What Visionary Leaders Actually Do

Visionary leaders don’t just solve problems — they see patterns.

They don’t just respond — they anticipate.

They don’t just lead — they illuminate.

Here’s what they do differently:

- They create clarity where confusion once lived.

- They lead with courage instead of convenience.

- They imagine possibilities others cannot see.

- They think beyond the moment, beyond the noise, beyond the crowd.

This is leadership that feels alive — leadership that moves with rhythm.

A Philosophical Anchor

The Philosopher Kierkegaard once said:

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”

Leadership without critical thinking lives forward blindly.

Leadership with visionary critical thinking lives forward wisely — informed by the past, grounded in the present, and oriented toward the future.

Leadership matters. But leadership with visionary critical thinking transforms societies, organizations, and families.

It sees beyond the horizon.

It hears beyond the noise.

It thinks beyond the moment.

In the Caribbean, we know that rhythm without melody is just noise. Leadership without critical thinking is the same.

But when leadership and visionary thinking dance together — that’s when transformation begins.

By: Brian Meade (Just a humble Visionary)

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Windward Islands Bank (WIB) is pleased to invite the public to participate in its upcoming Walk-a-Thon, “Walking into the Future – Building Progress,” taking place on Sunday, August 30, 2026, beginning at the WIB Bush Road Digital Branch.

The community-focused event forms part of WIB’s continued commitment to promoting health, wellness, unity, and positive community engagement. Participants of all ages are encouraged to come out with their family and friends for an active and uplifting morning together.

The morning will begin with a warm-up session at 5:30 a.m., followed by the Walk-a-Thon starting promptly at 6:00 a.m.

Walk-a-Thon Route

The walk will begin and end at the WIB Bush Road Digital Branch, following the route below:

WIB Bush Road Digital Branch → Church Hill Roundabout → A.J.C. Brouwers Road → Welgelegen Road → Little Bay Roundabout → Octavius L. Richardson Road (Belair Hill) → Little Bay Road → Front Street → Boardwalk → Cyrus Wathey Square → Hendrikstraat → Gevangenisstraat → C.A. Cannegieter Street → D.A. Peterson Street → WIB Town Branch → Salt Pickers Roundabout → Walter A. Nisbeth Road → Prince Bernhard Bridge → Bush Road → WIB Bush Road Digital Branch

Throughout the walk, participants can expect an encouraging and welcoming atmosphere focused on movement, togetherness, and community spirit.

For participants who may be unable to complete the full route, transportation assistance will be available. A bus will be stationed at the WIB Pondfill Branch to transport participants back to the WIB Bush Road Digital Branch.

As part of the event, participants are encouraged to wear a white shirt. White represents unity, positivity, and a fresh start, reflecting the theme of Walking into the Future – Building Progress and the shared goal of moving forward toward a healthier and stronger community.

Members of the public who would like to participate are required to register in advance by clicking the link below:

Walking into the Future: Building Progress – Fill out form

The Walk-a-Thon reflects WIB’s belief that progress goes beyond banking and includes supporting initiatives that encourage healthier lifestyles, stronger communities, and meaningful connections among the people of St. Maarten.

WIB invites the community to come out, bring family and friends, and walk together toward a healthier and stronger future.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Roxsana Pantophlet, President of the Windward Islands Teachers' Union Teachers (WITU), released her back-to-school message on Friday on behalf of the union. “Support staff, parents, students and friends of education, welcome to the 2026–2027 school year.

“A new school year brings fresh opportunities, renewed hope and the chance to begin again. Across Sint Maarten, classrooms are being prepared, families are adjusting their routines, and students are returning with different expectations and dreams. Let us begin this journey with optimism and a shared determination to make the year meaningful.

“To our teachers and support staff, WITU recognizes and appreciates your dedication. You do far more than deliver lessons. You encourage the uncertain, guide the struggling, challenge the capable and help young people discover their potential. In our diverse and multilingual society, you create spaces where students from different backgrounds can learn together and feel that they belong.

“Long after students leave our classrooms, they may forget some of what we taught, but they will remember the educators who believed in them.

“As you care for your students, remember to care for yourselves and one another. Teaching is rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Support your colleagues, share the load where possible and seek assistance when you need it. Strong educators help to build strong schools, and no education worker should feel expected to carry every challenge alone.

“To our students, this new year is another opportunity to grow. Whether you are entering a new school, meeting new teachers or returning after a difficult year, do not allow fear or past disappointments to determine what comes next. Ask questions, accept guidance and give your best effort. Progress may not always come quickly, but consistency, discipline and perseverance will move you forward.

Respect your teachers, encourage your classmates and take pride in your school. Sint Maarten needs young people who are equipped with knowledge, practical skills, confidence and character, and who are ready to contribute positively to their community.

“To our parents and guardians, your involvement remains essential. Speak with your children about their school day, encourage regular attendance and maintain respectful communication with their teachers. Home and school may not always view every situation in the same way, but we must remain united in seeking what is best for the child.

“We encourage government and school boards to maintain open communication and remain responsive to the needs of our schools and education workers. When educators are respected and supported, they are better positioned to give students the quality education they deserve.

“As President, I remain committed to ensuring that the voices of education workers are heard, their contributions are valued and their concerns are addressed. WITU will continue to advocate firmly while remaining open to meaningful dialogue and cooperation. Advocacy and partnership can exist side by side when the well-being of our educators and students is the common goal.

“In our small island community, the progress of every child matters to all of us. Sint Maarten’s classrooms reflect our many cultures, languages and experiences, but they also unite us around a shared future. Let us make them places where students feel safe to learn, educators feel proud to serve and parents feel welcomed as partners.

“On behalf of the Board and membership of WITU, I wish every teacher, support staff member, student and family a safe, productive and rewarding 2026–2027 school year.

“Let us begin with hope, continue with purpose and finish with pride. When educators are supported, parents are engaged and students are encouraged, Sint Maarten moves forward,” Roxsana Pantophlet, President of the Windward Islands Teachers' Union said on Friday prior to the start of the new school year.