SINT EUSTATIUS (ORANJESTAD) - Statia Government is continuing efforts to expand access to affordable tertiary education for students from the island through new international academic partnerships.

During a working visit to the United States from 2 to 9 May 2026, William Paterson University Provost Joshua Powers signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at expanding educational opportunities for students from Statia. The signing took place in the presence of Island Commissioner Reuben Merkman, who holds responsibility for education.

The delegation also includes Policy Advisor Edris Bennett and Calvin Mardembrough, Education and Study Abroad Consultant.

The agreement is intended to support more accessible and affordable pathways for students seeking higher professional education abroad.

Under the agreement, admitted students from Statia will benefit from a guaranteed institutional scholarship of US$8,000 annually. Students may also be eligible for an additional US$3,000 in supplementary funding, further reducing the cost of studying overseas.

The engagement builds on Statia Government’s broader efforts to strengthen access to tertiary education following the adoption of the Study Allowance Ordinance 2025 (Eilandsverordening Studietoelage 2025), approved by the Island Council (Eilandsraad) on 16 October 2025.

Earlier this year, representatives also visited the Dominican Republic to explore tertiary education opportunities, study pathways, potential partnerships, and access to programmes for students from Statia.

Commissioner Merkman described the Memorandum of Understanding as the first of several strategic partnerships being pursued to improve access to quality, affordable higher education. He said the collaboration reflects Statia Government’s commitment to investing in the future of Statia’s youth by opening doors to internationally recognised institutions while helping to reduce financial barriers.

The wider U.S. programme includes visits to the University of Bridgeport, Monroe University, and Nova Southeastern University. These meetings are being used to assess admission requirements, programme offerings, student support systems, scholarship possibilities, and areas for future cooperation.

The Government will continue to pursue practical opportunities that can make tertiary education more accessible and affordable for students from Statia, while supporting the island’s long-term need for skilled and qualified professionals. Further updates will be provided as discussions progress.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - FREEGAN foundation is proud to announce the launch of free English language classes for community members whose first language is Spanish. The classes are made possible through the “Strengthening Families Together” program, generously funded by Oranje Fonds and Kinderpostzegels.

The community response has been incredible, and because of the overwhelming enthusiasm, FREEGAN is opening a second group very soon.

Classes are held every Friday at FREEGAN HQ, led by the talented and inspiring teacher Marisoli:

• Beginners group: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
• Advanced group: 6:00 – 7:00 PM

Enrollment is completely free. Interested participants can sign up by sending a WhatsApp message to (721) 580-7174.

About the program

The free English classes are part of the Strengthening Families Together program, supported by Oranje Fonds and Kinderpostzegels — two organizations committed to social well-being and community development across the Dutch Kingdom.

About FREEGAN Foundation

FREEGAN Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Sint Maarten, dedicated to food security, education, and community empowerment for vulnerable families and individuals.

SABA/SINT EUSTATIUS - Monday 4 May marks not only National Rememberance Day, but also International Firefighters Day. On this day, fire departments around the world pause to reflect on the vital work firefighters do each day and the risks they take endangering their own lives to ensure public safety.

In honour of this day there will be a short parade with sirens and flashing lights between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with the fire engines of Bonaire and Saba in the streets of each respective island. On St. Eustatius between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. This of course is done taking all activities surrounding Remembrance Day into account.

On St. Eustatius, “Firefighters Week” will be held from May 4 through May 8, 2026, during which various activities will take place.

Being a firefighter is no easy task. In situations of danger, where others run away, firefighters run towards it. BKCN would like to thank its firefighters for serving and protecting the community 24/7.

If you see our heroes, take a moment to celebrate Firefighters Day with them and show your appreciation for their work. Happy Firefighters Day!

SABA (THE BOTTOM) - Today, Saba Cares marked an important ceremonial milestone in the development of its future care campus during a visit to The Bottom by Minister of Long-term Care, Youth and Sport, Mirjam Sterk. The visit included an extensive tour of Building B and the current medical center.

The ceremonial moment centered on Building A, which has been in use since September 2025 as the administration and staff building of Saba Cares. The ceremony reflected the continued progress of a broader, phased development that is intended to strengthen healthcare and elderly care services on Saba for the long term.

Phased development of the Saba Cares campus

The full development of the new Saba Cares complex consists of three parts: Building A, Building B and Building C. Building A is already operational and supports the administrative and organizational functions of Saba Cares. Building B is currently nearing completion and will be delivered in two parts. Building C is expected to be completed in late 2027 or early 2028 and will ultimately house the permanent new nursing home.

Once completed, the facility will include three residential living groups, providing accommodation for 24 residents requiring 24-hour care. In addition to the nursing home, the full care complex will feature a restaurant, activity center, quiet room, and 17 assisted-living apartments.

The project reflects a shared ambition to create care infrastructure that is both sustainable and responsive to the future healthcare needs of Saba.

Collaboration

The development of the new care campus has been made possible through close cooperation between Saba Cares, the Public Entity Saba, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, and other involved stakeholders.

“Today marks an important ceremonial milestone for Saba Cares and for the island. It reflects the dedication, trust and close collaboration of all partners who have worked together to move this development forward. Above all, it represents our shared long-term commitment to ensuring that the people of Saba can receive care in an environment that is safe, dignified, compassionate and truly feels like home”, said Nadya van Putten, Supervisory Board Chairperson of Saba Cares Foundation.

“I am very pleased to see the progress achieved in strengthening healthcare on Saba. Every resident deserves access to safe, high-quality care close to home. This new facility reflects our shared commitment to providing dignified care for the elderly and supporting the future of healthcare on the island”, added Mirjam Sterk, Minister of Long-term Care, Youth and Sport.