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Afrikan Burial Grounds St. Eustatius recognized by UNESCO

SINT EUSTATIUS (ORANJESTAD) - The Golden Rock and Godet Afrikan burial sites in St. Eustatius, Dutch Caribbean, will be recognized by UNESCO as significant sites tied to the legacies of enslavement. The St. Eustatius Afrikan Burial Ground Alliance initiated an application for nomination with UNESCO in February 2022.

On Wednesday, October 9th, UNESCO Paris headquarters will officially announce the nomination in a ceremony. A livestream of the ceremony will be available at UNESCO’s website.

“Restore the dignity of our ancestors”

Mr. Kenneth Cuvalay, President of the St. Eustatius Afrikan Burial Ground Alliance, expressed his profound appreciation for the recent designation of the Golden Rock and Godet Afrikan burial grounds as part of the UNESCO Routes of Enslaved Peoples: “This is incredible news for our community.

“We have consistently strived to restore the dignity of our ancestors and increase awareness about long-marginalized and neglected sacred sites”. He acknowledged Annina Van Neel and Peggy King Jorde's invaluable contributions throughout this vital process.

“Annina initially brought this idea to our attention while advocating for the respectful reburial of the ‘Liberated’ Afrikans on St. Helena, a British overseas territory”, Cuvalay added.

Peggy, a key advocate for the New York African Burial Ground and a driving force behind the national memorial for enslaved and free Afrikans, remarked, “This is an empowering moment for the Statia community as we confront historical erasure and cultural devaluation.” Annina and Peggy are featured protagonists in the documentary A Story of Bones.

The Golden Rock and Godet Afrikan burial ground 

In 2021, the Golden Rock burial ground drew significant media attention due to its location in an area marked for sand excavation to facilitate airport development. Unfortunately, questionable archaeological practices led to an outcry by the Statia community, resulting in a halt to excavation efforts. 69 ancestral remains were excavated, which are currently in a depot on the island.

The UNESCO application also includes the Godet site, located on the southwest coast of St. Eustatius, in addition to Golden Rock. Godet has long been a focal point for archeological research and exploration, without community consent or adequate meaningful engagement.

The site was left in deplorable condition in 2022 after fieldwork by the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Archaeology program initiated by Texas State University and sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) of the US.

30th Anniversary of UNESCO's Routes of Enslaved Peoples Program

The Routes of Enslaved Peoples UNESCO recognition is a significant step towards acknowledging the historical injustices of the transatlantic trafficking in enslaved Afrikans and promoting universal values of tolerance, respect, and dignity. By focusing on research, education, and the documentation of memorial sites, this initiative aims to raise awareness about the lasting global impact of slavery.

The application, initiated by the St. Eustatius Afrikan Burial Ground Alliance in February 2022 and submitted by the UNESCO Committee Netherlands on November 11, 2022, seeks to break the silence surrounding this dark chapter in history.

Obstacles to the reburial of the ancestral remains

Cuvalay continues to voice strong concerns regarding the local archaeological center SECAR (St. Eustatius Center for Archaeological Research), the organization in charge of the contentious airport excavations: “The reburial of our ancestors cannot proceed until SECAR provides the essential archaeological report, which includes details about the excavation and the burial artifacts associated with the ancestral remains.

“Despite multiple requests, the report is still not provided. SECAR's assertion that no human remains were removed from the island is further cause for worry, as samples of the ancestral remains are known to be at Leiden University in the Netherlands.”

Leiden University, a major player in Caribbean archaeology, was in the news in 2023 for serious misconduct by Dutch archaeology professor Corinne Hofman, who has since been fired".

In response to this ongoing situation, the Alliance is planning a series of community events in November 2024. These gatherings aim to foster discussion about the reburial process and to collaborate on a design for a memorial honoring those ancestors.

Fostering reconnection to ancestral communities on the Afrikan continent is another key objective. The events are seen as a vital opportunity for the community to come together, share perspectives, and advocate for the respectful treatment of their heritage.

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Road Closure Announcement of Manzanilla Road, Philipsburg

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Ministry of VROMI (Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment & Infrastructure) is pleased to announce the start of roadworks on Manzanilla Road, as part of the ongoing Hard Road Resurfacing Project.

Please be advised that Manzanilla Road, Philipsburg will be fully closed for construction from October 3rd to October 11th, 2024, between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM each day. During this period, access a ramp will be provided to allow ease of access to the area.

The roadworks will be executed by Omega Construction, with concrete supplied by Sint Maarten Concrete. We urge the public to exercise caution and remain mindful of workers on-site as the daily tasks are completed.

Important Details:

  • Date & Time: October 12th to October 20th, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Detour: Detour routes will be clearly marked for ease of access.
  • Contractor: Omega Construction
  • Concrete Supplier: Sint Maarten Concrete

Thank you for your cooperation as we work on improving our roadways and infrastructure.

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USM President Strengthens Ties with Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences

SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - University of St. Martin (USM) President, Dr. Antonio Carmona Báez, visited two leading universities of applied sciences in The Netherlands during the last week of September, furthering USM's longstanding relationships with Dutch higher education institutions. This visit is part of USM’s mission to expand academic opportunities for its students and foster new partnerships for collaboration.

On 23 September, Dr. Carmona Báez visited Saxion University of Applied Sciences in Deventer, where he held productive meetings with Saxion’s President of the Management Team, the Officer of International Affairs, and Dean of the School of Finance and International Business Sander Reinderink. Discussions centred on the possibility of joint degree programs between the two institutions, including innovative 2+2 or 1+2+1 formulas. These programs would allow USM students to complete part of their Bachelor’s degree in Sint Maarten before spending time at Saxion and returning home for a last year before graduation. This is a new strategy developed for Small Island higher education institutions that wish to combat drain brain. Keeping the students in contact with a community of faculty and peers back home throughout their entire undergraduate journey can help combat the risks of losing educated Sint Maarteners to job markets abroad.

Saxion University is renowned for its high success rate among Caribbean students and has established partnerships with several institutions in the region, including the University of Curaçao and the University of Aruba. Notably, Saxion offers double degree programs with international partners, including institutions in Vietnam, a model that could greatly benefit students from Sint Maarten.

“This partnership presents an incredible opportunity for our students to receive personalised attention in a supportive environment, while also accessing the resources and networks of a well-established European university,” said Dr. Carmona Báez. “Expanding these options will help us continue to offer world-class education to our students right here in Sint Maarten.”

Continuing his visit on 25 September, Dr. Carmona Báez met with the Executive Leadership of The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS). As The Netherlands’ largest tertiary institution and a popular destination for Caribbean students, THUAS offers a diverse range of academic programs, including the unique Bachelor’s in Kingdom Affairs, which covers topics of special relevance to the Dutch Caribbean.

During his meeting with THUAS’ Vice President Arend Hardoff, International Officer Sabine Amft and the Dean of the School of Public Management, Law, Peace and Safety Willem Nieuwenkerk, discussions focused on drafting a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two universities. The previous MOU, signed in 2019, led to USM and its degree programmes being recognised by other institutions of higher education, and this new agreement is expected to build on that success. Joint programs, research collaborations, and 2+2 degree options were key items on the agenda.

“Collaborating with THUAS enhances the educational and professional prospects for our students,” said Dr. Carmona Báez. “We are committed to providing our students with broader opportunities for academic excellence, not just in Sint Maarten but across the Kingdom.”

In addition to these partnership discussions, Dr. Carmona Báez also held talks with research authorities and Kingdom partners to explore the establishment of climate impact analysis initiatives. These discussions are part of USM’s broader efforts to contribute to critical global issues and ensure that its students are equipped with the tools to make a meaningful impact in their future careers.

The University of St. Martin remains dedicated to forging partnerships that enhance the academic experience and professional opportunities for its students and graduates, ensuring that they are well-prepared to meet the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.

The University of St. Martin is the sole institution of higher education serving the people of St. Martin and neighbouring islands, offering Associate and Bachelor degree programs designed to equip students with the skills needed to succeed in today’s global environment. With a focus on excellence in education and community service, USM is committed to building a brighter future for the people of Sint Maarten.

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MP Ottley Questions Government's refusal to continue school meal program for kids

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The new school year has started and parents of children who benefited from the Healthy School Meal Program which started during the tenure of current Member of Parliament the Honourable Omar E.C. Ottley while he was Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), are now asking why Government is refusing to continue the program.

MP Ottley, has received questions, comments and complaints from parents. As a result of this he is raising serious concerns about the government's apparent lack of action in -re-implementing the Nutri Kids healthy breakfast program. “This is a project aimed at providing nutritious meals to vulnerable students across several public schools in Sint Maarten,” stated MP Ottley in a press release issued today, Monday September 30,2024.

MP Ottley is now asking whether the government intends to abandon another vital social initiative designed to uplift the island's most at-risk youth.

The Nutri Kids program, approved by Ottley on October 19th, was set to launch as a three-month pilot on November 13th, with the goal of offering a "Grab & Go" healthy breakfast to students at three elementary schools—Martin Luther King, Genevieve de Weever, and Leonard Connor. The initiative initially aimed to benefit approximately 160 students, ensuring that children from vulnerable backgrounds would start their day with a nutritious meal, enhancing their physical well-being and ability to concentrate and perform in school.

"While we would like to see more done across the board, I feel honoured to have been part of such a program that provides breakfast to vulnerable kids and assists with providing a start to a healthy lifestyle," Ottley remarked when the program was first approved. The program was also intended to instil healthy habits, with Ambrosia, a local culinary service provider, leading the charge in designing balanced, nutrient-rich meals. In collaboration with the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), the project also included educational workshops for parents, students, and school staff on the importance of nutrition and healthy eating habits.

Yet, despite the benefit to children the program has not been restarted, leaving Ottley and many in the community wondering why. Ottley asks if the current government is deliberately neglecting the Nutri Kids program. "There seems to be a trend emerging," Ottley warned, "whereby the government is failing to continue key social development programs initiated before their tenure, regardless of the clear benefits to the community." He noted that cancelling or delaying such programs, particularly those that target the most vulnerable groups in society, has far-reaching consequences for Sint Maarten's future.

The Nutri Kids program is the latest in a series of initiatives started by previous administrations that have been left in limbo. The program's goal was to create long-term healthy habits for students and provide them with the nutritional foundation needed for academic and personal growth. By the end of the pilot, CPS was expected to evaluate its effectiveness and advise on expanding the initiative to other public schools.

"We cannot afford to ignore our most vulnerable children," Ottley stressed. "Providing a healthy breakfast is not just about food; it's about ensuring every child can succeed academically and socially. The Nutri Kids program was created with this in mind, and it's disappointing to see it being neglected."

"The principal responsibility of government is to ensure the welfare of its people, especially the most vulnerable," Ottley said. "If a program works, it should be continued—regardless of which administration started it."

"It's not about politics," Ottley continued, "it's about people. These are programs that can change lives, improve health outcomes, and set a positive course for the future. Why would anyone want to stop that?"

With the school year already started, further delays could mean that many children will miss out on the critical benefits of a nutritious breakfast. "This is not just about feeding children," Ottley concluded. "It's about feeding their potential, their ability to learn, grow, and succeed."

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CPS calls on community to be informed about dementia and ways to reduce it

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) launched a joint initiative to raise awareness about dementia and address the stigma that surrounds the condition in the region of the Americas, PAHO stated.

September has been observed as World Alzheimer’s Month, and it’s the 13th anniversary since its inception that ADI has been promoting.

Dementia is not part of the normal aging process, and there are ways to reduce the risk of developing dementia. Dementia is a term for several diseases that affect memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Although age is the strongest known risk factor for dementia, it is not an inevitable consequence of biological ageing.

PAHO says studies show that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline and dementia by being physically active, not smoking, avoiding harmful use of alcohol, controlling their weight, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

PAHO adds that additional risk factors include depression, social isolation, low educational attainment, cognitive inactivity and air pollution.

PAHO says Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders affect an estimated 10.3 million people in the Americas and are among the leading causes of death in individuals aged 60 and older.

“Regrettably, persons living with these conditions are often subject to stigma and discrimination, and with the number of people living with dementia set to almost triple by 2050, now is the time to promote a better understanding of this condition,” PAHO points out.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA) calls on the community to inform itself about dementia by visiting the following link ‘Time to Act on Dementia’: https://www.paho.org/en/campaigns/time-to-act-on-dementia

After visiting the link, scroll down the page to download the ‘Campaign Toolkit.’

The toolkit has a wealth of information and messages designed for four target groups including carers and people living with dementia, healthcare practitioners, and the general public.

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Reducing administrative burden and speeding up granting of licenses. CBCS reforms foreign exchange regulation

SINT MAARTEN/CURACAO - The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) will introduce a revised foreign exchange regulation on October 1, 2024. The revised regulation will reduce the administrative burden of the licensing process and speed up the granting of foreign exchange licenses.

‘The CBCS has calculated that the reforms will reduce the number of foreign exchange licenses to be granted on an annual basis by about 50% without compromising an effective control of the foreign exchange reserves,’ stated executive director, Dr. José Jardim.

The foreign exchange regulation is a practical elaboration of the Foreign Exchange Transactions Regulation for Curaçao and Sint Maarten (Regeling Deviezenverkeer Curaçao en Sint Maarten), including instructions for foreign exchange banks regarding foreign exchange transactions, an overview of capital transactions that require a license, publications of general licenses and exemptions, and regulations and guidelines for the reporting of foreign exchange transactions by the foreign exchange banks to the CBCS.

The main reforms are:

  • increase of the transaction limit from which a foreign exchange license is required from NAf.150,000 to NAf.500,000;
  • elimination of the foreign exchange license for exceeding an annual limit of NAf.250,000 for transfers to an own foreign bank account by natural persons (replaced by a license requirement for transfers of NAf 500,000 or more);
  • elimination of the foreign exchange license for NAf-loans extended by foreign exchange banks to non-residents;
  • elimination of the foreign exchange license for exceeding a balance of NAf.250,000 on nonresident NAf-accounts with foreign exchange banks (replaced by a license requirement for transfers abroad of NAf 500,000 or more); and
  • a general foreign exchange license to residents to provide guarantees and securities to nonresident creditors (for eventual payments abroad resulting from these guarantees and securities, a foreign exchange license is required for transaction amounts of NAf.500,000 or more).

As of October 1, 2024, all applications for a foreign exchange license must be sent to the CBCS through the intermediation of a foreign exchange bank.

This will guarantee adequate assistance of customers with transactions that require a foreign exchange license, safeguard the integrity of foreign exchange transactions, and facilitate the introduction of an online application for foreign exchange license requests.

As part of the reforms, foreign exchange banks will soon be able to submit foreign exchange license requests through the reporting web portal of the CBCS. Until then, the current foreign exchange license request forms can be downloaded from the CBCS website.

The Foreign Exchange Regulation 2024 can be downloaded from the CBCS website through https://www.centralbank.cw/legislation-guidelines/foreign-exchange-regulations.

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024: Calendar of Events

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Positive and Elektralyets Foundations are proud to announce the launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024. This October, we invite the community to join us in a series of events aimed at raising awareness, providing support, and encouraging early detection of breast cancer.

Calendar of Events:

  • Oct 3 – 6: Play for the Cure – Still Beautiful Foundation
  • Oct 4: Pink Parade
  • Oct 5: Pink Sunset Sail
  • Oct 18 & 19: SMMC Symposium - Breast Cancer in the Caribbean
  • Oct 20: Bikers for Boobs Bike Rally
  • Oct 24: Support Group Meeting – Special Guest from USA
  • Oct 25: Pink Princess Walk @ 6 PM
  • Oct 26: Women’s Health Day @ St. Maarten Medical Center
  • Oct 27: Colebay Methodist Church Thanksgiving Service

bREASTc SCHED Picture1.png

Throughout the month, the Positive and Elektralyets Foundations, in collaboration with St. Maarten Medical Center, and several medical clinics, will offer free clinical breast examinations at various medical clinics. Women aged 18 and older are encouraged to take advantage of these services. No appointment is necessary, and the cost of a mammogram will be covered for uninsured individuals who may need one.

Special Event: Pink Parade

We are excited to invite organizations to participate in our annual Pink Parade on October 4, 2024. We encourage everyone to wear pink and join us in this vibrant march to honor those affected by breast cancer. Nonprofit organizations can participate free of charge, while businesses are required to pay a participation fee of USD 500.

  • Date: October 4, 2024
  • Time: 4:30 PM (line up at 4:00 PM)
  • Route: The march will start at the University of St. Martin, head towards the Salt Pickers Roundabout, and follow a route through D A Peterson Street, Hendrikstraat, Frontstreet, Emmaplein, Backstreet, and Soualiga Road, ending at the Little League Baseball Stadium. Participants will be accompanied by brass and drum bands.

The Pink Parade is a tribute to those who have lost their lives to breast cancer, those who have survived, and those who are still fighting. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and the community’s support in this ongoing battle.

We look forward to your participation and support. For more information or to confirm your participation, please contact:

  • Shelly Alphonso at 580-9658 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Elektra (Mercedes Van Der Waals-Wyatt) at 523-7418 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Together, let’s make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

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Man Stabbed. Victim in serious but stable condition. Suspect Caught and Knives Confiscated

SINT MAARTEN (SUCKER GARDEN) - On Sunday night, September 29, 2024, at approximately 11:30 PM, officers of the Sint Maarten Police Force responded to a report of a stabbing incident in the vicinity of Arch Road, Sucker Garden. Upon receiving the report, Central Dispatch deployed several police patrols and ambulance personnel to the location.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim suffering from stab wounds to the lower part of his body. The victim's wife, who was present at the scene, informed the officers that the assailant, an individual known to the couple, had inflicted the injuries following an altercation.

The ambulance personnel promptly provided first aid to the victim before transporting him to the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for further medical treatment. At present, the victim remains in serious but stable condition.

Following a preliminary investigation, the suspect was later located and arrested on the Soualiga Road. During the arrest, officers conducted a search of the suspect, resulting in the discovery and confiscation of several knives. The suspect was taken into custody and is being held pending further investigation.

Personnel of the Detective department are investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident. Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.

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PJIAE Partners with Ministry of Justice and Ministry of TEATT to Launch the Border Control and Safety

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY-AIRPORT) - Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT), is proud to announce the upcoming re-launch of a state-of-the-art automated border control system. As a part of our ongoing reconstruction project, this innovative system will revolutionize the way passengers enter and exit our country, ensuring enhanced security, efficiency, and a seamless travel experience.

According to Mr. Mingo, CEO of the Airport, “This initiative was partially in place prior to Hurricane Irma and we are happy to have it now reinstated during the reconstruction.” Minister of Justice, Lyndon Lewis stated, “This project aims to streamline the passenger registration process by introducing the necessary digital equipment, along with a user-friendly website where individuals entering the country can conveniently register their information before hand and be processed by Immigration. By providing this digital platform, the Ministry of Justice will have the necessary tools to carry out their vital duties more efficiently, ensuring the safety and well-being of our nation in our continued fight against cross-border crime.”

In the future, this system will allow passengers to use their biometrics to clear seamlessly through border control. Also, later phases of the project will introduce Advance Passenger Information Systems and Passenger Name Record Systems to improve traveler risk management performed by the Immigration and Border Protection Service.

This solution will meet all General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) standards and data privacy protection for travelers. Ultimately, the solution will eventually also be extended to our general aviation visitors as well.

Working in close partnership, PJIAE, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of TEATT will leverage this advanced system to optimize their respective operations. “With improved data collection and analysis, the airport, and the Ministry of TEATT will be able to enhance their services, adapt to current trends, and further contribute to the development and prosperity of our country,” stated Minister of TEATT, Grisha Heyliger-Marten.

The Arrival Hall is scheduled for opening on October 15th, 2024, and the website (www.entry.sx)) will be available by October 8th, 2024, and will serve as a critical resource for passengers entering our borders. Further details regarding website registration processes, functionalities, and key information will be shared closer to the actual launch.

By embracing technological innovation and fostering strong interagency collaboration, PJIAE, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of TEATT are committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety, security, and efficiency for our travelers and our nation.

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'Martino, A Salty story of a Slave boy' now being distributed in the Windward Islands

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The bilingual book English-Dutch, written by Loekie Morales and published by Beyond Kultura Events Foundation (BKEF). 'Martino, A Salty story of a slave boy'/’Het Zoutige verhaal van een slavenjongen’is recently handed over to one of the sponsors, Ferdinand Beaupertuy of the Winward Islands Bank (WIB).

Rita Aikman, treasurer of BKEF and longtime supporter Ingrid Holaman, a face well known at the schools, have put the first steps of making the public known that the Martino books have arrived Sint Maarten.

Aikman: ‘Other sponsors like VNP and the Central bank have also received their copies as a gesture of BKEF to recognize their importance in making it possible for us to realize our common goal to enhance reading amongst our youth. Reading is fundamental, not only for leisure, but to gain knowledge and to be able to see things from a different perspective. BKEF gracefully embrace all the help of sponsors, and these ones stood years behind our storytelling, reading and writing programs.

This book a commemoration of 160 years of the abolishon of slavery in our countries on 1 juli 1863. It is hard cover and has beautiful full colored illustrations by Vanessa Paulina. Morales invented the slave boy Martino, who worked around 1850 in the Great Salt Pond of Sint Maarten, after researching the the slavery theme on Sint Maarten. She got help from Elso Kraaij and Christophe Henocq, who shared some information on mainly location, flora and fauna, architecture, landscape, way of living in that period, possible escape routes of slaves etc.

Author Morales: ‘Like the day of yesterday I can recall walking the possible route of Martino with Christophe Henocq, historian and archaeologist, after meeting him at the Border monument between the Dutch and French side in Belvedere. I was getting goosebumps all over during this walk towards the French side. Soon thereafter, I’ve gotten a salt lump, that I carried with me as a talisman and which helped me to set the story captured in my brains, free on paper. On the Market in Philipsburg, an artist has captured the stone in a decorative metal wire, and still, I am wearing this Salt-chain today as a symbol of captivity and appreciation of freedom,’ Loekie Morales recalls.

The salt chunk plays an important role in the story of Martino. He got a salt lump from the slave owner, because he saved his daughter from drowning in the Great Bay. Martino got the honorable name of ‘Trusted Soualiga Boy’. Although he had since then a better life on the plantation, he made plans to flew with his friend Chiko to the French Side, where Slavery was already abolished.

‘As a former History teacher, the theme of slavery has always gripped me. I have written ‘Papito and the Story Telling Tree’/’Papito en de Vertellende boom’, which was put on stage in 2003 by the Sr. Borgia school in Sint Maarten, during a Kids Night Out event in the Emilio Wilson Park. The back then Prince of Orange, Willem Alexander and princess Maxima asked very interesting questions about slavery on Sint Maarten and were captured by the beautiful colorful paintings of the late Karen van Doesburg. These were exposed in the Emilion Wilson park. Now, in the context of the celebration of 160 years abolition of slavery in the Dutch Kingdom, I’ve put a 16 years old boy Martino in the Salt Industry scenery to create a story of persuading Freedom’, says author Loekie Morales.

The story is originally written in Dutch and translated by Skol di Idioma-Yolanda Croes to English. Mariska Hamerstein edited the story and Vanessa Paulina from Aruba, designed beautiful illustrations.

BKEF is very proud and thanked the author and illustrator for their wonderful, inspiring contributions. Rita Aikman, Treasurer of BKEF says ‘We also thank sponsors such as the Windward Islands Bank, The VNP, Dutch Representatives of Holland in Philipsburg and VNW in Curaçao and the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, L. Morales, who have contributed financially. Hans Dusée of HD Ontwerp has given BKEF a huge discount on the layout costs.

Within short all the schools in the Windward Islands and Curaçao will get the ‘Martino’ books free of charge for comprehensive reading.

BKE Voorkaft Martino boek

BKE achterflap Martino boekje

 

 

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