SINT MAARTEN/CURACAO - The books 'Rumannan Purunchi' (RP) by Loekie Morales were recently distributed to Curaçao's primary and secondary schools. The Beyond Kultura Events Foundation (BKEF) is currently starting an interactive reading program at schools for Fundamental Education, which will last from mid-September to mid-December, BKEF said on Thursday in a press statement. The book has 204 pages and is about Auchi Moraal, who lives with her 10 children on the outskirts of Willemstad.

Teatro KadaKen has now received a subsidy from the Performing Arts Fund, the Prince Bernhard Cultural Fund Caribbean and the Vriendenloterij Fund to allow the story of Rumannan Purunchi to serve as the basis for the musical youth theater production 'RUMANNAN PURUNCHI'. Teatro KadaKen has contracted theater maker Milushka Birge to write the script and direct the performance. Schools have also received teaching materials from this performance along with Morales' books. Groups 7 and 8 from the FO schools and the 1st and 2nd year of Secondary Education in Curaçao are currently visiting the performance until the end of November 2023.

The premiere took place last Saturday, September 16, in Aula Habaai in Curaçao. Loekie Morales really enjoyed the performance, in which five local actors Greysha Niebe, Gian van Eiker, Rachelle Le Blanc, Kionn Yung and Maxine Fabian shone in their performance.

The five actors perform 10 roles from the story and it is dynamic. With their professionalism and enthusiasm that radiates, they keep the visitors captivated.

This piece actually adds a 'third part' to the two volumes of this Caribbean family saga book (Freckle Bunch and Tropical Shelter). Natasha, a critical grandchild of Auchi Moraal, takes her mother, aunts and uncles to Curaçao to protest against the tourist developments. They pose a threat to their old neighborhood and parental home. During their stay, the Rumannan Purunchi experience nostalgic flashbacks from their youth.

The piece has several layers of emotion and a clear, realistic storyline. Sad moments alternate with humorous and serious moments.

Loekie Morales had to shed a tear at some scenes, and at other times she could laugh again. “The scenes alternate at the right pace and the language is easy to follow for young and old. The scenes are accompanied by sensitive, originally composed music by Eric Calmes, especially for Rumannan Purunchi. The play is fascinating, both in terms of story and acting. It is highly recommended for young and old to experience the theater play Rumannan Purunchi. Never a dull moment,” says Loekie Morales, author of the book of the same name.

“Beyond Kultura Events Foundation (BKEF), is very pleased with this musical theater performance, which is a unique asset as an 'intangible heritage' for both literature and Performing Arts in the Dutch Caribbean,” says Rita Aikman, treasurer of BKEF.

Lou Nisbet, executive producer of Teatro KadaKen is also very happy with this production. “Milushka Birge and the actors made it possible for the richness of the lives of the Moraal children to become visible. Teatro KadaKen considers it a privilege to be able to work with material that is so personal, that makes it special every time. The premiere was particularly special when a number of real Rumannan Purunchi were present in the audience.”

During the week there are approximately 2 performances of RP daily for schools. During the weekends the doors are open for families, young and old, to enjoy quality time together.

Tickets are naf. 12.50 for children up to 12 years old and Naf. 25 for young people and adults for sale at Boekhandel Mensings Caminada, Van der Tweel, Sentro di pago Tu y Yo, or online at Caribbean Ticketshop. As part of siman di kultura, Rumannan Purunchi will be played in Curaçao on Sunday, September 24 at 4:00 PM and on Thursday, September 28 at 7:00 PM.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - A World Bank (WB) mission, led by Mr. Alex Kamurase visited Sint Maarten from September 11 to 15, 2023 to assess the progress of the Resources for Community Resilience program (R4CR).

The delegation also included Ms. Natalia Bavio, Financial Consultant and Ms. Chanelle Fingal, Social Development Consultant. Their primary objectives were to evaluate the overall progress, operational implementation and compliance of the R4CR program with the World Bank’s standards in the key areas of financial management, procurement, social and environmental safeguards.

During their visit, the World Bank team engaged with various other stakeholders, including the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) and R4CR's Project Technical Committee. Mr. Kamurase explained, "The general objective of the R4CR program is to improve the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) and support the implementation of reconstruction and resilience subprojects at the community level."

The R4CR program includes a grant scheme as funding mechanism for community and social rehabilitation initiatives on Sint Maarten and also focuses on improving the capacity of local civil society organizations (CSOs) in reconstruction and resilience activities post hurricane Irma. The R4CR program consists of 3 components.

Component 1 provides small grants to local CSOs for social rehabilitation projects. Component 2 includes funds for capacity building activities and technical assistance for local CSOs while Component 3 covers project management costs.

The World Bank mission thoroughly reviewed these components and found that the R4CR program not only met but exceeded expectations in all three areas thereby earning a “satisfactory” rating.

In addition to the R4CR program assessment, the delegates had the opportunity to visit several R4CR projects currently in progress. They interacted directly with CSOs and their direct beneficiaries, gaining valuable insights into the program’s progress and impact.

The delegates had the unique opportunity to visit the pelican nesting site at Fort Amsterdam and the site of the new birdwatching platform at the Freedom Fighters roundabout. This was done under the guidance of Nature Foundation who received funding from R4CR for their birdwatching project.

The St Maarten Yacht Club Sailing School welcomed the delegation and introduced them to the boat “Nemo” designed to enable individuals with a disability to experience the exciting world of sailing.

The refurbished public pool at the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex was the next stop of the tour where the team saw the first group of school children receiving swimming lessons after the pool had been closed for 8 weeks while works were being done to improve the facilities.

At the Mental Health Foundation the team got the opportunity to tour the almost completed therapy kitchen, a vital component of their client rehabilitation program. Animal welfare is also an important thematic area of the R4CR program and therefore the World Bank team made a stop at SXM PAWS in Cay Bay.

There they saw the refurbished kennels, upgraded storage facilities, and were enthusiastically greeted by the furry tenants. The St. Maarten Youth Council at the Rupert Maynard Community Center in St. Peters was the next stop on the tour where the team met with the youth leaders and saw the renovated kitchen and outdoor staircase that were part of the R4CR project. The community center is used for many out-of-school and youth activities.

The team of the NOW Generation Foundation welcomed the World Bank delegates to their new facility in the Plaza Building where they will provide training and support for young adults leaving the foster care system.

The facility is currently being furnished so the program can commence within a few weeks. This project is a collaborative effort between R4CR and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports.

The final site visit was at the National Institute of Arts (NIA) where the mission got a small taste of the “Total Theatre” concept (a project whereby the arts are used as a therapeutic tool for youth). The delegates observed a ballet lesson and were witnessed a practice session of the youth orchestra.

The project review and site visits provided the World Bank delegates with a comprehensive understanding of R4CR-funded projects and their positive impacts on the community. Mr. Kamurase concluded, "We are very impressed with what we have seen and moving forward all stakeholders need to think about how to make these impacts sustainable after the R4CR program concludes at the end of 2024."

The R4CR program is financed by the Government of the Netherlands via the Sint Maarten Trust Fund. The Trust Fund is administered by the World Bank and monitored by the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB). The R4CR program is being implemented by VNGI.

For more information about the R4CR program or a detailed review of all R4CR projects please visit www.r4cr.org or the Facebook page (R4CRSXM).

WB delegates visiting NOW Generation

WB delegates visiting SXM Youth Council

World Bank delegates Kamurasi (c) and Fingal (l) receiving explanation from Ranger Eusebio Richardson (r) during birdwatching tour.

SINT MAARTEN (COLE BAY) - In connection with the serious assault incident that occurred on August 18th, 2023, in the Cole Bay area, where a victim was severely injured with a machete and involving more than one suspect, the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is providing an update on the ongoing investigation.

On the day of the incident, the suspect, identified as J.S.H., was arrested by personnel of Detective Department. The first suspect was subsequently transported to the police station, where he was held pending further investigation. After being arraigned J.S.H. was questioning by personnel from the Major Crimes team.

Later in the day, a search was conducted at the suspect's residence, under the supervision of the investigative judge. During this operation, several items of interest were seized by the investigating officers.

As of the latest update, the suspect, J.S.H., remains in police custody as the investigation continues to gather crucial evidence and information related to the case. While substantial progress has been made with the arrest of a second suspect with the initials J.L.S.F. involved in this incident, the Major Crimes team is continuing actively seeking assistance from the public.

We urge anyone who possesses knowledge or information related to this incident to come forward and aid in our ongoing investigation. Your cooperation is invaluable in helping us resolve this matter effectively.

Please contact the KPSM's Major Crimes Department at +1 721 542 2222, extension 208, 223, or 214, to share any relevant information you may have. Additionally, you can choose to provide anonymous tips by calling the dedicated tip line at 9300.

The Sint Maarten Police Force expresses its gratitude to the community for their continued support and cooperation as we work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our beloved island.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Sint Maarten Library is excited to share the rescheduling of our “Read to Me” Dutch is Fun Puppet show for Saturday, September 30 2023, at the Sint Martin University, at 6pm to 7 pm.

Peggy Nibte, performer and a great storyteller, will serve as the puppeteer for the Dutch Is Fun Puppet Show.

Ms. Nibte was born in Paramaribo, Suriname, into a family of seven. She is the youngest of four girls and three boys. Her mother worked as a teacher, while her father served as a police officer. All of her brothers pursued careers in law enforcement, and her sisters all became lawyers.

Peggy Nibte became a teacher not by choice. However, she has dedicated over 29 years to the teaching profession and has been teaching on Sint Maarten since 2010. Her teaching journey has taken her from Marie Laurence to St. Dominic, Asha Stevens Hillside Christian Campus, and now the Helmich Snijder Campus. Peggy Nibte is also the proud mother of two children, a son and a daughter.

The Dutch is Fun Puppet Show is a component of the Babies and Toddlers campaign for 2023, and it is also a part of the international celebration for “September Literacy Month”.

Puppet shows are considered beneficial for early development due to their numerous cognitive, emotional, and social benefits for young children. All children age 2 to 8 and their parents are invited at the University of Sint Maarten to come out and not only enjoy a fun experience but also get excellent moral values from the story. Peggy Nibte via her storytelling session will guide the youngsters who will learn to apply positive attitudes reflected by the story and use them for their identity.

We also encourage you to bring a thick blanket with you for this outdoor activity. You can sit in the garden and the “Dutch is Fun” Puppet Show – “Enormuis / Enormouse”

The puppet show is based on the story written by Angie Morgan “Enormouse”. The Story will be presented in both languages of instruction in Sint Maarten. It is a charming and reassuring tale about friendship, staying true to oneself, and discovering where you truly belong- even if you may appear a bit different.

In a world filled with ever-evolving challenges and the constant pursuit of personal growth, “Enormouse” was selected to provide children with the tools they need to self-reflect, strengthen their self- esteem, celebrate their differences, and encourage their unwavering confidence. This empowering title is not just a story, but also a transformative guide on a journey towards self-discovery and empowerment.

In addition, part of the Dutch is Fun Puppet Show on Saturday, September 30, 2023, includes free face painting by Bernica Michel and the Charlotte Brookson after the show. Snacks and drinks available for purchase from Unicorn Flavored Popcorn Treats & More.

The University of Sint Maarten and Trucks Pro N.V. are the sponsors of this event.