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Kingdom Navy intercepts three drug shipments in one week confiscating 1,652 kgs

(photo's contributed)

SINT MAARTEN/CURACAO - The Dutch Navy Ship HNLMS Groningen intercepted three drug shipments in the Caribbean Region, within a week. This kept a total of 1,653 kilograms of narcotics off the streets. The interceptions date from 4, 5 and 9 April, but have only now been announced by the Dutch Ministry of Defence Caribbean Section.

During the first action on April 4, a patrol aircraft of the Caribbean Coast Guard spotted a suspicious vessel. The NH90 helicopter and two fast interceptor boats (Frisc’s) of HNLMS Groningen were immediately deployed.

It led to an attempted escape during which packages were thrown overboard. Stop signals and warning shots were ignored. The outboard engines of the go-fast were then shot to pieces from the NH90.

The team of the American Coast Guard and the Marine Corps then intercepted 921 kilos of marijuana.

Second and third catch
Less than 24 hours later, another fast-smuggling boat was spotted during a patrol. In this case as well, a forced interdiction of the vessel was required. During this interception, 342 kilos of cocaine were seized.

During a similar operation on April 9, 145 kilograms of marijuana and 245 kilograms of cocaine were seized. All illegal goods were handed over to the American Coast Guard.

Stationship
HNLMS Groningen has been the station ship in the Caribbean Region since the end of January. Carrying out counter-drug operations is one of her tasks. The naval vessel works alternately with the American Coast Guard and the Caribbean Coast Guard.

In the meantime, HNLMS Groningen has intercepted more than 5,000 kilograms of contraband during the six drug transports interventions.

MinDEF drugs confisca pix2 thur24

 

 

 

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CPS: Avoid getting dehydrated at Carnival festivities. Drink lots of Water

CPS: Avoid getting dehydrated at Carnival festivities. Drink lots of Water

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid than you take in. During warm weather conditions you are very thirsty, and therefore it is very important to drink lots of water.

Since it’s the Carnival season with the majority of activities taking place outdoors including the grand parades etc., revellers and onlookers will need to take extra precautions to prevent dehydration.

When the normal water content of your body is reduced, it upsets the balance of minerals (salts and sugars) in your body, which affects the way it functions.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) is advising the community to make sure they drink lots of water during the Carnival festive season and outdoor activities.

Dehydration is usually caused by not drinking enough fluids to replace what we lose. The climate with respect to very hot days, at the beach, the amount of physical exercise you are doing (particularly in hot weather) and your diet can contribute to dehydration.

Anyone can become dehydrated, but certain groups are particularly at risk. These include: babies and infants – they have a low body weight and are sensitive to even small amounts of fluid loss; older people – they may be less aware that they are becoming dehydrated and therefore need to keep drinking fluids; people with a long-term health condition – such as diabetes or alcoholism; and athletes – they can lose a large amount of body fluid through sweat when exercising for long periods.

Water makes up over two-thirds of the healthy human body. It lubricates the joints and eyes, aids digestion, flushes out waste and toxins, and keeps the skin healthy.

Some of the early warning signs of dehydration include feeling thirsty and lightheaded; a dry mouth; tiredness; having dark coloured, strong-smelling urine; and passing urine less often than usual.

A baby may be dehydrated if they: have a sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on their head; have few or no tears when they cry; have fewer wet nappies; and are drowsy.

The body is affected even when you lose a small amount of fluid.

CPS advises to drink lots of water to avoid becoming dehydrated.

Consult your physician if you think you or your child is dehydrated.

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CBCS publishes research paper on the microcredit market in Curaçao Pre-loan screening and post-loan support

CBCS Office Complex

SINT MAARTEN/CURACAO - According to a study by the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS), microcredit is a valuable financing tool for entrepreneurs in Curaçao.

However, its overall impact on economic development is limited. The findings suggest that better alignment between loan amounts, expenditure plans, and business potential, as well as more targeted support for borrowers after loan disbursement, can significantly improve outcomes.

Streamlining the loan application process and offering more tailored and sustained guidance could better support the long-term growth of these microcredit businesses.

The research paper presents the first comprehensive mapping of the microcredit market for small businesses in Curaçao and identifies key areas to improve the effectiveness of microcredit as a financial instrument.

The study is based on interviews with representatives of lending institutions and survey responses from clients who have received microloans in recent years. The survey explored the characteristics of entrepreneurs and businesses that have obtained microcredit, as well as the conditions under which such loans are most successful.

Since the 1990s, four institutions have offered microcredit in Curaçao, three of which remain active in this market segment today. Together, they extended a total of 403 loans up till June 2024.

The analysis highlights the crucial role of these institutions in providing microcredit to entrepreneurs who lack access to traditional financing, particularly those starting a business.

However, the findings also reveal that startups face greater challenges in repaying loans and achieving profit growth, underscoring the difficulties faced by new businesses in leveraging microcredit for sustained growth.

The data further indicates that while significant guidance is provided before loan disbursement, less attention is given to post-loan support - despite borrower feedback highlighting it as crucial for long-term success.

Extending support beyond the initial loan phase and tailoring it to the type and growth stage of the business could significantly improve business outcomes.

Although the microcredit market is a relatively small segment of the financial sector in Curaçao, small businesses remain an important contributor to employment, economic activity and innovation.

This study emphasizes the significant untapped potential of microcredit. Improving and scaling up initiatives could reduce barriers to finance for small businesses and generate positive outcomes for the broader economy.

CBCS extends its sincere appreciation to the participating institutions and borrowers for their valuable contributions to this research.

The research paper is available at: https://www.centralbank.cw/functions/research

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Inflation up on Bonaire and Saba, down on St Eustatius

Inflation up on Bonaire and Saba, down on St Eustatius

SABA/SINT EUSTATIUS - Consumer goods and services on Bonaire were 5.5 percent more expensive in Q1 2025, year on year. In the previous quarter (Q4 2024), inflation on Bonaire was 1.8 percent. This is reported by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) on the basis of the consumer price index for the Caribbean Netherlands.

On St Eustatius, prices were 2.2 percent higher in Q1 2025, year on year, compared with 3.4 percent higher in the previous quarter. Inflation on Saba was 4.8 percent in Q1 2025, year on year, compared with 3.3 percent in the previous quarter.

Prices on Bonaire 3.8 percent higher than previous quarter

Prices on Bonaire were 3.8 percent higher in Q1 2023 than they were in the previous quarter (Q4 2024). This increase was caused partly by rises in the cost of housing, water and energy. For example, water bills rose by 47.4 percent compared to Q4 2024 due to an increase in standing charges. Electricity prices also rose by 22.0 percent, as standing charges stopped being subsidised with effect from January 2025. Finally, prices for clothing and footwear also rose by 3.9 percent. This was mainly due to price increases for women's clothing and shoes.

On the other hand, prices for transport fell in Q1 2025 compared to Q4 2024. The price of petrol fell by 6.7 percent compared with the previous quarter, for instance, and the price of diesel fell by 7.0 percent.

Prices on St Eustatius 0.1 percent lower than in the previous quarter 

On St Eustatius, consumer prices were 0.1 percent lower in Q1 2025 than they were in Q4 2024. Electricity became 3.8 percent cheaper, despite the discontinuation of part of the subsidy for standing charges on 1 January 2025. The fall in electricity prices was caused by a fall in prices on variable rates. Transport also became 4.7 percent cheaper, largely because flights became less expensive.

Water, meanwhile, was 34.8 percent more expensive than in the previous quarter. This was due to price increases in the variable rates for tap water. Water tanks also became more expensive. Prices for leisure and culture rose by 5.4 percent this quarter, mainly due to price increases for streaming services. Prices for clothing and footwear rose by 2.1 percent, mainly due to higher prices for women's clothing.

Prices on Saba up by 2.1 percent on previous quarter

In Saba, prices rose by 2.1 percent in Q1 2025 compared to the Q4 of 2024. Electricity became 36.0 percent more expensive due to the discontinuation of part of the subsidy for standing charges on 1 January 2025. Prices for clothing rose by 3.8 percent this quarter compared with the Q4 2024, and finally, health care costs also registered an increase of 4.4 percent. This was mainly due to higher prices for dental treatment.

On the other hand, prices for education and transport were down in Q1 2025. For example, petrol and diesel prices both fell by 4.7 percent, quarter on quarter.

Provisional figures 

The figures pertaining to Q1 2025 are provisional and will only become definitive upon the publication of the figures on Q2 2025.

The provisional figures for Q4 2024 have been adjusted. For St Eustatius, this relates to the product groups of recreation and culture, and miscellaneous goods and services. For Saba, it relates to the product groups of housing, water and energy, and miscellaneous goods and services. These adjustments were made based on new data. In addition, in the case of Saba adjustments have been made in the index for accommodation and food services due to changes resulting from the final analysis and processing of data.

RCN pix2 inflation

 

Papiamentu

A Papiamentu translation of this news release can be obtained from Statistics Netherlands’ office on Bonaire by sending a request by email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sources:

StatLine - Caribisch Nederland

https://opendata.cbs.nl/CBS/nl/dataset/84046NED/table?dl=BFA9

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Ministry of Public Health: Safe Food Preparation during 2025 Carnival Helps Prevent Gastroenteritis

Ministry of Public Health: Safe Food Preparation during 2025 Carnival Helps Prevent Gastroenteritis

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – During the 2025 Carnival season there will be lots to eat and drink. In connection with safe food preparation at home or grabbing a bite from food kiosks; street market vendors; booth holders; and other points of sale, the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), reminds the public of the importance of observing and practicing safe food handling.

Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestine, and is usually due to infection by viruses, bacteria or to food-poisoning toxins. The symptoms associated with gastroenteritis are diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, fever, and headache. 

The most common symptoms are vomiting and repeated episodes of diarrhea (three or more episodes within 24 hours). To ensure proper diagnosis, care, and treatment, consult your house doctor, who may refer you to your local laboratory for sample collection.  

Unsafe food poses health threats, endangering everyone.  Infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with an underlying illness are particularly vulnerable. 

Infection can spread when bacteria found in feces or vomit is transferred to other objects.  Bacteria can be transferred through poor hygiene. It is spread through contamination of hands, objects or food infected with the aforementioned.   

For example, if someone does not wash their hands properly after going to the toilet, any viruses or bacteria on their hands will be transferred to whatever they touch, such as glass, kitchen utensil or food.

To prevent the spread of the infection, wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before eating or preparing food; regularly clean hard surface/counters and wipe down with bleach solution. Make it a routine habit to adhere to proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette.

Cross-contamination of food occurs when bacteria is transferred between different foods, from food to surfaces, and from surface to food.  It is important to be aware of cross-contamination when preparing and storing food.

You can avoid food poisoning and keep yourself and others safe by preparing food hygienically; not washing raw meat, fish and poultry; washing fruit and vegetables; storing food properly; cleaning recyclable plastics carefully; using shopping bags safely; and cleaning any reusable containers properly.

Temperature control is essential for food safety. Using temperature controls minimizes the potential for harmful bacterial growth and toxin formation in food. Temperature

controls either keep food entirely out of the danger zone or pass food through the danger zone as quickly as possible.

If food temperatures do not meet requirements or if food shows evidence of previous temperature abuse, do not accept the food, or discard the products.

If a food handler, a caretaker, or persons, are diagnosed with gastroenteritis, with your physician’s consultation, you should remain at home and practice good hygiene while you recuperate.

This will help to mitigate the further spread of gastroenteritis cases within the community.  Be on the alert and help minimize the spread of foodborne diseases by taking the necessary hygienic and preventive steps. 

Proper hand hygiene helps in preventing bacteria and germs.  Let us collectively have a safe, healthy, and enjoyable Carnival Season 2025.

For more information call CPS at 542-1122, 542-1222, 542-1322 and 542-1570; or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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UN forum tackles slavery reparations for Africa, people of African descent

Unsplash Fort of Goree Island, Senegal, was the site of one of the earliest European settlements in Western Africa.
INTERNATIONAL, April 2025 Human Rights - The calls for reparatory justice can no longer be ignored, speakers at the fourth session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on African Descent in New York said on Tuesday, April 14. 
They urged greater collaboration between governments, civil society and regional organizations to create a system that would compensate Africa and the African diaspora for the enduring legacies of colonialism, enslavement, apartheid and genocide between the 16th and 19th centuries.

“Africa was under siege,” said Hilary Brown, speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) about the 300 years of enslavement and exploitation on the continent. “Her political, economic and social systems thrown into chaotic instability as Europe plundered the continent for her most valuable asset, her people.”

Partnership and justice

She highlighted the strengthened partnership between CARICOM and the African Union (AU) whose 2025 theme is “Justice for Africans and the People of African Descent through reparations.”

“With a strengthened partnership with the AU, the global reparations movement is at a defining moment and inflection point marked by a united global Africa finally coming together to speak with one voice on seeking justice for Africans and people of African descent.”

Ms. Brown called for a “clear, diplomatic and advocacy strategy to advance the agenda through joint action in the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and other intergovernmental bodies”, and a high-level forum on reparatory justice.

She also highlighted the need “to negotiate with all the entities that benefitted from African enslavement:  the governments, the universities, the Church, the private sector.”

Representing the African Union Commission on the panel, Angela Naa Afoley Odai, said the 55-member AU bloc wants “a collective approach towards seeking regress.”

In 2025, delegates at a reparations summit in Ghana agreed to create a Global Reparations Fund, which would be based on the African continent. Few other details have yet been decided.

Civil society critical

Today’s conversation also shifted attention to the importance of civil society in the fight for reparations.

Nkechi Taifa, director of the United States-based Reparation Education Project, said it was “not governments but the unstoppable fire of the people that ignited the global movement for reparations.”

Referencing civil society leaders such as the late “Queen Mother” Audely Moore and Marcus Garvey, Ms. Taifa spoke enthusiastically about the diaspora’s grassroots fight for justice, characterizing Africa’s children as "displaced, but never disconnected”.

She noted that the fourth Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, which started on Monday and will continue through Thursday at UN Headquarters, “must and can continue to be a space where civil society and Government meet as equals helping to shape, not shadow, global reparations agendas.”

United Nations support

The discussion was moderated by Permanent Forum member June Soomer, who called reparatory justice a “critical and urgent global priority”, with a welcome from the current Chairman of the Permanent Forum, Martin Kimani.

The United Nations has acknowledged that slavery and the transatlantic slave trade were crimes against humanity and has called for remedial action.

In remarks prepared for him at the opening of the Permanent Forum, Secretary-General António Guterres said the international community must strive for “reparatory justice frameworks grounded in international human rights law, developed with the inclusive and meaningful participation of affected communities” that redress past wrongdoing and acknowledge not just past harms but ongoing injustices resulting from racism.

“Remedial actions” are also mentioned in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action which was adopted by Member States at the World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (WCAR), held by the United Nations, in Durban, South Africa, in 2001.

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Haiti’s independence debt to France focus of debate at UN

UN Photo/Mark Garten Shackles used to bind slaves on display at the Transatlantic Slave Trade exhibition at UN Headquarters in New York. (file)
INTERNATIONAL, 19 April 2025 Human Rights - Two centuries to the day after France imposed a crippling debt on Haiti in exchange for its independence, a UN forum has heard calls for the restitution of what has long been described as a “ransom” extorted under the threat of force from the Caribbean nation that still bears the scars of colonialism and slavery.
The first country ever to free itself from slavery through a successful uprising, Haiti gained independence from France in 1804. But the price for defying the colonial order was steep. On April 17, 1825, besieged by French warships, Haiti agreed to pay an indemnity of 150 million gold francs to the European power.

Officially, the payment was meant to compensate French plantation owners for “lost property” following independence, but the amount far exceeded actual losses.

“France forced the winners of Haiti’s independence – the former slaves – to compensate the losers, their former masters,” Monique Clesca, a journalist and activist of Haitian descent, said on Thursday at a meeting on the country’s independence debt. The meeting was held during UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.

The price of freedom: A double debt

This tax on liberty soon plunged world’s first Black republic into a spiral of debt. When Haiti was no longer able to pay, France pushed its banks to lend it money, what we call a “double debt,” Ms. Clesca explained.

By 1914, over three-quarters of the country’s national budget was still being drained to repay French banks. It was not until 1947 – more than 140 years after independence – that Haiti finally settled its debt.

“France committed an enormous injustice that still resonates today,” Ms. Clesca said.

An in-depth 2022 investigation by The New York Times found that Haiti’s payments to France amounted to the modern equivalent of roughly $560 million. Had that money been retained in Haiti and invested domestically, it could have added more than $20 billion to the country’s economy over time, according to some economists.

Haiti today: The legacy of debt

Though Haiti stands a milestone in the global fight for emancipation, today it today is mired in instability, with armed gangs controlling 85 per cent of the capital, Port-au-Prince. According to the World Bank, it remains the poorest country in Latin America and the Caribbean.

From institutional paralysis to arms trafficking and corruption, the country’s challenges are immense. Yet, to the members of UN Permanent Forum, the roots of Haiti’s crises are clear: they lie in history.

“The entrenched human rights crises in the Republic of Haiti [are] rooted in legacies of enslavement, colonialism, debt payments, military threats and interventions,” said the advisory body to the UN Human Rights Council in a position paper last month.

A belated recognition

Responding to mounting calls for justice, French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced the creation of a joint commission of Haitian and French historians to examine the impact of the 1825 indemnity.

While welcoming the move, Martin Kimani, a member of the Permanent Forum, stressed that the commission’s effectiveness would depend on its willingness to fully acknowledge the harm caused.

“We call for restitution of the financial sums extracted through this cost arrangement along with broader reparative measures to address Haiti’s structural underdevelopment and international neglect,” Mr. Kimani said during the meeting, held on the final day of the Forum’s fourth session this week.

According to media reports, so far the French president has stopped short of committing to financial reparations.

Calls for restitution

“The colonial past creates responsibilities that must be assumed collectively by France and the international community,” said Pierre Ericq Pierre, Haiti’s Permanent Representative to the UN, who took part in the discussion.

According to the Haitian ambassador, the country’s enduring inequalities are rooted in its colonial past and the burden of the “ransom.”

In his view, restitution would only be far. “This isn’t about revenge,” he said. “It’s about truth and justice.”

Restorative justice

The Haitian people deserve a future free from violence – one that meets basic standards of development, said Gaynel Curry, another member of the Permanent Forum.

In addition to returning the colonial debt, Ms. Curry called for the creation of an international reparations fund for Haiti and establishing an independent inquiry, under the Human Rights Council, to explore avenues of into restorative justice.

For Verene Albertha Shepherd, Vice Chair of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, such steps would also honour another debt – the moral one owed by people of African descent to Haiti’s revolutionaries.

“These freedom fighters struck fear into the hearts of all slaveholders,” she said.

More than two centuries after Haiti’s independence, she added, the time has come to deliver justice.

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SMFC Farmers Market April 19 - The Road to Sustainability.

Community members enjoy a day at SMFC Farmers Market

SINT MAARTEN (ST. PETERS) - We often hear the word sustainability when it comes to promising us the St Maarten people a better future. But, do we and those that have the duty to lead us into a prosperous all-inclusive future, truly understand what the word ‘’ Sustainability’’ really means?

Let’s take a lil dive into its definition:

Sustainability /NOUN/

1 the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level."the sustainability of economic growth”

2 avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance."the pursuit of global environmental sustainability"

Now, looking at both the above defined terms such as ‘’the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level and avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance’’, have both not been prioritized locally. More so, the fact that our most and only valuable resource, which is land space for agricultural and ecological conservation, is depleting even faster than ever due to over development, should be a cause of concern. We truly have nothing left but the sun, sand and beaches, which many other Caribbean Islands share, but with more emphasis on sustainable ecological practices than us.

Sustainability is a social goal for people to co-exist on Earth over a long period of time. Definitions of this term are disputed and have varied with literature, context, and time. Sustainability usually has three dimensions: environmental, economic, and social. Many definitions emphasize the environmental dimension. Sustainable practices support ecological, human, and economic health and vitality. Sustainability presumes that resources are finite and should be used conservatively and wisely with a view to long-term priorities and consequences of the ways in which resources are used and impact future generations. - Google

With the trade war taken effect over the next few months set to cause many ecological challenges, we have yet to see what type of instability and inflation on goods it will bring to our shores…

On the road to sustainability when it comes to food security, a few factors will need to be considered and set in place for this to become a reality for us as St Maarten people:

  • First off, we need to want this for ourselves
  • Government technical support on development, invasive species, land, water and infrastructure
  • Diversity amongst farmers and crops
  • Consumer demand
  • Local by product and essential goods production
  • Building strong cooperatives
  • Supporting our local markets and service providers

As Prime Minister of Barbados Honorable Mia Mottley stated in one of her latest public outreaches ‘’ We must diversify our economy from this dependent and support our local markets’’ meaning, we must produce more products, goods and services while developing key partnerships for goals amongst regional, international and African stakeholders.

In our opinion, this can only become a reality when we all realized that it affects us all and not just governments, but WE, the people get hit the hardest..

And so, thats why we the people must get up and do more for ourselves to add value to our economical diversity and sustainability on the regional global landscape. We should not just let our presence be known for the sun, sand and beaches, but rather for economical conservation, agricultural \ by product production, culinary arts and sustainable traditional \ innovative technological practices. With limited resources, our intellectual property and vibrant landscape can empower our economical growth to ensure sustainability before it’s too late. But all hands must be on deck. Together we must achieve more…

In and for all things we must show Gratitude, even in the challenging times, as challenges allow us to come out of our comfort zone and urge for sustainability.

So, with that in mind, SMFC continues to push for building strategic partnerships with both local and regional partners and explore more sustainable practices when it comes to sourcing crops and by products. We also encourage our local farmers and product developers to reach out and hear more about the SMFC and see how they may play their part in building their local network and brands.

This week with over 800lbs of fresh produce harvested and more on back up for the farmers market, we encourage community members to come out as we reduce prices on eggplant, bell peppers, yams and carrots by $0.50 on the kilo this weekend.

This Saturday, the Farmers Market will offer once again a wide variety of produce and products from the dedicated community farmers and product developers. Items available will be fresh cold press juices, banana bread, baked coconut jonny cakes with chick peas, veggie soup, honey, coconut oil, castor oil, plants and gardening materials.

Fresh Produce available this week from our local and regional farmers will be season peppers, sweet peppers, avocado, plantain, carrots, pumpkin, cucumbers, sweet potato, papaya, lettuce, salad mix, callaloo, tyarblad, basil, mint, lemon grass, big leaf thyme, curry leaves, bayleaf, celery, marjoram and parsley.

The Farmers Market begins at 9 am until 2pm, so we encourage community members to come out early as 9am to get their first picks.

SMFC expresses utmost gratitude to the general public for their continuous support to us at the Farmers Market. Your support continues to demonstrate the need for positive community development, engagement and agricultural \ product sustainability. See you on Saturday April 19, from 9am to 2 pm, at the Rupert Maynard Community Center , St Peters.

About St Maarten Farmers Cooperative (SMFC):

The St Maarten Farmers Cooperative (SMFC), a proactive committee of ECO St Maarten Agricultural Research and Development Center Foundation is a collective of local farmers and skillful community member dedicated to enhancing the production and distribution of agricultural products on the island. By pooling resources and expertise, the SMFC aims to promote sustainable farming practices, support local economies and provide the community with fresh high-quality produce and agro-processed products as we Thrive for the Balance of life together.

For more information on SMFC follows us on FB or feel free to send us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SMFC new fb banner April 19 2025

 

 

 

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“Eggsplore the Library – Book Promotion for Easter 2025” at the Sint Maarten Library. Hosted by MPC PKL/PBL Intern

(photo contributed)

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - As part of its Heritage Reflection Month in April 2025, the Sint Maarten Library launched its first activity with a festive and educational event: “Eggsplore the Library – Book Promotion for Easter 2025.” This creative initiative invited students from Forms 1 and 2 of the Sint Maarten Academy Academic Section to explore and engage with the library in a fun, meaningful way.

The event was organized by Ms. Wislene Masson, an intern from Milton Peters College PKL/PBL department, and reflected the library’s ongoing commitment to youth literacy and engagement. It was particularly inspiring to see an event created by a teenager for teenagers—resonating deeply with the young participants.

During the event, the dynamic group of teens enthusiastically participated in a variety of activities, including:

  • A book promotion game, the Gransenbord Boekspel, recently donated to the library by Stichting Lezen – Biblionet.
  • Mini sports games
  • An Easter egg hunt at the scenic Vineyard Estate
  • A book discussion centered on themes of Easter and heritage

Adding a special touch to the celebration, Ms. Masson also hosted a virtual storytime session, where students took turns reading aloud the book “Bunny’s Easter Basket” by Danna Smith, illustrated by Kathryn Selbert.

This heartwarming storytelling video will be broadcast on Saturday, April 19, 2025, just in time for the Easter holiday, and will be available on the Sint Maarten Library’s social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.

In addition, Ms. Masson curated a lovely book display at the Philipsburg main library, highlighting a selection of books that align with the Easter and heritage theme—perfect for parents and visitors to explore.

The Sint Maarten Library extends its heartfelt thanks to the management, staff, and students of Sint Maarten Academy, and a special thank you to Carolyn Buncamper and family for making the heritage location at the Vineyard Estate available, beautifully aligning with the month’s theme.

As the Heritage Reflection celebration continues, the Sint Maarten Library remains dedicated to promoting cultural awareness, literacy, and community connection through engaging programs and events.

Stay tuned for more activities throughout April 2025! For more information, visit the Sint Maarten Library’s website or follow them on social media.

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Peter Hengeveld will take office as director of JICN on July 1, 2025

Peter Hengeveld

CARIBBEAN NETHERLANDS - Peter Hengeveld started at the Dienst Justitiële Inrichtingen (DJI) in the European Netherlands on April 1, 2025, in preparation for his new role as director of the Correctional Institution Caribbean Netherlands (JICN).

Following an introductory period of one month in the European Netherlands, he will continue his preparation in Bonaire in May. On July 1, 2025, he will officially assume the position of director of JICN, succeeding the current director, Wibo de Vries.

In February, Hengeveld already paid an introductory visit to Bonaire, during which he familiarized himself with the institution and made practical preparations for his upcoming relocation.

Peter Hengeveld: “I look forward to starting as the director of JICN and tackling the important and challenging tasks that awaits us. Together with my colleagues, I want to commit myself to a safe society on the three islands. Good cooperation with our network partners is essential in this regard.”

Peter Hengeveld has 32 years of experience with the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps, during which he held positions within the prison system in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, among other roles.

Subsequently, he worked as an operational director in a marble company and as the executive director of a private educational institution for senior secondary vocational education (mbo) and higher professional education (hbo) programs.

His appointment as director of JICN is the result of an open recruitment procedure, whereby the vacancy was widely publicized to offer everyone the opportunity to apply.

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