Fewer murders and break-ins but more bomb attacks in 2023

Published in Soualiga Newsday Focus

SINT MAARTEN/THE NETHERLANDS – The number of murder and manslaughter cases fell by 10% last year, reflecting a general decline in violent offences.

The figures in the public prosecution service’s annual report also show there were 9% fewer cases of threatening behaviour and 4% fewer cases of physical abuse.

Burglaries declined by 7%, while there was a 19% drop in the number of armed robberies.

Other forms of theft were more prevalent, with shoplifting up 12%, thefts of bicycles and scooters rising by 5% and a 19% increase in pickpocketing cases.

The prosecution service said juvenile offenders were disproportionately likely to be involved in violent crime, which accounted for 14% of all youth justice cases.

In total prosecutors dealt with around 300,000 criminal cases, slightly fewer than in 2022, but the number of cases concluded increased to 177,000.

The prosecution service said tackling organised crime was one of its main priorities, with nearly 2,500 cases involving some form of criminal association.

The use of explosives was another concerning trend, as police recorded 900 attacks in the last year.

“Criminals literally come to the front door, with all the associated consequences and feelings of unrest for the surrounding neighbourhoods,” the annual report stated.

(DutchNews)

Netherlands may face “diabetes crisis” as more are pre-diabetic

Published in Soualiga Newsday Focus

SINT MAARTEN/THE NETHERLANDS – The number of people with a high risk of getting type 2 diabetes is soaring and could lead to a “diabetes crisis” if nothing is done, diabetes charity Diabetes Fonds has said at the start of a new awareness campaign.

Long-term research by Maastricht University has shown that over 1.4 million people between 40 and 75 are pre-diabetic, 300,000 more than in 2018.

Some 1.1 million people in the Netherlands already have diabetes and the high numbers cited in the research could mean an annual increase of 200,000 cases in the years to come, Diabetesfonds director Diena Halberstma told broadcaster NOS.

Type 2 diabetes, which is characterised by the body’s inability to produce insulin, can cause damage to the heart, kidneys and eyes if left untreated. Obesity, lack of exercise, unhealthy eating, smoking and old age are among the main causes.

People who are obese are six times as likely to develop diabetes, the research showed. One in eight children are also obese and at risk of the disease.

The most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes are thirst, tiredness and eye problems, such as a burning sensation or blurred vision.

The new campaign includes a diabetes risk test. Early diagnosis of the disease can limit the damage and prevent the disease from developing, Halbertsma said. “We want to find these people earlier so we can support them with personalised lifestyle recommendations,” he said.

The Diabetesfonds is also calling on the government to promote healthier choices in the supermarket by lowering tax on fruit and vegetables and encouraging the food industry to lower the amount of fat, sugar and salt in products.

Maastricht University is also investigating how social-economic factors influence the development of diabetes. Earlier research has already shown that people on low incomes are twice as likely to develop the diseases, and that more autonomy at work, for instance when to take breaks, will help health.

(DutchNews)

Prime Minister Mercelina Mother’s Day Message

Published in Soualiga Newsday Focus

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – On Friday, the cabinet of the Prime Minister issued the following pre-Mother’s Day message:

Honorable Mothers of St. Maarten,

On this special day, I extend my deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to all the mothers of our beloved St. Maarten. Your tireless dedication, unwavering love, and selfless sacrifices are the foundation upon which our society thrives.

Today, as we celebrate Mother's Day, let us reflect on the immense contributions mothers make to our families, communities, and nation. Your nurturing spirit, resilience, and strength inspire us all to strive for a better tomorrow.

As Prime Minister, I am humbled by the opportunity to express my sincere thanks to each and every mother in St. Maarten. Your love shapes the future of our nation, instilling values of compassion, determination, and unity in the hearts of our children.

May this day be filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments with your loved ones. From the bottom of my heart, Happy Mother's Day!

Dr. Luc Mercelina
Honorable Prime Minister of St. Maarten

Fourth Conference of the Dutch Caribbean Heritage Platform visits Saba

Published in Soualiga Newsday Focus

SABA (THE BOTTOM) - On May 7th, approximately sixty people arrived on Saba as part of the fourth conference of the Dutch Caribbean Heritage Platform (DCHP). The conference began on St. Maarten on Sunday May 5th and ended on Thursday May 9th, with the group having traveled to Sint Eustatius in the evening of May 7th.

The Dutch Caribbean Heritage Platform was founded on June 11th, 2014 and consists of 11 foundations from different islands concerned with the preservation of Cultural Heritage. DCHP organized this conference in cooperation with the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE), Nationaal Restauratiefonds, ErfgoedAcademie and representatives from organizations on the three islands, including the Culture Department of Public Entity Saba and Saba Heritage Center. The DCHP conference typically takes place every two years, geared towards those who are passionate about gaining knowledge on, or already work in, cultural heritage.

The theme for this year’s conference was Awareness, giving attendees the opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Sint Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius, with options for an in person or online program, in order to engage with local heritage specialists, exchange knowledge and collaborate on sustainable solutions for the preservation of each islands’ heritage.

The visit to Saba included an introductory session at the Princess Juliana Sports Field, where Governor Jonathan Johnson greeted attendees, having been one of the original signatories for the establishment of the DCHP in 2014. Director of Saba Heritage Center, Sharifa Balfour, then invited participants to take part in the various tours.

For the morning session, participants were offered the opportunity to follow a historical walking tour of the Bottom or Windwardside. Another option included a full island bus tour and a historical hike, with a visit to the Hydroponics Farm. Sites visited included Sacred Heart Church, the Major Osmar Simmons Museum, The Spot, St. Paul's Conversion Church, the Harry L. Johnson Museum, the Saba Heritage Center and the Mas’Cohones trail. The topics focused on during these activities included the protection and preservation of natural, built and intangible heritage, architecture, spatial planning, as well as the assignment and safeguarding of monuments.

A panel discussion was then held at the Eugenius Center, with various topics arising such as the need for more cooperation between heritage and nature organizations, the importance of these networking sessions as expertise is limited on the islands, and the progress made via the Culture Department at PES.

One highlight was the handing over of a hard drive containing documents which were digitized, pertaining to the history of the SSS islands from a representative of the National Library of Aruba to Vito Charles, in his capacity as Treasurer of SABARC. These historical documents will give tremendous insights into the past, serving as repositories of the human experience and identity for those on the SSS islands, while bridging connections between generations.

Other organizations which assisted for the conference included Saba Tourist Bureau, Saba Lions Club, Body, Mind & Spirit - ASGS Foundation, Saba Splash, Saba Conservation Foundation and the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance.

Saba becomes member of Local2030 Islands Network

Published in Soualiga Newsday Focus

SABA (THE BOTTOM) - During the Local2030 Islands Network Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, Saba formally became a member. The conference took place from April 23 to April 25 and focused on natural solutions and restoration efforts, while bringing together delegates from islands around the world with a shared sense of purpose and unity.

The presence of a large delegation from the Dutch Caribbean, including representatives from Saba, Statia, Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire and the Cabinet of the Special Envoy of the BES Islands, underlined the region's commitment to cooperation and environmental conservation. With a history of collaboration and a shared vision of a sustainable future, the islands are poised to make a significant impact within the global network of island communities.

Saba chose to become a member in order to express commitment to advancing sustainable development and climate resilience within the community by supporting the four principles of the Local 2030 Islands Network. The four principles of the Local 2030 Islands Network include identifying and advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs) and strengthening political leadership on climate resilience, strengthening public-private partnerships in implementing sustainable practices into policy and planning, using reporting tools to measure SDG progress and implementing concrete initiatives which build island resilience and a circular economy.

The theme of this year’s conference was “Island Solutions for a Resilient Future”, offering insights into best practices, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, technical assistance for island-led initiatives, fostering collaboration with various experts to develop sustainable and regenerative solutions, and financing of SDG’s. A range of technical experts, cultural stewards, academics, policy makers and political leaders attended the conference to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and bolster climate resilience through the sharing of island solutions as similar challenges exist.

Public Entity Saba extends its gratitude to the Cabinet of the Special Envoy of the BES Islands for including and introducing us to the Islands Network.

Friday is World Lupus Day. “Make Lupus Visible.”

Published in Soualiga Newsday Focus

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA), says Friday, May 10, 2024, is World Lupus Day under the theme, “Make Lupus Visible.”

The local support group for lupus is Butterfly Warriors who can be reached via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For those interested in joining them, just reach out.

Lupus is a chronic, auto-immune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years.

In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs (“foreign invaders,” like the flu).

Normally a person’s immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders. Auto-immune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues (“auto” means “self”) and creates auto antibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These auto antibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.

World Lupus Day is sponsored by the World Lupus Federation, a coalition of lupus patient organizations from around the world, united to improve the quality of life for people affected by lupus.

World Lupus Day serves to call attention to the impact that lupus has on people around the world. The annual observance focuses on the need for improved patient healthcare services, increased research into the causes of and cure for lupus, earlier diagnosis and treatment of lupus, and better epidemiological data on lupus globally.

MP Emmanuel: We honor our mothers

Published in Soualiga Newsday Focus

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – Member of Parliament (MP) Christophe Emmanual released his pre-Mother’s Day message on Thursday. It reads as follows:

As we approach Mother's Day, I take this moment to extend my deepest respect and appreciation to the mothers of our community — especially those who have embraced the role with a stern hand and a heart full of tough love.

To the mothers who have worked multiple jobs, sacrificing time and personal comfort, to ensure that their children have a better life — your strength and unwavering commitment do not go unnoticed. You embody a spirit of resilience that is nothing short of heroic.

Today, we pay tribute to our teachers, the unsung nurturers, who with a blend of stern guidance and maternal tenderness, help shape the minds and hearts of generations. Teachers, much like mothers, possess the extraordinary ability to see potential where others see none. They spend countless hours, not just imparting knowledge, but also instilling values, inspiring dreams, and nurturing the growth of their students.

Our commitment extends to supporting young mothers who are laying the foundation for the next generation of solid citizens. We recognize the importance of your role, and we are here to assist you in nurturing these young lives with the same steadfast love and discipline that have been the hallmark of great mothers.

I recognize that Mother's Day brings a mix of emotions for many. For some, it is a day of joyful celebration; for others, a day of remembrance and longing for those we've lost. Yet, even in absence, the legacy of our mothers and grandmothers continues to shape us.

On Mother's Day, we celebrate you — the mothers who have not shied away from the difficult aspects of parenting. You have shown us that love is not just in the tender moments, but also in the tough ones that prepare your children for the realities of the world.

We will continue to work diligently to ensure that our society is one where your efforts are supported, where your sacrifices are acknowledged, and where your love — as fierce and protective as it is — is celebrated.

To all the mothers who have shown us that sometimes love requires not just a gentle touch but also a firm hand, we salute you. Happy Mother's Day.

Christophe Emmanuel

Member of Parliament

Leader - Nation Opportunity Wealth (NOW)

Differences still “considerable” after 10-hour days of talks

Published in Soualiga Newsday Focus

Pieter Omtzigt after Wednesday's talks. Photo: Robin Utrecht ANP

SINT MAARTEN/THE NETHERLANDS – Thursday had been earmarked as crunch day for the ongoing coalition formation talks but three 10-hour days of negotiations earlier in the week failed to bring sufficient progress and the meeting will now resume on Friday.

There are still “considerable differences of opinion” about multiple themes, Pieter Omtzigt, leader of the NSC, told reporters on Wednesday night. Omtzigt declined to go into details but did say he was “tired” after a few long days of negotiations.

Earlier on Wednesday BBB leader Caroline van der Plas had said she hoped an agreement would be reached that day. Her words, said Omtzigt, were premature.

The lead negotiators Richard van Zwol and Elbert Dijkgraaf are due to hand their report over to parliament on May 15 and Dijkgraaf told reporters on Wednesday evening that “certainly” the formation process could still fail.

“You can’t say we have reached a stalemate but there are a number of difficult issues we need to deal with and it remains to be seen if we can,” Dijkgraaf said.

Immigration and asylum, government finances and farming are among the issues where the four parties are still divided.

(DutchNews)

Brown eggs are disappearing from the supermarket shelves

Published in Soualiga Newsday Focus

Chickens on a factory farm. Photo: Depositphotos

SINT MAARTEN/THE NETHERLANDS – Brown eggs are disappearing from Dutch supermarket shelves, partly because the German preference for cheaper and more sustainable white eggs is becoming the norm, the Telegraaf reported on Tuesday.

According to Henner Schönecke, the chairman of the German egg producers association, white hens, which lay mostly white eggs, live longer and are more productive.

It makes sense that white eggs will push the brown ones from the shelves, farm economics expert Peter van Horne told the paper. “Half of all Dutch eggs go to Germany and they want white eggs. It’s mostly because they are some 9% cheaper. It really doesn’t matter to the Germans if they are brown or white as long as they are cheaper,” he said.

The Dutch too, will want to pay less for their eggs, he said. “Consumers may grumble a bit because they think brown eggs are more natural or more animal friendly, but that stems from the time when free-range were brown and battery eggs white,” he said.

White hens have been bred to be smaller and lighter and to lay more eggs. They produce some 450 eggs in 18 months compared to brown hens which lay 380, Van Horne said. They also eat less which means they produce less unwanted CO2.

White hens are also less aggressive towards other hens and that increases animal welfare. “I really can’t think of a single argument in favour of brown eggs over white,” he said.

Lidl has been selling white eggs, provided by environmentally friendly egg producers Kipster for years while most of the eggs sold by market leader Albert Heijn are also white.

The supermarket giant will sell only white eggs in future to contribute to the company’s aim to reduce greenhouse gases by 45% compared to 2018, a spokesman for the supermarket chain said.

Chicken farmers’ union NVP commented that supermarkets favour white eggs but that chicken farmers don’t care one way or the other. “I couldn’t care less, we deliver what the market demands,” chairman Bart-Jan Oplaat commented.

(DutchNews)

Ministry of VROMI advises road users to be Cautious due to Intermittent Heavy Rainfall

Published in Soualiga Newsday Focus

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - To all road users to please exercise caution, the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) said in a statement on Wednesday!

“It’s crucial for road users to exercise caution during the coming days of heavy rain fall (Rain will persist over the weekend now and again up until Monday). The Department of VROMI Infrastructure responsible for the road networks and its safety is issuing a Safety Notice to all road users, urging them to be vigilant and take extra care while driving and walking in the current weather conditions,” the VROMI statement from Infrastructure Management adds.

Here are some important guidelines to follow:

Avoid Driving on Flooded Roads: It’s tempting to drive through flooded areas, but it’s risky. Flooded roads can hide hazards, and the force of water can sweep vehicles off the road. So, if you encounter flooded sections, avoid driving through them.

Drive Carefully: If you’re driving, reduce your speed and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles (rocks and moving sediment can make the road surface unstable). Wet roads can be slippery, and visibility may be reduced. Be cautious when approaching flooded sections of roads.

Remember, safety comes first. Listen to official guidance and take necessary precautions during heavy rainfall to protect yourself and others.

Soualiga Newsday Focus (4424)

Fewer murders and break-ins but more bomb attacks in 2023

Netherlands may face “diabetes crisis” as more are pre-diabetic

Prime Minister Mercelina Mother’s Day Message

Fourth Conference of the Dutch Caribbean Heritage Platform visits Saba

Saba becomes member of Local2030 Islands Network

Friday is World Lupus Day. “Make Lupus Visible.”

MP Emmanuel: We honor our mothers

Differences still “considerable” after 10-hour days of talks

Brown eggs are disappearing from the supermarket shelves

Ministry of VROMI advises road users to be Cautious due to Intermittent Heavy Rainfall

More...

Soualiga Radio