SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Grace Hill Bible University, St. Maarten Campus’ counseling degree program, in collaboration with Victorious Living Foundation and the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labor, successfully hosted a profoundly impactful suicide prevention Master Class themed "Igniting Hope in our Community: Preventing Suicide" on January 20th at the St. Maarten Government Administration Building. This pioneering event focused on raising awareness and equipping attendees with vital tools in suicide assessment, prevention, and treatment.

With an impressive turnout of over 300 attendees both physically and virtually, and subsequently amassing over 1000 attendees to date, the event underscored the essence of community collaboration in tackling the critical issue of suicide, which continues to affect diverse demographics without discrimination. This initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Erna Mae Francis-Cotton, and the counseling degree students: Minerva Warner Hughes, Georges Richardson, Barbara Cocks, Pastor Vital Dominique, and Sachida Thomasia-Hyman, marks a significant move towards shattering the stigmas surrounding mental health discussions within our society.

The Honourable Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labor, Mr. Richinel Brug highlighted the importance of community partnerships in his address by stating, “When Mrs. Erna Mae Francis Cotton approached us with this initiative, there was no hesitation because I know Victorious Living Foundation is one of the foundations that is about improving the lives of others; that is what they’ve been doing from since their very existence. Moreover, raising awareness about improving our mental health, is of utmost priority to me.”

Minister Brug reassured the attendees that whenever there are such impactful projects by any organization in the future, the Ministry will be ready to partner and support, and stated, "We have got to do this together!”

The Minister commended the initiative by stating to Francis-Cotton: “I’d like to thank you for taking the initiative in organizing such an event. This is an initiative that is long overdue, considering that so many lives have been taken over the last year and more. This particular topic of suicide prevention that you have selected, has been somewhat of a taboo in the community. The fact that you have taken the initiative to take the lead in organizing this event, says volumes.”

This Master Class “Igniting Hope: Preventing Suicide,” led by the Grace Hill Bible University, St. Maarten Campus Counseling Degree program is a significant step forward in mental health advocacy. It is not just an event; it's a movement towards saving lives and fostering a community of understanding and support.

The Master Class featured a robust lineup of presentations by students of the Master’s Counseling Degree program of Grace Hill Bible University. Each session provided insightful perspectives: from understanding youth suicide to addressing substance abuse and exploring preventive strategies for specific groups such as clergy. Attendees were enlightened by the contributions of keynote guest speaker Dr. Ann Marlin Evans, who emphasized the urgent need for innovative solutions in supporting those struggling within our communities.

Dr. Cotton, the visionary behind the event, articulated the fundamental vision of Grace Hill Bible University—to prepare students for Christian service while serving dual roles of both education and public advocacy. Collaborating closely with the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labor, this event set a new standard for community engagement and mental wellness advocacy on the island. As expressed by The Honourable Minister Brug, "Together, regardless of challenges, we will find a way. Our collective efforts are key to saving lives."

The Master Class not only served its academic purpose but also marked a critical societal milestone, calling all to come together to share its life-saving message. This collaboration exemplifies the profound difference educational institutions can make through community-oriented initiatives and partnerships.

For this semester, persons may take advantage of the extended enrollment deadline to enroll in the counseling degree course, Effective Counseling Techniques for Transforming the Lives of Children and Youth, until January 27^th. The course starts on February 10^th, 2025. For more information about the course, future events or to get involved, please contact Dr. Erna Mae Francis Cotton at +1-721-524-8731 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Join us in this noble pursuit to illuminate paths of hope and healing across our communities.

Cross-section of attendees. 

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) invites all eligible micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to take advantage of the final opportunity to apply for grants and low-interest loans through the Enterprise Support Project (ESP).

Applications will be accepted from midnight on February 1st to 5pm on February 7th, 2025, marking the last phase of this significant initiative.

Since its launch in 2020, the ESP has disbursed over $19 million in financial support, assisting nearly 300 local businesses across various sectors including agriculture, healthcare, hospitality and transportation. This assistance has boosted innovation, supported job creation, and strengthened economic growth throughout Sint Maarten.

With the majority of the project’s funding already disbursed, this final application window represents the last opportunity for eligible businesses to benefit from the project’s resources. Funded by the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, which is financed by the Government of the Netherlands, the ESP has worked in partnership with local banks and training institutions to provide resources for long-term success.

As the project enters its final phase, applicants should be aware that this is the last opportunity to apply, and it is imperative to take note of significant changes. Applications will only be accepted during this limited time, from midnight February 1st to 5pm on February 7th, 2025.

Submission received outside of this timeframe, including incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. Additionally, as previously announced, on December 18th, 2024, transportation businesses are no longer eligible for funding. This decision reflects the program’s commitment to distributing funds equitably, following the allocation of nearly $4 million to the transportation sector.

Financing for vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and construction vehicles, is no longer available. Businesses that have already received funding are not eligible to apply again.

Although the financial support component of the ESP is concluding, the project remains committed to supporting Sint Maarten’s small businesses through enterprise and development initiatives.

With financial assistance from ESP, and the Small Business Academy by Qredits and the Entrepreneurship Development Program by the Sint Maarten Entrepreneurship Development Centre (endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications) will continue to provide valuable resources for entrepreneurs who are looking to strengthen and grow their businesses.

Eligible businesses are encouraged to prepare their applications thoroughly to ensure compliance with the requirements outlined on the NRPB’s website. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis during the designated submission window.

For additional information, applicants may consult the detailed guidelines and FAQs available at www.nrpbsxm.org/esp. Questions or feedback can be directed to the ESP team via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Enterprise Support Project is part of the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, which is financed by the Government of the Netherlands, managed by the World Bank, and implemented by the NRPB on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is proud to announce the official commencement of the BPO-6 2025 class of police recruits on Monday, June 27, 2025. This young group comprises students from both the Caribbean Netherlands and Sint Maarten.

As part of their induction, the recruits are undergoing a rigorous initiation phase in the coming days. This training involve exposure to various scenarios designed to prepare them for the challenges of law enforcement. Key elements of this training will take place in public areas, including the Boardwalk in Philipsburg.

The KPSM wishes to inform residents and businesses in and around the Boardwalk area that they may observe these exercises during this period. These activities are planned to simulate realistic situations and ensure that the recruits develop critical skills in a controlled and supervised environment.

The KPSM appreciates the community’s understanding and cooperation as we train the next generation of officers dedicated to safeguarding Sint Maarten.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The One SXM Association is renewing its appeal to the Parliament of St. Maarten for a consultative referendum on political independence, following a significant development in Parliament last Friday, January 17. During a motion regarding the referendum, the vote was tied at 7-7, underscoring the importance and urgency of this national issue.

In a letter dated January 13, 2025, addressed to Members of Parliament, the One SXM Association reminded Parliament of its constitutional authority under Article 92 to convene a consultative referendum. The letter, presented through Chairlady Sarah Wescot-Williams, emphasized that it has been 25 years since the last constitutional referendum and urged Parliament to allow the people to voice their opinion on whether St. Maarten should pursue independence.

“Since our initial presentation to Parliament in 2022, we have maintained that the democratic principle requires consulting the people on their future,” said a representative of the One SXM Association. “We believe the time has come to ask a new generation of voters whether they wish to remain part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands or transition to a sovereign Caribbean nation.”

The Association proposed a resolution for Parliament to adopt, including clear timelines and a straightforward referendum question: Independence: Yes, or No? It also referenced the United Nations Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, which asserts that the inadequacy of political or economic conditions should not hinder independence efforts.

The One SXM Association actively promotes and encourages independence for the entire island through its weekly radio program, The One SXM Radio Show, aired on My88.3FM every Saturday from 5 PM to 7 PM. This program serves as an independence platform, advocating for the complete administrative unification of the island under the guiding principle: One St. Martin, One Island, One People, One Destiny.

The tie vote in Parliament reflects the ongoing debate surrounding this pivotal decision. The One SXM Association remains steadfast in its belief that St. Maarten’s people deserve the opportunity to determine their future in a fair and transparent manner.

The Association encourages citizens, civil society, and political stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue about the referendum and the broader implications of independence for St. Maarten.

For more information or to support the efforts of the One SXM Association, please contact via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/onesxm