SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport condemns, in the strongest terms, the possession of any illegal weapons or controlled substances such as firearms and/or drugs by students.

These actions are not only illegal but fundamentally undermines the safety, integrity, and well-being of our schools and communities.

The ministry has a strict zero-tolerance policy toward such behavior within our schools or on school-related transportation, and fully supports the Ministry of Justice in its ongoing investigation and response to yesterday’s incident.

The Ministry of Justice has the full cooperation of the Ministry of ECYS, providing full access to relevant evidence and logistical support as their investigation progresses. Together, we remain committed to upholding safe and secure learning environments.

Our commitment to protecting students, educators and all education stakeholders is absolute and non-negotiable. We urge all parents, guardians, teachers and the wider community to remain vigilant: report any suspicious activity, and engage in open dialogue with young people about the dangers of weapons and narcotics.

Join us in reinforcing the message that schools must remain safe, respectful, and drug-free spaces for every child.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Member of Parliament (MP) Veronica Jansen-Webster expresses profound joy and heartfelt gratitude following the positive developments regarding St. Maarten’s status with the International Labour Organization (ILO). This marks a major milestone for St. Maarten, especially in terms of our labor relations and standing on the international stage, particularly with regard to ILO Convention 87, which protects workers’ right to organize and associate freely.

“This is incredible news for St. Maarten,” said MP Jansen-Webster. “It reflects the collective effort and commitment of many individuals and institutions who worked tirelessly to bring the country into better alignment with international labor standards.”

As former Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Jansen-Webster played a key role in advancing St. Maarten’s case. In 2024, she travelled with her delegation to Geneva, Switzerland to participate in the 112th session of the ILO which was a critical moment as St. Maarten was summoned before the Committee on the Application of Standards (CAS) to respond to two complaints.

The first complaint addressed ambiguity surrounding workers’ right to strike, while the second and more complex issue involved the lack of clear identification of legitimate employer organizations, which delayed appointments to the Social Economic Council (SER) for over a year.

Minister Jansen-Webster’s in-person presentation before the CAS was instrumental. The Director of the Committee, Mrs. Corinne Vargha, personally thanked her for her presence and her clear and thoughtful explanation of St. Maarten’s situation. Support from Aruba’s delegation also strengthened the island’s position during the conference.

“This was not a solo effort,” emphasized MP Jansen-Webster. “I extend my sincere thanks to my dedicated delegation: Joy Arnel,Linda Froston and Stevie Constantin, who stood firmly with me in defense of St. Maarten. Their contributions were critical to the success we’ve achieved.”

This achievement builds on the foundation laid by former Minister of VSA and now MP Omar Ottley, whose Cabinet worked on the reforms. “This outcome reflects the importance of leadership continuity,” MP Jansen-Webster said.

During the conference, Minister Jansen-Webster also held productive meetings with Dutch Ambassador Paul Bekkers and Netherlands Minister of Labor Karien van Gennip, resulting in concrete recommendations to ensure Sint Maarten’s compliance with international labor obligations.

MP Jansen-Webster remains committed to advancing labor rights in St. Maarten, with a focus on ensuring that workers' rights are consistently upheld and that progress continues in the years ahead.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – The Sister Marie Laurence Primary School (SML school) recently attended the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) Conference 2025 held in Florida. The NCEA Conference is one of the largest gatherings of private-education professionals

in the United States. Held annually, it brings together Catholic and other religious educators and leaders from across the U.S., Canada, and other countries to exchange ideas, showcase cutting-edge research, and explore the latest technologies in education.

This year’s theme was “Be The Light”, emphasizing the collective responsibility to illuminate pathways for students, families, and communities.

The conference featured dynamic keynote speeches, provided an invaluable opportunity for the SML team to engage in a variety of professional learning sessions, and offered great opportunities for networking and collaboration.

During the multi-day conference, representatives of the SML school attended several insightful breakout sessions, gaining new perspectives and ideas to enhance their educational programs. These sessions covered a large range of topics, including modern teaching

techniques, inclusive education, student engagement strategies, teacher development, and the integration of technology in the classroom. “AI was really the "hot topic" at the conference, with many sessions geared towards the growing role of Artificial Intelligence

in education." said Tanja Frederiks, Project Manager at the Foundation Catholic Education Sint Maarten. "AI is moving at a rapid pace, and it's crucial for educators to stay informed about its developments and to stay abreast of these emerging technologies

which can enhance student engagement and understanding, support personalized and efficient learning and benefit the teachers in numerous ways. The integration of AI in classrooms, however, also presents challenges, including on the levels of academic integrity,

and the development of critical thinking skills and creativity. So it definitely requires a comprehensive approach so that schools can harness AI's full potential whilst also addressing the associated challenges and risks".

In addition to the conference, Sister Marie Laurence Primary School visited Lacoochee Elementary School to foster collaboration between the two education institutions. This visit aimed to share best practices, exchange ideas, and build a lasting partnership

that will benefit both schools. The educators from both schools engaged in productive discussions, focusing on ways to improve student outcomes and create a more enriching learning environment.

"We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to attend the NCEA Conference and to visit Lacoochee Elementary School," said Amaris Slac, School Manager of the Sister Marie Laurence Primary School. "The insights gained from the breakout sessions and our collaboration

with Lacoochee Elementary School will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth of our educational programs at SML." The school looks forward to implementing insights gained from the conference and further developing this cross-school collaboration

throughout the upcoming academic year.

This educational trip was generously funded through the Rotary Global Grant for the Exceptional School - Sister Marie Laurence, a Rotary-based grant supported by the local Rotary Club of Sint Maarten and international sponsor club Rotary Club Huizen-Gooimeer,

as well as 9 other participating Rotary Clubs based in Holland, Germany, Belgium, Canada and the United States. The invaluable support and commitment of the Saint Leo’s University, with which the Sister Marie Laurence Primary School has an ongoing collaborative agreement, was also instrumental for the success of this educational trip.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Parents and guardians, it’s crucial to be aware of a disturbing trend affecting our children: the misuse of common household products to achieve a quick high, a practice known as “chroming” or inhalant abuse.

Items such as marker pens, nail polish, polish remover, and other household chemicals are being inhaled by youths, leading to severe health consequences and, in some tragic cases, death.

A Word from Our Director

“Our children are reaching for escape in the most dangerous places—under the bathroom sink, in a classroom desk, on a store shelf. We must replace silence with conversation, curiosity with care, and trends with truth. Awareness is protection, and prevention begins at home.”

— Dr. Tasheena Thomas-Maccow, Director of the Turning Point Foundation

The Alarming Reality:

• Inhalant abuse is particularly prevalent among adolescents. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), approximately 4% of 8th graders in the U.S. reported using inhalants in the past year.
• The dangers are immediate and severe. Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome (SSDS) can occur even after a single use. Alarmingly, 22% of SSDS fatalities involved first-time users.
• A study analyzing over 35,000 inhalant abuse cases found 208 deaths and more than 1,000 incidents of life-threatening or permanently disabling outcomes.

Health Implications:

Inhaling toxic fumes from products like nail polish and polish remover can lead to:

• Respiratory Issues: Irritation of the respiratory system, causing wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
• Central Nervous System Effects: Symptoms such as headaches, nausea, disorientation, lightheadedness, and in extreme cases, death.

What Can Parents Do?

• Educate: Talk to your children about the dangers of inhalant abuse. Make sure they understand that these substances are not safe to inhale.
• Monitor: Be aware of household products that can be misused. Look out for signs such as chemical odors, paint stains, or behavioral changes.
• Seek Help: If you suspect your child is abusing inhalants, consult a healthcare provider or reach out to a support service for guidance.

Resources:

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
• Poison Control
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Let’s work together to protect our children from the hidden dangers lurking in everyday household items.

For more information about The Turning Point Foundation please visit www.TPFSXM.com.