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Soualiga Newsday Focus (4894)

Council for Law Enforcement warns of structural vulnerability in Caribbean rule of law: emergency police assistance no longer guaranteed 24/7

The Bottom, Saba (file photo)

SABA/SINT EUSTATIUS - Today, Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Council for Law Enforcement publishes the State of Law Enforcement Caribbean Netherlands 2024. In the report, the Council expresses its appreciation for the efforts of judicial chain partners and the progress that has been made at various organisations individually and in their cooperation.

In doing so, the Council pays specific attention to the positive developments at the Dutch Probation Service. The Council is also enthusiastic about what the Board of Chiefs of Police has achieved in the cooperation between the police forces of the countries. However, the Council warns of the growing influence of social developments in combination with structural bottlenecks that put pressure on the future of the rule of law on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.

In particular, the report points to serious capacity shortages in the police, as a result of which even the availability of emergency aid cannot always be guaranteed. The capacity of other organizations is also under pressure. In addition, the Council again points to the lack of integrated management and inadequate interministerial cooperation.

Although the Council notes that cooperation between chain partners at the local level is improving, the direction from the European Netherlands remains fragmented. Various ministries and their departments pursue policy without sufficient mutual coordination or central vision.

This hinders a coherent and decisive approach to complex problems such as subversion and juvenile delinquency.

Emergency aid under pressure due to police staff shortages

One of the most urgent signals concerns the situation at the police. The Council notes that the Dutch Caribbean Police Force is struggling with serious staff shortages. This leads to a situation in which the deployment of basic emergency aid – a core task of the police – is no longer structurally guaranteed.

Without structural reinforcement, the operational commitment threatens to be further eroded on the one hand. On the other hand, this situation also creates risks for staff. In other parts of the security chain, such as border control and the detention system, the performance of tasks is also increasingly at stake.

Call for cross-domain cooperation and future-oriented policy

The Council states that the approach to crime and security problems should not only be sought within the judicial domain. Many of the underlying causes are social in nature, such as poverty, educational disadvantage, addiction problems and limited housing.

This requires close involvement of ministries such as Education, Health, Social Affairs and Home Affairs. Sustainable solutions can only be achieved through cross-domain cooperation and shared ownership.

The report therefore calls on the central government to come up with a central, overarching management structure. Policy efforts from different ministries must be integrated into a single long-term vision with clear responsibilities, stable funding and structural strengthening of the implementing organisations.

Conclusion

The State of Law Enforcement Caribbean Netherlands 2024 shows a judicial chain in motion, but also in fragile balance. The consequences of immigration, increased tourism, inadequate infrastructure, inadequate social services and insufficiently equipped organisations in the judicial chain pose a major and undeniable risk to the stability and security of the islands.

Without fundamental choices in the field of strengthening capacity, continuing assistance from the national police and the KMar and improving management and cooperation, structural improvements will not be made. The Council emphasizes the importance of a coherent policy, shared leadership and sustainable investment in a resilient Caribbean rule of law.

The report has been presented to the Senate and House of Representatives, the Ministers of Justice and Security and of Asylum and Migration and is available in its entirety via the website of the Council for Law Enforcement: www.raadrh.com

On the site you can also find the State of Law Enforcement Sint Maarten and Curaçao respectively.

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Kadaster and KITLV engage stakeholders in heritage conservation initiative

Stakeholders from St. Maarten’s heritage and archival sectors gathered at the Kadaster Office for meeting between Kadaster and the Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies (KITLV).

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Stakeholders from St. Maarten's heritage and archival sectors gathered at the Kadaster Office to mark the official kick-off of a collaboration between Kadaster and the Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies KITLV on May 12, 2025. The meeting introduced the goals and next steps of a joint effort to safeguard St. Maarten’s historical heritage documents.

This partnership, formally established in January 2025 under the guidance of KITLV Director Dr. Diana Suhardiman and Professor Francio Guadeloupe, is a key component of the broader Island(er)s at the Helm research project. The project, funded by the Dutch Research Council NWO, explores sustainable and inclusive responses to climate challenges across the Caribbean Part of the Dutch Kingdom

Science Communication Coordinator and KITLV researcher Daniella Britt, who is on a four-week working visit to St. Maarten, led the session. Drawing from her prior experience with the National Archives of Aruba and her current role as a committee advisor with the Mondriaan Fund, Ms. Britt presented a vision for developing best practices in document conservation and archival management. She spoke about successful regional examples of accessible and affordable digitized heritage collections, discussed the challenges and opportunities specific to the archival field in St. Maarten, and explored the feasibility of offering virtual and in-person training programmes to strengthen local capacity.

Some members of the persons who attended were Amaris Richarson and Jean-Marc Augusty of St Maarten National Heritage Foundation & Museum, Daniel Helligar of St. Maarten Library, Rachael Illis and Zinesche Antoine-Kruythoff - Department of Records and Information Management, Cadula Jonesof  St. Maarten Heritage Platform, Raymond Jessurun - Member and University Saint Martin Research Coordinator and St. Maarten Heritage Platform and Marcellia Henry of UNESCO.

Kadaster Director Benjamin Ortega expressed appreciation for the turnout and positive reception: “Although this initiative was launched by Kadaster, the overwhelming support reflects a shared commitment to protecting our vital heritage resources. While we may not resolve every challenge during this initial phase, the collective engagement shown today ensures a solid foundation for lasting collaboration.”

Follow-up meetings are being scheduled with participating and absent stakeholders to gather deeper insight into current processes, available tools, and institutional needs. These conversations will inform the strategic plan that Ms. Britt is developing, which will guide the implementation of the collaboration and help position St. Maarten as a model for heritage preservation in the region.

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Pre-announcement Call for proposals PhD Scholarships for Caribbean Researchers

(photo contributed)

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Are you living in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands or born on one of the six islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten) and thinking of pursuing a PhD? If you want to contribute to scientific or scholarly knowledge that can help tackle important challenges in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, we invite you to submit a Statement of intent!

This May, NWO is expected to launch a new Call for proposals for PhD scholarships as part of the Programme Caribbean Research: a multidisciplinary approach. The Call is tailored to researchers with a master’s degree who want to carry out PhD research that is directly related or relevant to the Caribbean islands of the Kingdom.

About the programme

The Caribbean Research Programme was established by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and the Dutch Research Council (NWO) in 2013. It supports high-quality research with the goal to strengthen the knowledge base, build research capacity, and help address urgent societal issues in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Caribbean region).

This Call for proposals will offer PhD scholarships for research that:

  • Increases and strengthens scientific and scholarly knowledge production on and about the Caribbean region.
  • Has scientific and societal impact on the islands.
  • Is carried out primarily in the Caribbean region, ensuring local relevance and connection.
  • Contributes to the long-term development of research capacity and infrastructure in the Caribbean region.

This is a great opportunity if you:

  • Want to pursue a PhD degree at the University of Aruba, University of Curacao, University of St. Martin or in the European part of the Kingdom?
  • Are born on or currently living on one of the six Caribbean islands of the Kingdom*.
  • Hold a master’s degree or equivalent.
  • Are motivated to pursue a PhD degree that benefits the Caribbean region.

By supporting more PhD graduates from and in the Caribbean region, NWO aims to help strengthen local universities, research organisations, and knowledge networks.

* This is a requirement if you intend to pursue a PhD degree at a research organisation in the Netherlands. All conditions can be found in the Call for proposals.

Budget

Per project, a grant amount of at most €350,000 can be applied for. The maximum duration of the proposed project is 48 months/four years (or equivalent part-time).

Deadlines

  • The deadline for submitting statements of intent is 24 June 2025, before 17:00:00 CEST/11:00:00 AST.
  • The deadline for submitting pre-proposals is 16 September 2025, before 17:00:00 CEST/11:00:00 AST.
  • The deadline for submitting full proposals is 24 February 2026, before 17:00:00 CET/12:00:00 AST.

If you have not submitted a Statement of intent, it is not possible to submit a pre-proposal.

What is a Statement of intent?

An application starts with a Statement of intent, followed by a pre-proposal phase, a full proposal phase and an interview. With a Statement of intent, you indicate that you intend to submit an application for this Call for proposals. The Statement of intent allows NWO to establish the expected number of applications. This Statement of intent is not part of the assessment procedure, however, is compulsory and must be submitted before the submission deadline (see paragraph Deadlines).

In this Statement of intent, we ask further information about the intended research organisation and supervision (responsible PhD supervisor (promotor), co-promotor and/or other (daily) supervisors) in relation to the intended research proposal. Please note that you are allowed to make adjustments in your intended research and supervisory team in the pre-proposal. If you have not submitted a Statement of intent (and compulsory annex), it is not possible to participate in the application process.

Funding page

This Call for proposals, including eligibility criteria, additional conditions and application procedures, will be published on the NWO website at the end of May. More information will soon be available on the funding page.

Go to the funding page.

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Ministry of MECYS: FBE Exit Exams to be Rescheduled. Exams scheduled from May 15

Ministry of MECYS: FBE Exit Exams to be Rescheduled. Exams scheduled from May 15

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports (Ministry MECYS) would like to inform all parents, guardians and education sector stakeholders, that regrettably, the shipment of all FBE exam materials has not yet arrived on Sint Maarten.

The Ministry MECYS is therefore forced to reschedule the FBE Exit Examinations originally scheduled to begin tomorrow, Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

The new examination period will run from Thursday,

May 15, 2025, through Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

The Ministry MECYS understands the disruption that this may cause to your family’s plans and your children’s preparation schedules.

The Ministry MECYS assures that this decision was made in consultation with the best interests of our students in mind, to ensure a fair and uninterrupted examination process.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports extends its sincerest apologies for any inconvenience this change may cause and remains committed to supporting our students

and their families during this period and wishes all examinees the very best of success.

The Ministry MECYS thanks everybody for their understanding and cooperation.

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Prime Minister Schoof visits Naval Base Parera on the island of Curaçao

Dutch Prime Minister Schoof during the boat tour of the Curacao harbor.

CURACAO (WILLEMSTAD) - During his visit to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, the Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof commenced with a work visit on Sunday, May 11 to the Commander of the Naval Force in the Caribbean Region (CZMCARIB), Commander Walter Hansen.

At the Parera Naval Base on Curaçao, the Prime Minister was briefed on the tasks and responsibilities of Defence and the Coast Guard in the Caribbean Region. He was informed thereby about the military presence, operations and collaborations with security partners.

The emphasis was on the increased geopolitical tensions in the Caribbean region and the shift to Defense’s first main task: protecting the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.

Current topics were also discussed during the meeting, such as combating cross-border crime, humanitarian aid and the role of Defence in providing assistance when countries in the Caribbean request it.

After the briefing, Prime Minister Schoof and Commander Hansen took a short boat trip on board a Metal Shark of the Caribbean Coast Guard. A press conference then followed at the Parera Naval Base, in which the Prime Minister emphasized how important it is that the Kingdom's external borders are being well-guarded especially in these times of geopolitical unrest.

DEF Dutch PM arrives at the base

Arrival of Prime Minister Schoof and the military base Parera. 

DEF Dutch PM in a meeting with military

 

 

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Star Power and Political Prestige to Lead Atlanta Carnival 2025 Parade

With tens of thousands expected to attend, Atlanta Carnival 2025 is poised to be a historic, high-energy showcase of Caribbean pride.

ATLANTA, GA – The city of Atlanta is about to turn up the heat this Memorial Day weekend as the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival returns for its spectacular 2025 edition. This year’s parade of the Bands is set to be bigger, brighter, and bolder than ever, led by a star-studded lineup of Celebrity Grand Marshals who are ready to bring the vibes.

Set for Saturday, May 24, 2025, the parade will sizzle with Caribbean flavour as it takes over Atlanta’s famous Peachtree Street and environs, powered by pulsating Soca music and dazzling Carnival costumes. Adding even more sparkle to the experience, the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival Bandleaders Association (ACCBA) have put together a contingent of celebrity Grand Marshals comprising of entertainment personalities and community leaders to lead the parade festivities.

The twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago will be highlighted and honoured with Soca legend Neil ‘Iwer’ George, serving as a 2025 parade Grand Marshal. George known for his decades worth of Soca hits which include “Come to Meh”, “Savannah” and “Stage Gone Bad” personifies the red, white and black of T&T and will represent for the nation at the parade.

Joining Iwer as co-Grand Marshal is fellow Trinbagonian and cultural ambassador Winston ‘Gypsy’ Peters. Revered for his prowess with the Calypso and Extempo artforms, Peters also currently serves as Chairman of the National Carnival Commission (NCC), T&T’s governing body for Carnival and its stakeholders.

Adding to the Atlanta Carnival parade’s star power as co-Grand Marshal will be medical practitioner, entrepreneur and star of the popular Bravo network reality series “Married to Medicine”, Dr. Contessa Metcalfe, MD.

The 2025 Atlanta Caribbean Carnival will also have representatives from the political arena serving as Grand Marshals. These include Georgia State Senator, Jason Esteves, Georgia House of Representatives member, Arlene Beckles and Atlanta City Councilman, Byron Amos.

For 2025, not only will masqueraders have the opportunity to ignite the streets of Atlanta, they will also get to cross a main stage inside of the new post-parade concert venue, the Rodney Cook Sr. Park as a highly anticipated bonus to the excitement and culture set to take place on May 24th.

In addition to the parade, attendees can enjoy a full weekend of ACCBA-powered events including live performances, J’ouvert, Breakfast & Cooler parties and family-friendly activities celebrating the diversity and rhythm of the islands. With tens of thousands expected to attend, Atlanta Carnival 2025 is poised to be a historic, high-energy showcase of Caribbean pride.

For further info on Atlanta Caribbean Carnival and for event tickets please visit: www.atlantacarnival.org/ AND follow the brand on social media via: Facebook: www.facebook.com/AtlantaCarnival & Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialatlantacarnival/

(Sonique Solutions)

 

 

 

 

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NAPA: Your one stop shop for all your auto, truck, and marine needs. Check US Out Today!

Beat the heat with an 18 oz. bottle of Black Diamond Avalanche Refrigerant.

SINT MAARTEN (COLE BAY/PHILIPSBURG) – With over 600,000-part numbers available, NAPA St. Maarten services more than just the needs of auto and truck owners.

NAPA St. Maarten excels in 'special-order' service. A leader in the auto, truck and marine parts business, NAPA understands the need for quality parts and excellent service.

NAPA St. Maarten’s Mission: "Be the Premier one stop stores for all your Automotive, Truck & Marine Parts.”

Napa SXM = your one stop shop for all your auto, truck and marine needs!

Remember, NAPAs Philipsburg location is open on Sunday in case you need them!

9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

 

 

 

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Saturday is World Lupus Day. “Belonging. Belief”

Saturday is World Lupus Day. “Belonging. Belief”

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 Saturday, May 10, 2025, is World Lupus Day under the theme, “Belonging. Belief.”

This theme emphasizes the importance of community support and the belief in a future where lupus is better understood and managed.

It's a call to action for people to join together in raising awareness, advocating for patients, and supporting research into this autoimmune disease.

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.

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.

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.

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Symbolic handing over of the key marks a new phase at JICN

(photo contributed)

BONAIRE (KRALENDIJK) - During a symbolic moment on May 5th, Wibo de Vries handed over the key to the Caribbean Netherlands Judicial Institution (JICN) to his future successor.

This symbolic transfer marks the beginning of a transition period in which both directors will work together to ensure a smooth continuation of leadership and vision. 

The incoming director expressed his appreciation:
“Wibo has built something truly impressive. He not only led the organization, but also laid a solid foundation on which I can proudly continue to build.

“I look forward to doing that together with the team, because I can't do it alone, it’s the people who make the difference. Together, we will keep building a safe, just and humane institution. What Wibo started, we will continue. And together, we’ll make it even better.”

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Congratulations to the Alexander Youth Carnival Troupe, Winner of the Best Youth Troupe for Carnival 2025

(photo's contributed)

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - The Yacht Club at Port De Plaisance, in collaboration with Palapa Marina, proudly played a vital role as a key sponsor, showcasing the marine industry’s commitment to youth engagement.

The junior boys section dazzled us with their performance of “A Sailors Symphony,” while the teen boys brought the waves to life with their captivating piece, “Musical Waves.”

Thanks to the generous contributions from The Yacht Club at Port De Plaisance and Palapa Marina, 25 deserving children from foster homes and lower-income families were granted the unique opportunity to partake in this vibrant cultural celebration.

This initiative ensured that everyone could join in the fun, promoting a diverse and inclusive atmosphere for all participants. 

The parade day was nothing short of extraordinary, as an enthusiastic group of 76 children paraded through the lively streets, concluding in a festive gathering at the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village.

The excitement didn’t stop there! The celebration wrapped up at the Telem parking lot, where the children enjoyed delicious refreshments while sharing laughter-filled stories about their magical day, creating an incredible sense of community. 

Sharrita Mills, Director of Marketing and Sales at The Yacht Club at Port De Plaisance, expressed her enthusiasm about this fantastic initiative: “As part of the marine industry, it is essential to not only uphold our local traditions but also nurture the potential of our youth.

A round of applause for our young performers and everyone involved in making Carnival 2025 a tremendous success! Here's to many more years of creativity, community spirit, and the celebration of our vibrant culture!” 

To honor the Alexander Carnival Troupe’s fourth consecutive win, The Country Club at Port De Plaisance—a proud member of the Marine Management Group of Companies—hosted a sensational celebration party for the children on May 5th at the poolside, complete with refreshing treats.

Ireta Reymond, General Manager at The Country Club at Port De Plaisance, shared her delight: “It was a pleasure to have the children today and to celebrate their well-deserved victory!”

Carniv troupe kids Picture 2 5

 

 

 

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