PHILIPSBURG:---  The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset celebrated an evening of inspiration, recognition, fellowship, and new beginnings at its annual Change of Board Ceremony held on June 20, 2026, at Mélange, Port de Plaisance. The elegant "50 Shades of Green"- themed event marked the conclusion of President Alex Pierre's successful Rotary year and the installation of President Jade Maccow for the 2026–2027 Rotary year.

The evening was masterfully hosted by Charles Rollan and Luciana Raspail, whose energy and enthusiasm helped create a memorable celebration for members, guests, sponsors, and community partners.

Reflecting on the club's theme, "Helping Hands, Touching Hearts, Changing Lives," President Pierre highlighted a year filled with impactful projects in literacy, youth development, healthcare, environmental stewardship, and community service. The club also celebrated several accomplishments, including recognition from Rotary District 7020 and the prestigious Platinum EPIC Award for excellence in public image and community engagement.

Members were recognized for their commitment and participation throughout the year, with Silver, Gold, and Platinum Attendance Awards presented to Rotarians who achieved 50% or higher attendance at club meetings, fellowship events, and service projects.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Paul Harris Fellow and Multiple Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Several club members were honored for their continued support of The Rotary Foundation, while Gold and Platinum Sponsors Guillaume Gorlier, Guillaume Gumbs, and Joy Carty were recognized as Paul Harris Fellows for their generosity and unwavering support of the club. In a touching tribute, Rotarians Magdiona Gumbs and Krystel Davis presented Paul Harris Fellow recognition to their mothers, Bernice Gumbs and Glenda Smith Groeneveldt, celebrating lives dedicated to service, compassion, and giving back.

The club also proudly welcomed Tamara Leonard as an Honorary Member, recognizing her steadfast support and dedication to Rotary.

President Pierre's highest individual awards were presented to:
• Fellowship Silver Award – Krystel Davis
• Board Member of the Year Gold Award – Jamila Boirard
• Rotarian of the Year Platinum Award– Assistant Governor and Club Secretary Elisia Lake

As he concluded his term, President Pierre thanked members, sponsors, and community partners for helping make the year a success and reminded attendees that the true legacy of Rotary is found in lives touched through service.

Incoming President Jade Maccow shared an inspiring vision for the year ahead under Rotary International's theme, "Creating Lasting Impact." Drawing on her passion as an educator, she emphasized empowering youth, promoting literacy, fostering mentorship, supporting entrepreneurship, and strengthening communities through meaningful and sustainable service. She challenged members to continue dreaming boldly, serving passionately, and working together to create opportunities that will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

The incoming Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 Rotary year includes:
• President – Jade Maccow
• Immediate Past President & Treasurer – Alex Pierre
• President-Elect – Cheryl Dangleben-York
• Vice President, President Nominee and Public Image Chair – Kathy Africa
• Secretary – Jamila Boirard
• Rotary Foundation Chair – Kimberley Duzong
• Sergeant-at-Arms – Fabiana Beauperthuy-Richardson
• Youth Service Chair – Elisia Lake
• Club Learning Facilitator – Franklyn Salomons
• Disaster Relief and Environment Chair – Antoine Flanders
• Membership Chair – Billy Jean-Baptiste
• Service Projects Chair – Krystel Davis
• Club Administration Chair – Marilyn Clark-Waterfort
• Fundraising Chair – Norrisa Anatol
• Wellness Chair – Stuart Johnson

The evening concluded with fellowship, silent auctions, and exciting door prize giveaways. The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset extends heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, donors, supporters, and guests whose generosity helped make the celebration a tremendous success and whose continued support strengthens the club's ability to serve communities throughout St. Maarten.

As the club enters its eighth year of service, members remain committed to creating opportunities, empowering future leaders, and making a lasting impact through Service Above Self.

PHILIPSBURG:--- At NV GEBE, we know that rebuilding trust begins with open, honest, and consistent communication. Today, Tuesday, June 30, we want to reaffirm our commitment to communicating directly with our customers as we continue working together toward a stronger relationship and a brighter future for our community.

Our priority is simple: to ensure every customer receives clear, accurate, and timely information directly from us about their accounts, available support, payment options, and the steps we are taking together to help customers become current with their payments.

As part of this customer-focused approach, we have decided to discontinue further discussions with the Association for Consumer Protection St. Maarten (ACP-SXM). Instead, we will communicate directly with our customers and the public through our official communication channels and the media, ensuring that the information you receive comes directly from NV GEBE.

When we first met with ACP-SXM, our intentions were sincere. We hoped to help bridge the gap that had developed between NV GEBE and our customers while finding constructive ways to provide greater clarity, support and service. Unfortunately, following our initial meeting and the subsequent public discussions, we concluded that this process was no longer helping to reduce uncertainty or provide the clarity our customers deserve.

Rather than bringing reassurance, the situation created additional confusion and concern for many customers who are simply seeking straightforward answers about their bills, their accounts and the way forward.

"Our responsibility is first and foremost to our customers," said Temporary Manager Iris Arrindell. "We are entrusted with providing reliable electricity and water services, but we also have a responsibility to communicate with empathy, transparency and honesty. At this stage, we believe the best way to rebuild trust is by speaking directly with our customers and ensuring they receive accurate information from NV GEBE."

We recognize that many customers continue to have questions and concerns following the challenges of recent years. We understand that trust is not rebuilt overnight; it is earned through consistent actions, respectful communication, and a genuine commitment to serving our community.

Our immediate focus is helping customers become current with their 2026 utility payments. While our collection policy remains in place, our goal is to work alongside customers by providing a clear, manageable path toward bringing current accounts up to date.

Once customers have addressed their 2026 obligations, we will introduce a separate approach to assist those who continue to have outstanding balances from the 2022 through 2025 period.

"This approach provides clarity and structure," Arrindell explained. "We want customers to clearly understand their current obligations first. Once those accounts are brought current, we will work with customers on addressing older balances from 2022 to 2025 through a separate plan."

We also encourage customers to rely on official NV GEBE information rather than rumors or unofficial interpretations of company policies. Every customer's situation is unique, and the most accurate guidance can only come directly from our Customer Care team.

In addition, we encourage everyone to remain mindful of the global factors that continue to influence the cost of producing electricity and water. International fuel prices, supply chain conditions, and geopolitical developments directly affect utility operations worldwide, including here in St. Maarten.

"We encourage our customers to be conscious of what is happening globally," Arrindell said. "Electricity and water are essential services that we all depend on, but they are also costly to produce. By using these resources wisely and conserving where possible, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future."

We remain committed to serving the people of St. Maarten with transparency, accountability and respect. As we continue moving forward together, we encourage customers to contact NV GEBE directly through our official Customer Care channels for information regarding their accounts, payment arrangements or any questions they may have.

Together, through open communication and mutual understanding, we can continue rebuilding trust and creating a stronger future for our community.

MARIGOT: --- The French Gendarmerie, in partnership with the Association of the Cadets of the Gendarmerie of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin, has officially launched recruitment for its 2026 Cadet Promotion, offering young people between the ages of 16 and 18 a unique opportunity to learn about law enforcement, public service, and civic responsibility.

Applications opened on June 30, 2026, and will remain open until August 31, 2026. The program is open to residents of St. Martin and St. Barthélemy, with only 12 cadet positions available.

The initiative is designed to introduce participants to the work of the French Gendarmerie while providing broader insight into the role of government institutions. Throughout the program, cadets will receive training to strengthen their sense of citizenship, teamwork, discipline, and public service.

During the course, cadets will participate in monthly training sessions, team-building activities, and educational visits covering republican values, community safety, civic engagement, remembrance activities, and the operations of various government agencies.

Participants will also have the opportunity to visit and learn about the work of several public institutions, including the Prefecture, Territorial Police, Border Police, Customs Department, and the Court.

Jean-Baptiste Monin, President of the Association of the Cadets of the Gendarmerie of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin, said the program offers much more than an introduction to policing.

"Being a Gendarmerie cadet means discovering an institution that serves the public while learning discipline, teamwork, and commitment. The 2026 promotion will provide young volunteers with a rewarding educational, personal, and civic experience."

According to the organizers, the program is intended for motivated young people who are interested in public safety careers and eager to become active citizens.

Throughout the program, cadets will:

• Discover the missions and careers of the French Gendarmerie.
• Participate in activities focused on citizenship, public safety, and remembrance.
• Develop teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills.
• Gain a better understanding of serving the nation.
• Receive guidance and mentorship from Gendarmerie personnel and association leaders.

The program will run from October 10, 2026, through July 14, 2027, with activities taking place one day each month. Sessions will generally be held on Saturdays during the school year and on one weekday during school holidays.

Applicants may be required to participate in a selection process to assess their motivation and suitability for the program.

Applications can be submitted by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or through the French government's volunteer platform before the August 31, 2026 deadline.

PHILIPSBURG: --- Leadership, Legacy and the Future of Toastmasters in Sint Maarten and the Northeastern Caribbean. The Toastmasters community across Sint Maarten/St. Martin, Anguilla, Martinique, St. Kitts, Grand Turks and St. Eustatius is celebrating a significant milestone with the election of Distinguished Toastmaster Donna Morrison Wilson (DTM) as Director of Division D, District 223, for the 2026–2027 Toastmasters year.

Her election marks an important moment not only for Division D but also for the newly established District 223, ushering in a new chapter of leadership, collaboration and service throughout the northeastern Caribbean.

A respected communicator, accomplished leader and dedicated Toastmaster, DTM Donna Morrison Wilson brings years of experience in mentoring members, strengthening clubs and fostering leadership excellence. Her election reflects the confidence that fellow Toastmasters have placed in her vision to support clubs, develop future leaders and continue building vibrant, high-performing Toastmasters communities throughout Division D.

A New Chapter: From District 81 to District 223. The beginning of the 2026–2027 Toastmasters year also marks the official transition from the long-serving District 81 to the newly created District 223. For more than two decades, District 81 united clubs across numerous Caribbean territories, becoming a model of regional cooperation, cultural diversity and leadership development. The creation of District 223 is part of Toastmasters International's periodic district realignment process, designed to strengthen organizational effectiveness, provide greater leadership support and position clubs for sustained growth. Far more than an administrative change, the formation of District 223 represents fresh opportunities for innovation, stronger collaboration among clubs and expanded leadership opportunities for members throughout the region.

Donna Morrison Wilson's election continues Sint Maarten's remarkable legacy of producing exceptional district leaders whose influence has extended well beyond the island. Among those distinguished leaders are Past District Governors (PDG) Rolando Tobias, DTM, Valerie Brazier, DTM, and Past District Director (PDD) Brenda Maynard, DTM, whose exemplary service highlighted their leadership of District 81. Their achievements remain a source of tremendous pride for Toastmasters throughout Sint Maarten. Also, their visionary leadership helped strengthen clubs, inspire countless members, and establish standards of excellence that continue to guide Toastmasters throughout the Caribbean today.

Together, Distinguished Toastmasters Rolande Tobias, Valerie Brazier and Brenda Maynard have left an enduring legacy of servant leadership, demonstrating that members from Sint Maarten can successfully lead one of the region's largest volunteer leadership organizations while inspiring excellence across multiple island nations. Donna Morrison Wilson now proudly builds upon that foundation, representing another generation of outstanding leadership emerging from Sint Maarten.

For more than a century, Toastmasters International has empowered individuals to become confident communicators and effective leaders through its structured educational program. Across Sint Maarten, Toastmasters has quietly transformed the lives of entrepreneurs, educators, civil servants, business executives, community leaders and young professionals. Members consistently credit the organization with helping them overcome the fear of public speaking, develop leadership skills and gain the confidence needed to excel in their careers and communities. Beyond improving public speaking, Toastmasters offers practical opportunities to lead teams, organize events, mentor fellow members, and serve at the club, area, division, and district levels. The organization also fosters lifelong friendships and professional networks that span cultures and countries.

As Division D begins its journey within District 223 under the leadership of DTM Donna Morrison Wilson, the future looks exceptionally bright.

This new position represents more than a personal achievement; it reflects the continued confidence in Sint Maarten's ability to produce leaders who serve with excellence throughout the Caribbean. With the solid foundation established by our Past District Leaders, Division D is well positioned to strengthen existing clubs, charter new ones, mentor emerging leaders, and inspire a new generation of confident communicators. Along with her support team and Area Directors, Division D will grow into a thriving division.

In today's rapidly changing world, effective communication and principled leadership are among the most valuable skills anyone can possess. Whether aspiring to become a better speaker, a stronger leader, a more effective professional, or a more engaged member of the community, Toastmasters provides a welcoming environment where individuals can grow at their own pace while receiving constructive support from fellow members.

As District 223 begins this exciting new chapter, there has never been a better time to join Toastmasters in Sint Maarten and across Division D. With dedicated leaders like Division D Director DTM Donna Morrison Wilson at the helm and the enduring legacy of distinguished leaders who have gone before her, Toastmasters continues to demonstrate that when individuals improve their communication, they strengthen their leadership—and when leadership grows, stronger communities inevitably follow. Interesting being part of this growing organization; feel free to contact us at Phone/WhatsApp: 1721 523-0901 or our Facebook Page: Division D, District 223.