PHILIPSBURG:---  Art Agency Foundation, in partnership with True Roots, has concluded Hair Stories 2026, a three-day educational series held at Axum Art Café in recognition of Black History Month. The program brought together students, educators, professionals, artists, and community members to explore, through the lens of hair, how social and institutional environments such as schools and workplaces influence identity, sense of belonging, and broader cultural and social norms.
Day one commenced with a spoken word piece by Artem Del, establishing an atmosphere of cultural pride and affirmation. The evening continued with “The History and Evolution of Black Hair: A Caribbean Perspective,” presented by Rochelle Ward of Don’t Break the Comb. The session examined Afro-Caribbean hair traditions from pre-colonial Africa through the impact of colonialism to today’s natural hair movement, highlighting how social norms and institutional standards continue to shape perceptions of hair and professionalism.
Day Two focused on intergenerational dialogue under the theme “Black Hair in the Modern World.” The youth panel featured students from St. Maarten Academy; youth advocate Shiloh Williams representing Teen Times; the Honourable Melissa Gumbs, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport; and youth facilitator Kiara “Kyro” Vanterpool. The discussion addressed identity, belonging, and how school policies and expectations influence self-expression, confidence, and sense of belonging of today’s students.
The adult panel included Clara Reyes, cultural leader and former Head of the Department of Culture; Zoya Hyman, M.A., forensic mental health counselor; and Hendrick Snijder, Senior MIS Officer at Windward Islands Bank. Panelists examined workplace grooming standards and evolving definitions of professionalism. The conversation highlighted how hair and workplace policies can influence confidence, opportunity, mental well-being, and inclusion across generations, while also recognizing the role of artistry and media in shaping cultural movements and social change.
Day Three centred on practical engagement and celebration. The room was brought to life by students from the National Institute of Arts with a performance of their song “Mah Hair.” Participants then participated in a guided herbal hair-oil workshop led by Maya Williams-Thomas of Reflourish Hair Care. The session introduced the basics of hair anatomy, botanical infusions, and safe blending techniques, enabling participants to create personalized oil blends. The evening concluded on a high note with a live performance by our very own Shawn Jay.
Reflecting on the series, Project Manager Ryanne Bowers stated, “I was deeply inspired by the journey across the three days from understanding the history of what hair has meant through time, to witnessing young people speak boldly in dialogue with leadership, and ending with a practical reminder that hair is connected to our full sense of self. It reinforced how powerful community, awareness, and intentional spaces can be in shaping a more confident and inclusive future for fall.”
True Roots and Art Agency Foundation extends appreciation to all speakers, performers, partners, and volunteers who contributed to the series. Gratitude is also extended to the Let’s ACT Program and its funding partners, the Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie, CEDE Aruba, the St. Maarten Development Fund, and the Foresee Foundation, for their support of cultural participation initiatives.
Hair Stories 2026 reflects an ongoing commitment to advancing dialogue on cultural identity and inclusion in Sint Maarten. Members of the public are invited to follow @trueroots_sxm and @axumartcafe on Instagram for additional photos and updates on future initiatives.

~At Year-End Blessing Ceremony~

PHILIPSBURG:--- “You are the real doers of this community,” said Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina at the Tzu Chi St. Maarten 2025 Year-End Blessing Ceremony, held two days before the Chinese New Year on February 15, 2026.

The event gathered government officials, volunteers, beneficiaries, and community members at Tzu Chi’s new location to celebrate the foundation’s achievements and the impact of its humanitarian work.
The ceremony carried the theme “May We Never Forget the Initial Spirit of the Bamboo Bank. May We Always Remember the Great Vow of the Tzu Chi Path,” emphasizing Tzu Chi’s long-standing commitment to service and compassion.

Prime Minister Mercelina, warmly interacting with attendees, praised the foundation’s quiet dedication: “While everybody is talking about what they are doing, the Tzu Chi Foundation is quietly doing what has to be done for the community… I was very impressed to see that just over 2,200 families are being assisted by Tzu Chi… Thank you very, very much for what you are doing,” he said

“I go every day to work as Prime Minister and I’m surrounded by negativism… It's an enlightening moment today to see that there are great souls here in St. Maarten with a great intention for a better St. Maarten tomorrow.”

Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) Melissa Gumbs also spoke about the foundation’s cultural and social impact: “I’ve known a bit of what Tzu Chi has done over the years in my own community work with organizations that collaborated with you. What I really appreciate, also as Minister of Culture, is that culturally the ideology you exhibit is actually what we used to be. My grandmother always said: ‘You help the neighborhood, and the neighborhood will help you.’ Tzu Chi embodies that spirit.”
Volunteers shared moving stories of personal transformation since joining Tzu Chi. Sister Maxima reflected on her life before joining the foundation, saying she used to drink and smoke, and everything she did in life failed. She conveyed the message that the greatest achievement in life is to stand up from failure. Another volunteer recounted learning to embrace happiness and positivity: “Before, I just worked and never laughed. I learned that I have to be happy in life.”

A hurricane survivor who became a volunteer shared her journey: “After Irma, I had depression and went to a psychologist. When I joined Tzu Chi, I asked [Tzu Chi Commissioner] Sister Sandra [Cheung] what I could do to get better. She told me, ‘You just need to do good.’ I started volunteering, and now I feel better, happy, and grateful to Tzu Chi. Nothing is impossible if you believe.” Another volunteer added that she had a very difficult past, used to drink a lot, and often felt hopeless, lying on the ground. “Tzu Chi changed my life. Sandra always talks to me. I am very happy, and I believe anything is possible.”

The ceremony included the reenactment of the Bamboo Bank’s founding. Volunteers dramatized Master Cheng Yen’s early encounter with a woman in labor denied hospital care due to lack of funds. Deeply moved, Master Cheng Yen vowed to dedicate her life to helping those in need. This moment sparked the foundation’s enduring mission of service and volunteerism, which has now expanded to education, medicine, environmental protection, disaster relief, international aid, and community volunteer work.

Tzu Chi’s achievements in Sint Maarten for 2025 were highlighted, with 4,564 volunteer participations, 14,115 families served, 30,171 family members benefited, and 204 foundations and partners connected. Volunteers detailed ongoing programmes including monthly relief efforts in Cay Bay and Cul-de-Sac, school breakfast programmes, school bags, uniforms, educational supplies, and support to rehabilitation centers, prisons, and other organizations. Volunteer Carolina said when they support schools, churches, rehabilitation centers, and prisons, these organisations can reach people they cannot directly reach, demonstrating how compassion multiplies.

Several other volunteers shared their experiences. Sister Gassant said she had many problems in the past, but she learned from Master Cheng Yen that nothing is impossible if you believe. Sister Natacha highlighted the Hong Bao, or red pocket, which shows how giving multiplies and motivates volunteers to share and help people around the world.
One volunteer spoke about one of the foundation’s long-term projects, saying that Phase 1 is a kindergarten project, Phase 2 is to expand this into primary schools, and Phase 3 is to expand in high schools. This is part of a 20-year plan to create the future. “I am happy to do my part,” she said.

Prime Minister Mercelina praised volunteers’ dedication, stating that even government can learn from Tzu Chi’s ideology, principles, and values. “My dream is a community that carries the mindset of Tzu Chi. Thank you for being an example for humankind and the world. May God bless you.”
The ceremony also included a vegetarian buffet and storytelling of Tzu Chi’s founding in Hualien, Taiwan, highlighting Master Cheng Yen’s vision and the origin of the Bamboo Bank, which encourages everyday acts of giving. Volunteers acted out these stories, showing how Tzu Chi’s principles inspire local and global humanitarian work.

Through decades of quiet dedication, the Tzu Chi Foundation continues to serve St Maarten’s community with care, compassion, and a long-term vision of positive change.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The current administration faced a brutal reality check during Monday’s Central Committee meeting. Members of Parliament Egbert J. Doran, Darryl York, and Ardwell Irion unleashed a scathing critique of a government paralyzed by inaction, cloaked in secrecy, and failing the people of St. Martin. The three MPs exposed a disturbing pattern of delayed decisions and a complete failure to protect citizens from looming economic threats.

Budget Failures and Garbage Contract Secrecy

The MPs ripped into the government's total lack of transparency regarding the island's multi-year garbage contracts. They exposed a harsh truth: the government cannot award these essential contracts because the 2026 budget is simply missing in action.

Instead of being honest with local garbage haulers and citizens, leaders hide the facts. The MPs demanded immediate honesty, noting that the island will likely have to survive on temporary contracts and a rolled-over 2024 budget until the new budget is finally ratified late this summer.

Dodging Accountability and Stalling Appointments

The criticism extended to the Minister of Finance for stalling critical Central Bank board appointments and dodging Parliament altogether. The MPs noted that they have proactive ideas and laws ready to generate revenue, but government ministers simply refuse to show up to the table. Meetings called almost a year ago remain ignored. The MPs demanded that the Chair of Parliament take a firmer stance to force these absentee ministers to answer the public.

Looming Utility Crises and Broken Promises

MP Darryl York directed his outrage at the immediate threat hitting the wallets of everyday citizens. With international events driving up global oil and diesel prices, local GEBE utility bills are set to skyrocket. Yet, the government sits in total silence.

York reminded the floor that his faction requested a public meeting on economic preparedness exactly a year ago. At that time, the relevant minister flatly refused to attend. Because leaders ignored those early warnings, the island is now entirely unprepared for the current crisis.

York also targeted the Prime Minister directly, calling him out for abandoning his post. He reminded the public that the Prime Minister promised GEBE relief last July, delayed it to December, and has delivered absolutely nothing since. York demanded an immediate update for the people, stating that even if bills must increase, the government owes the public a clear plan to handle the fallout.

A Demand for Immediate Action

St. Martin can no longer afford reactive leadership. Doran, York, and Irion made it clear that the current government must stop hiding from its responsibilities. We need proactive governance, full transparency, and leaders who actually show up to do the hard work they were elected to do. The time for excuses has passed; the people demand action now.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Philipsburg is drowning in filth, and the government is entirely to blame. With barely a month left before the current waste management contracts expire on March 31, the Ministry of VROMI remains completely silent. Contractors sit in limbo, and the public suffers the stench of massive administrative failure. The handling of the new garbage collection contracts, meant to start on April 1, 2026, has become a masterclass in incompetence and poor planning.

The root of this disaster became glaringly obvious during Monday's Central Committee meeting. Former Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion confronted the current Finance Minister, Marinka Gumbs, with a harsh financial reality: the government cannot legally award multi-annual garbage contracts because the 2026 budget does not yet exist. Irion demanded transparency, noting that without an approved 2026 budget, the government can offer only temporary, stopgap contracts. The administration must rely on outdated 2024 budget parameters until the new budget is finally ratified, which is likely not until July. Minister Gumbs's presence at the meeting only underscored this truth. The government simply cannot commit to long-term agreements, yet it refuses to be honest with the garbage haulers or the people of St. Maarten.

While the financial reality remains grim, the Ministry of VROMI is completely mishandling the operational side of the bidding process. On January 28, 17 companies submitted bids for contracts worth 6.8 million Cg annually. Since then, the ministry has offered zero official communication to the participants. The silence is so negligent that three bidders—All Waste in Place, Garden Boyz, and West Indies Landscaping—filed official complaints with the Ombudsman. They are sounding the alarm on a deeply flawed and potentially rigged system.

The Terms of Reference for these bids completely ignored the critical maintenance of garbage bins. Sources indicate that Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs Jr might have to scrap the entire bidding process and start over. This delay guarantees that whoever eventually wins the contract will fail from day one. Successful bidders need significant time to order and import the heavy equipment required to clean our streets. By hiding the results until the eleventh hour, the government ensures a full-blown sanitation crisis.

The on-the-ground reality is already disastrous. The capital is rotting. The situation grew so desperate that the Minister of TEATT had to step in and instruct the Harbor Group of Companies to buy garbage bags and bins. The government cannot even manage its own basic municipal duties. To make matters worse, new bins already arrived on the island. Instead of placing them on the streets to clean up the mess, the government left them in storage. They sit there racking up storage fees that taxpayers will inevitably have to pay.

April 1 is approaching fast. Instead of a fresh start for St. Maarten’s waste management, we face a cruel joke. The government has no approved budget, no awarded contracts, no ordered equipment, and no viable plan. The people of St. Maarten deserve basic sanitation and honest leadership, but right now, we are getting a capital buried in trash and empty promises.