THE NETHERLANDS — February 2, 2026 — The Small Island Unity (SIU) Foundation is proud to officially announce the winners of the 2026 SIU Awards. Following a high-engagement public nomination and voting period, ten icons from the Saba, St. Eustatius, and Sint Maarten (SSS) diaspora have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to culture, community, and entrepreneurship within the Netherlands.
The SIU Awards were established to shine a spotlight on the "Small in Name, LARGE IN CULTURE" spirit that defines the SSS islands. This year’s winners represent a diverse cross-section of talent—from heritage keepers preserving centuries-old traditions to modern entrepreneurs redefining the Dutch hospitality and media landscapes.
“We are incredibly proud of this year’s recipients,” said K Brown, Director of the Small Island Unity Foundation. “Living in the diaspora comes with unique challenges, but our community continues to prove that our culture is not just surviving in the Netherlands—it is thriving. These winners are the heartbeat of our unity, and their success is a win for all three of our islands.”
The 2026 SIU Award Winners & Categories:
• Rising Star: Caeden Cj Hughes
o Celebrating an emerging talent who exhibits exceptional potential and dedication to their craft at a young age.
• Performer/Entertainer of the Year: Dj Chrisania
o Recognizing the artist who brings the most energy, authentic island sound, and professional excellence to stages across the Netherlands.
• Community Impact: Charvella Wilson
o Honoring an individual who has dedicated their energy to advocacy, support systems, and unifying the diaspora community.
• Cultural Supporter of the Year: Astra Brown
o Awarded to a key advocate who consistently promotes SSS arts, artists, and cultural events, ensuring our traditions remain visible.
• Unsung Hero: John Sandiford
o Celebrating the quiet leader who works tirelessly behind the scenes to bridge gaps and support others without seeking the spotlight.
• Cultural Heritage Keeper: Edwina Hodge
o Recognizing a guardian of history who works to preserve the customs, stories, and traditions of the islands for future generations.
• Culinary & Hospitality Excellence: Soul Sistahzz
o Honoring the team that provides the most authentic taste of home, combining high-quality service with true island hospitality.
• Media Voice of the Year: Jojo (Bite The Bullet)
o Awarded to the most influential voice keeping the community informed, connected, and entertained through digital media.
• Small Business of the Year: Cocktail Chanty
o Recognizing a small business that has demonstrated resilience, quality, and strong community engagement.
• Entrepreneur of the Year: Cocktail Chanty
o The top honor for business leadership, innovation, and professional success within the diaspora.
The 2026 awards saw unprecedented participation from the community, underscoring the deep desire for the SSS diaspora to be seen and celebrated for its unique identity. As the foundation looks toward the future, these awards serve as a vital pillar in bridging the gap between the Caribbean roots and the European reality of our people.
For more information about the winners or the Small Island Unity Foundation, please visit www.Smallislandunity.com or follow us on social media @smallislandunity.
About Small Island Unity (SIU): Small Island Unity is a foundation dedicated to the empowerment and connection of the Saba, St. Eustatius, and Sint Maarten diaspora. By fostering cultural pride and professional excellence, SIU aims to ensure that the SSS community remains a vibrant and unified force in the Netherlands and beyond.
Royal couple and Oranje Fonds celebrate 25th anniversary of connected society.
Royal couple and Oranje Fonds celebrate 25th anniversary of connected society
On January 30th 2027, the Royal Couple will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Oranje Fonds at the GelreDome in Arnhem. The event will be broadcast in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. With this anniversary celebration, the Oranje Fonds wishes to thank all initiators, volunteers and stakeholders who have been working wholeheartedly for 25 years to create a connected society in the Kingdom. The Royal Couple made this announcement on Monday during the 250th Oranje Fonds activity at the Wijkpaleis in Rotterdam, a meeting place for the neighbourhood.
The power of connection
On 1 February 2002, the Netherlands and the Netherlands Antilles presented the Oranje Fonds to the then Prince and Princess as a wedding gift. From day one, the fund's ambition has been to be of real significance to the entire Kingdom. The most important lesson of the past 25 years is that connection makes a difference.
‘Throughout our Kingdom, there are places where people meet, support each other and take action together to tackle problems and strengthen their neighbourhoods and communities. Seeing all these examples of people selflessly helping others gives us enormous hope and energy. As long as we continue to seek each other out, hold each other close and support each other, we will be resilient in a turbulent world. The Oranje Fonds helps with this,' said the King and Queen. With the celebration at GelreDome, the Oranje Fonds wants to put the spotlight on and thank the initiators, volunteers, donors and partners throughout the Kingdom.
The anniversary will be a festive event filled with music and stories. Stories from initiators whose ideas grew into something meaningful. The energy and warmth they bring to society must be visible and tangible both in the stadium and at home. It will be a celebration to inspire and show what happens when people are there for each other and look out for each other. The NOS will broadcast the event live so that people at home can watch and share in the excitement. The celebration will be shown on the Caribbean islands, accompanied by festive moments on all the islands. More information about this will follow later.
Investment in meeting places
The anniversary is more than just a celebration, because we witness that meeting each other is becoming less and less common. More and more people feel alone. That is why we are launching the “Celebrate Connection – Anniversary Fund for Meeting Places” in our anniversary year. With this fund, we are giving a boost to meeting places where people really connect, where a cup of coffee gives way to a conversation. Where people feel like they belong again. In 2027 and 2028, we want to strengthen 1,000 existing meeting places throughout the Kingdom. This will enable these places to bring people together now and in the future. We are doing this with the indispensable start-up funding from the Postcode Lottery, Rabobank and VSBfonds. We invite everyone to contribute to this Anniversary Fund.
The Oranje Fonds has appointed a Recommendation Committee that will contribute its knowledge and expertise to the organisation of the anniversary celebrations. This Committee consists of Kim Putters (chair of the Social and Economic Council), Etienne Ys (former prime minister of the former Netherlands Antilles) and Carola Schouten (mayor of Rotterdam).
Twenty-five years of the Oranje Fonds in figures:
• Oranje Fonds spent more than €600 million on connecting society;
• It facilitated more than 100,000 Neighbours' Day activities;
• And supported more than 125,000 NLdoet activities and 7,000 Cariben Doet activities;
• Over 29.500 projects within the Kingdom received regular support;
• 72 organizations received an Appeltje van Oranje award from the King or Queen, ten of which from the Caribben.
Central Bank pushes for Prosecution in Ennia Case Following Ansary's Death.
WILLEMSTAD, CURACAO:--- The long-running Ennia financial scandal has re-emerged in the legal spotlight. Following the recent passing of Hushang Ansary, the central figure in the controversy, the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) is intensifying efforts to ensure responsible parties face criminal prosecution.
According to reports from the Antilliaans Dagblad, the CBCS has initiated an Article 15 criminal procedure. This legal mechanism is designed to compel the Public Prosecutor's Office (OM) to proceed with prosecution through an order from the Court of Justice.
Both the CBCS and the Prosecutor General's office have confirmed this development. While a hearing date for the complaint has not yet been set, it is expected to be scheduled soon.
A Timeline of Delays
The push for action comes nearly eight years after the initial criminal complaints were filed. The first report of criminal offenses regarding Ennia was lodged in June 2018, with a supplementary report filed in August 2019. Despite the passage of time, no criminal charges have materialized from the investigation thus far.
In a statement responding to press inquiries, a corporate communications officer for the Central Bank clarified the timeline of their recent legal maneuvering.
"On July 9, 2025, the CBCS submitted a complaint under Article 15 of the Code of Criminal Procedure regarding the failure to prosecute criminal offenses concerning Ennia," the officer stated. "Through this complaint, the CBCS has objected to the fact that the criminal investigation instituted by the Public Prosecutor's Office has not yet led to the criminal prosecution of the persons responsible for the relevant criminal offenses."
The Central Bank has requested the Common Court of Justice to order that prosecution be instituted. The complaint is currently pending, with a ruling from the Court awaited.
Impact of Ansary's Death
The legal landscape shifted in early January with the death of the 98-year-old Iranian-American businessman Hushang Ansary. While prosecution is no longer applicable to him personally, the Article 15 procedure signals the Central Bank’s determination to hold other involved parties accountable for the alleged mismanagement and financial irregularities that plagued the insurance giant.
The upcoming court decision on the CBCS complaint will be a pivotal moment in determining whether the criminal aspect of the Ennia debacle will finally move forward after years of stagnation.
Junior Chamber International (JCI) National Presidents’ Meeting in Mexico City.
PHILIPSBURG:--- JCI Dutch Caribbean National President Anjeanee Mathew has successfully concluded her participation in the JCI National Presidents’ Meeting held in Mexico City from January 29–31, joining fellow JCI leaders from across the Americas for strategic dialogue, collaboration, and leadership development.
The high-level meeting provided a dynamic platform to exchange insights, share best practices, and gain fresh perspectives on advancing JCI’s mission at both the national and local levels. A key highlight was the opportunity to align this year’s priorities with the vision of Alejandra Castillo, the 2026 JCI World President, ensuring cohesive direction and regional synergy going forward.
Armed with renewed knowledge and motivation, National President Mathew will lead efforts to share these insights with the National Board and Local Presidents. This knowledge-sharing initiative aims to build strong momentum from the first quarter and drive an impactful year focused on measurable results, leadership development, and community impact.
As the organization looks ahead, JCI Dutch Caribbean remains committed to unity and collaboration under the banner of One Dutch Caribbean, One America, One JCI, while continuing to Ignite Our Lights and empower young leaders throughout the region.
SOAB Sint Maarten newly appointed Director.
PHILIPSBURG:---- In line with the continued development of the organization on Sint Maarten, SOAB announces that Saskia N. Salomons was appointed Director of SOAB Sint Maarten, effective 1 January 2026.
This appointment forms part of the organization’s strategic direction, focused on continuity, strong leadership, and the further professionalization of its operations on Sint Maarten. During her tenure as Country Manager, she demonstrated consistent leadership, professionalism, and a collaborative approach rooted in integrity and accountability.
As Director, she is responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of SOAB Sint Maarten, with continued emphasis on quality, transparency, and the effective execution of the organization’s mandate.
SOAB is confident that under her leadership, the organization will continue to serve as a reliable and professional partner to its stakeholders on Sint Maarten.