Willemstad:--- A group of students from The Hague University of Applied Sciences (HSS) visited the Social and Economic Council (SER) of Curaçao on Monday as part of their ‘Kingdom Relations’ minor. During the visit, the students received an overview of how the advisory body informs government and parliamentary decision-making on socioeconomic issues.
Council staff explained the legal foundation of the SER, the process through which its recommendations are drafted and reviewed, and the institution’s place within Curaçao’s constitutional system. The visit offered the students a rare glimpse into the mechanics of policy formation in a small island jurisdiction.
Interest from The Hague University has grown steadily in recent years, with students frequently completing internships at the council. According to officials familiar with the exchange, the continued collaboration helps strengthen understanding between the Caribbean and European parts of the Kingdom.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Lions Club of Sint Maarten proudly announces the winners of the 2025–2026 Lions International Peace Poster Competition, held for participating schools on the Dutch side of the island. This year’s global theme, “Together As One,” encouraged young artists ages 11–13 to explore unity, diversity, and the power of collective strength. Students responded with exceptional creativity, offering powerful visual interpretations of what it means to stand together as one people.

After a detailed judging process, first place was awarded to Fang Yu Cai, age 13, of Learning Unlimited Preparatory School, for her richly detailed artwork featuring the Earth surrounded by international flags, human profiles, planets, and chains of people holding hands. Her piece beautifully symbolizes global harmony and the interconnectedness of all cultures, illustrating how humanity can truly move Together As One.

Second place was awarded to Niti Ramchandani of St. Joseph School (Group 8), whose bold and vibrant poster incorporates strong black hands, Caribbean flags, and an infinity chain of figures to symbolize continuous unity. At the center of her artwork sits St. Maarten, deliberately placed at the heart of the world — a powerful statement that our island stands as a beacon of connection and togetherness, reminding us that even a small nation plays a meaningful role in uniting people Together As One.

Third place went to Adira Faudoas, age 13, of Charlotte Brookson Academy, for her imaginative depiction of an angelic figure with the Earth as its head, reaching toward a glowing heart. The multicolored patterns on the angel’s arms represent the diverse people of the world, emphasizing that all humanity forms part of one global family. Her artwork reflects love, hope, and the beauty of coming Together As One.

The Prize Giving Ceremony was held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, where families, teachers, and Lions Club members joined to celebrate the talented students and their inspiring work. The Lions Club expresses deep appreciation to the participating schools, art teachers, and parents across the Dutch side of Sint Maarten for supporting this meaningful youth initiative.

Lions Club President Lion Alvin Prescod shared his remarks: “The Peace Poster Competition reminds us that when we uplift our youth, we encourage a future built on unity, understanding, and hope. The theme ‘Together As One’ was clearly and beautifully reflected in the creativity of our students. Their artwork fills us with pride and reinforces the vital role unity plays not only here on our island, but across the world.”

For nearly four decades, the Lions International Peace Poster Contest has inspired hundreds of thousands of students around the globe to express their understanding of peace through art. The Lions Club of Sint Maarten remains committed to continuing this tradition, giving young people a platform to express themselves, dream boldly, and imagine a more peaceful world — together, as one.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Sol Antilles St. Maarten proudly launched its annual observance of Men’s Week 2025 with a dynamic and insightful one-hour session facilitated by Dr. Van Gaalen of the Mental Health Foundation St. Maarten. The session marked the official start of a week dedicated to highlighting the mental health challenges faced by men, many of whom continue to struggle silently due to cultural pressures, stigma, and misconceptions surrounding emotional wellness.
Dr. Van Gaalen addressed the long-standing stigmas attached to men expressing vulnerability, emphasizing how these harmful narratives discourage men from seeking help. He also discussed the thin and often misunderstood line between stigma and discrimination, stressing the importance of recognizing subtle forms of bias that contribute to emotional isolation and untreated mental health issues within the male community.
Throughout the session, participants engaged deeply with topics related to stress management, emotional fatigue, and coping mechanisms. Dr. Van Gaalen encouraged men to develop healthier strategies for handling stress, including identifying triggers, practicing emotional regulation, and seeking early intervention instead of waiting until challenges escalate. He highlighted that mental health is not merely the absence of illness but a crucial part of overall well-being that affects relationships, workplace performance, decision-making, and quality of life.
In recognition of the vital work carried out by the Mental Health Foundation—and as part of its corporate social responsibility—Sol Antilles St. Maarten pledged a donation to support the Foundation’s mental health programs. This contribution reinforces Sol’s ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives that uplift the community and address critical social issues.
Beyond the opening day, Sol Antilles hosted a full week of engaging, supportive, and community-centered activities in observance of Men’s Week. These included:
• General Health session with Registered Nurse Kimberly Paul (Nov. 17)
• Mental Health Awareness session with Dr. Van Gaalen (Nov. 18)
• Pool Table Night at Pineapple Pete’s, fostering camaraderie, teamwork, and recreation (Nov. 20)

The week culminated on November 21st with an inspiring session centered by Kenty Lichtenberg of Be Your Own Brand on the topic:
“Dads as Role Models: Grooming, Self-Pride & Positive Masculinity in Their Boys.”
This final session connected directly to the International Men’s Day theme, “Supporting Men and Boys,” and highlighted the powerful influence fathers and male guardians have in shaping the confidence, emotional wellbeing, and identity of younger generations. Participants reflected on the early impact of male role models, the importance of modeling self-care and grooming, and how positive masculinity can be cultivated through everyday actions, authenticity, and presence.
Self – Care gift certificates were handed over, words of thanks were shared, and the session closed with a unified commitment to continue supporting men across the island—at home, at work, and within the wider community.
“We would like to encourage the business community and the public sector to continue advocating for the importance of mental health within the male community,” stated Marisca Peterson and Robert James of Sol Antilles. “Men are often expected to be strong, resilient, and silent, but this silence can come at a cost. By opening conversations, breaking stigmas, and creating supportive spaces, we can collectively help redefine what strength truly looks like. We invite all organizations to join us in promoting mental wellness—not just during Men’s Week, but year-round—to ensure that every man feels seen, supported, and empowered to seek the help he needs.”

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Court of First Instance of Sint Maarten has annulled a formal warning issued to Docta Catering N.V., operator of the restaurant and bar District 721, by the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic, and Telecommunications (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger Marten. In a verdict delivered today, November 24, 2025, the court found the warning was issued without sufficient evidence and was contrary to the principles of due care.
The case centered on a formal warning letter sent to Docta Catering on May 7, 2025. The letter alleged that the establishment had violated noise level conditions stipulated in its operating permit. Specifically, it claimed a noise level of 81.5 dBA was recorded at the entrance of the Cole Bay establishment during a control on April 30, 2025. The permit allows for a maximum of 75 dB outside the establishment.
Docta Catering contested the warning, arguing that no sound check was performed on April 30. The company also pointed out that the warning letter itself stated that a second control on May 2, 2025, found no violations. To support its case, Docta Catering submitted a video recording from the night of May 2, in which an inspector is heard confirming the sound levels were acceptable at that time.
In its defense, the Ministry of TEATT initially claimed the warning was a preventive measure and not subject to appeal. However, the court ruled that because the warning was based on policy and could lead to more severe sanctions like closure or license revocation without a set expiration date, it must be treated as an appealable decision to protect the business's legal rights.
The Ministry later admitted the April 30 date in the warning letter was a mistake and that the alleged violation actually occurred on May 2. It presented a control report from May 5, which stated that noise levels "consistently exceeded 80 dBA" for a 40-minute period on May 2.
However, the court found significant contradictions in the Ministry's evidence. The judge highlighted that the official warning letter explicitly stated no violations were found on May 2, directly contradicting the Ministry's later claims. Furthermore, the testimony of the inspector present on-site, who confirmed that the music was only briefly too loud upon her arrival before being lowered, undermined the control report's claim of "consistent" non-compliance.
The court concluded that the Ministry failed to provide credible and sufficient evidence to prove a noise violation occurred. The judge stated that the control report did not provide an accurate representation of the facts and, therefore, could not serve as a proper basis for the warning.
As a result, the court declared Docta Catering's appeal well-founded and annulled the warning letter. The Ministry of TEATT has been ordered to pay Docta Catering N.V. Cg 1,400 for legal costs and reimburse the Cg 150 in court registry fees.
This verdict underscores the importance of procedural accuracy and solid evidence in regulatory enforcement. For business owners, it reaffirms their right to challenge administrative actions that are not properly substantiated. For the government, it serves as a clear reminder that its enforcement actions must be based on carefully documented and consistent facts to withstand legal scrutiny. Both parties have six weeks to appeal the decision at the Joint Court of Justice.

Click here to read the verdict of the court.