~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.
