The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has successfully concluded a strategic, high-impact mission to Global Green Growth Week (GGGW), which included participation in the 14th Session of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Assembly and the 18th Session of its Council, held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, from 27 October to 31 October 2025.

The OECS delegation, led by Director General, Dr. Didacus Jules, accompanied by Programme Director for Sustainable Energy, Mrs. Judith Ephraim, and supported by GGGI Caribbean Representative, Mr. Daniel Muñoz-Smith, engaged in a series of high-impact diplomatic, policy, and technical engagements designed to advance the OECS’ priorities and interests across the international development arena.

This mission is aligned with the OECS Commission’s commitment to ensuring that the perspectives, vulnerabilities, and development interests of OECS Member States are strongly and consistently advocated in global fora.

During Global Green Growth Week, the Director General participated in the following major events, which served as critical advocacy platforms for OECS Member States:

1. Session: Mobilising Sustainable Finance in Caribbean and Pacific SIDS

In delivering remarks, Dr. Jules emphasised the urgent need for equitable access to climate finance, reforms to global financing criteria, and recognition of the structural constraints faced by SIDS.

2. Session: Advancing Sustainable Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Green Growth

As part of the panel on Sustainable AI for Green Growth, Dr. Jules highlighted the OECS’s interest in deploying artificial intelligence to strengthen education, climate resilience, public administration, and innovation-driven economic diversification.

3. Session: Assembly and Council (Joint Session)

Role: Delivered a formal intervention on behalf of the OECS

The Director General also delivered a statement outlining the OECS position on global green growth, climate resilience, natural capital stewardship, and the critical role of innovation in transforming the economies of the Eastern Caribbean.

In addition to the Assembly sessions, the mission to Seoul featured a series of high-level bilateral engagements targeting the region’s priority areas of AI innovation, climate finance, sustainable energy, transport modernisation, and carbon market development.

The OECS delegation held dedicated meetings with the Global Green Growth Institute teams on Sustainable Transport, Sustainable Energy, Carbon Pricing, and Artificial Intelligence; the Korea National Artificial Intelligence Research Lab (NAIRL) and the Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity (Nature Bank). These discussions strengthened collaboration with key global partners and advanced concrete opportunities for technical cooperation, capacity building, and financing to support the sustainable transformation of the OECS region.

The OECS Delegation took the opportunity whilst in Seoul to meet with the Green Climate Fund (GCF)to discuss amongst other things the Commission’s accreditation to the GCF. The GCF informed that the OECS’s application has progressed to Stage 2, with anticipated Board consideration in 2026. If successful, accreditation to the GCF will position the OECS Commission to manage up to US$50,000,000 for eligible projects, transforming the OECS financing landscape for climate action, resilience, and economic development.

Among the achievements of the Mission were the following: ​

Commitment to develop an OECS-GGGI Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Framework focused on AI for climate resilience, education, and governance.
Agreement with NAIRL to explore Scholarships, Internships, and Joint Research Opportunities for OECS youth in advanced AI fields.
Initiation of Work on a Regional Carbon Pricing and MRV Framework to expand economic opportunities for OECS Member States.
Exploration of a Sustainable Mobility Programme including e-mobility, marine transport, and urban low-emissions initiatives.
Strengthened Partnerships for Renewable Energy Transition and Green Schools with emphasis on energy efficiency, microgrids, and solar systems for educational institutions.
Through direct participation in global policy dialogues and technical negotiations, the OECS seeks to ensure that its Member States’ priorities remain visible, respected, and included in major international development agendas.

Speaking at the conclusion of the mission, Director General Dr. Didacus Jules stated:

“The OECS is entering a new era of green transformation, powered by strategic partnerships and driven by innovation. Our engagements in Seoul have opened concrete pathways for climate finance, AI-enabled development, sustainable transport, and renewable energy. These collaborations set the foundation for a resilient, future-ready Eastern Caribbean.”

Mr. Daniel Muñoz-Smith, GGGI’s Caribbean Representative, added:

“The outcomes of this mission reaffirm GGGI’s deep commitment to supporting the OECS in accelerating climate-smart development. We look forward to expanding our collaboration across energy, adaptation, AI, and sustainable transport.”

“Reimagining Work with AI” Featuring Amelia Kallman.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Orco Bank hosted its 2025 Employee Summit across all three islands where the bank operates: Bonaire, Sint Maarten, and Curaçao. The event brought together employees from every department for an afternoon focused on innovation, collaboration, and the future of work. This year’s theme, “Reimagining Work with AI,” highlighted the rapidly expanding role of artificial intelligence and how it is reshaping the way teams work, think, and evolve as an organization.

The keynote presentation was delivered by Amelia Kallman, an internationally recognized futurist and leading global voice in emerging technology. Her dynamic and thought-provoking session explored how AI is transforming industries worldwide, the opportunities it presents for organizations like Orco Bank, and how employees can take a leading role in driving positive change.

Kallman’s insights inspired employees to think creatively, question assumptions, and envision how AI can elevate customer experiences and strengthen internal operations. She emphasized the importance of human-centered innovation, using AI to empower people while preserving the essential role of human judgment and creativity.

Following the live-streamed keynote, teams in Bonaire, Sint Maarten, and Curaçao enjoyed an interactive networking session, where employees exchanged ideas, strengthened connections, and reflected on the opportunities discussed during the Summit. These moments reinforced Orco Bank’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and collaboration.

Orco Bank extends its appreciation to all employees for their participation and their ongoing dedication to shaping the future of the organization. The 2025 Summit marks another milestone toward building a smarter, more agile, and inspiring workplace.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Egbert J. Doran has formally placed the reintroduction of military-based training opportunities for Sint Maarten youth on the national agenda, describing it as a realistic and strategic response to the island’s rising youth delinquency and growing community concerns. The initiative, which existed prior to 10-10-10, previously offered young participants structure, discipline, and direction. MP Doran is now advocating for its return as part of a broader national approach to youth development.

MP Doran recently submitted a proposal to the Government of Sint Maarten following a productive discussion with the Minister of Justice of Curaçao, where he received preliminary information on the structure, intake process, and financial framework of the program. He is preparing for a follow-up conversation to explore how Sint Maarten can once again collaborate with Curaçao to provide military style training, discipline, and career pathways for young people seeking structure and opportunity.

As part of this effort, MP Doran has formally requested a meeting of the Parliament’s Committee of Justice to review the current youth crime situation and discuss structured training solutions that can support prevention and early intervention. He also requested the presence of Prime Minister Luc Mercelina and Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, noting that the topic requires coordinated leadership and a unified approach across government.

According to MP Doran, the reintroduction of military training represents more than a symbolic attempt at reform. He believes it provides a grounded and proven approach that can give young people direction, confidence, and the type of discipline that strengthens long-term decision making. He noted that the training also opens doors to careers in law enforcement, justice services, emergency response, and other fields where structure and public service intersect.

MP Doran emphasized that although youth delinquency has been discussed in the past, the seriousness of recent incidents demands renewed attention and decisive action. He noted that the concerns raised by families, communities, and stakeholders cannot be overlooked, and that Parliament must take a practical and solution driven approach to supporting vulnerable youth.

“If we want to see real change, we cannot continue speaking about the problem without bringing forward practical solutions,” MP Doran stated. “We need programs that give our young people structure, purpose, and opportunity. I believe this initiative can make a meaningful difference.”

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), kicks off on Tuesday, November 18 until the 24th. The theme for WAAW 2025 is “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future.”

This theme underscores the urgent need to take bold, united action to address Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). AMR is already harming our health, food systems, environment, and economies, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

It’s not a future challenge. It is happening now. Drug-resistant infections are increasing, yet awareness, investment and action are still falling short, the WHO points out.

WAAW is a global campaign to raise awareness and increase understanding of AMR and to promote global action to tackle the emergence and spread of drug-resistant pathogens. As one of the WHO’s official health campaigns, WAAW is mandated by the World Health Assembly.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) says AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to antibiotics used to treat a wide range of bacteria, making infections difficult to treat and at times impossible, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death.

Antibiotics and other antimicrobials play a key role in the success of modern medicine and have greatly improved the health of humans and animals. But overuse and misuse have reduced their efficacy, with more pathogens developing the ability to survive the antimicrobials designed to eliminate them, according to the WHO.

The objective of WAAW is to spread information to different groups within the community and for persons to be able to learn more about AMR, and why it’s a global concern and what impact it could have on Sint Maarten.

Antibiotic medicines were discovered a century ago and have significantly extended average life expectancy. Every day, these essential medicines save millions of lives.

WHO: “Building on the momentum of the 2024 United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting on AMR, this call to action urges all stakeholders, including governments, civil society, health-care providers, veterinarians, farmers, environmental actors and the public to translate the political commitments into tangible, accountable, life-saving interventions.

“To “protect our present and secure our future”, we must prioritize long-term investment and strategic action in the human, animal and environmental health sectors. Strengthening surveillance, ensuring equitable access to quality medicines and diagnostics, fostering innovation and building resilient systems all require long-term commitment and resources.

“Investment in AMR action is a smart move for a safer, healthier future. Whether it’s a hospital administrator setting up an antimicrobial stewardship team or a farmer adopting sustainable waste management practices, every action counts.

“No matter your role – whether shaping policy, delivering care, protecting ecosystems or raising awareness, “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future” is a shared responsibility. Together, we can keep antimicrobials effective and build a healthier, more sustainable world for the generations to come.”