PHILIPSBURG:--- The TRIBUTE TROUPE, under the leadership of DJ Jansen de Jong and Joost de Jong Jansen, has once again wowed audiences with their incredible talent and dedication. Ten professional ladies worked tirelessly to create a show that left audiences in awe, and due to popular demand, they have decided to give another double performance on June 18th, 2023 at 4 pm and 7 pm in the BLACK BOX THEATRE @ NIA, John Larmonie Center.

The TRIBUTE TROUPE’s latest show was so good that the audience simply didn't want to leave!

That's why they've decided to give another performance, so you can come and relax, burst out laughing, and maybe even shed a tear. You'll definitely leave happy, and best of all, it's free of charge. Donations are extremely appreciated, so please give generously.

On a very important note, please leave your goats at home. We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy the show without any distractions.

So mark your calendars and get ready for another unforgettable performance from the TRIBUTE TROUPE. Tadaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Make your reservations through WhatsApp messages only on 5807174.
For more information check our Facebook and Instagram: Tribute Troupe.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On May 19th, 2023, the Voice of the Youth SXM Foundation (VOTY) held its 10th Rank Promotion Ceremony for its program, the St. Maarten Youth Brigade. Alongside Youth Brigadiers, Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) and VKS marched to recognize the organization's value amongst the community and celebrate promoting members within the program. The founder, Mrs. Zulayka Peterson, unveiled the acquisition of a bus through the R4CR grant Round 5. This bus was showcased at the promotional ceremony to the public. The importance of the project was explained to all who were gathered on this momentous occasion.
For the past ten years that VOTY has been serving the youth of St. Maarten, one of the organization's struggles was providing adequate transportation for the members of the St. Maarten Youth Brigade. Through the R4CR funding, VOTY was able to secure a bus.
The St. Maarten Youth Brigade is a paramilitary organization for youth between the ages of 12 and 21. It aims to instill discipline, leadership through military training, and overall life skills. As part of our commitment to providing accessible and inclusive programs for the youth, we will be operating a bus that serves mobility to and from educational & recreational activities, mentoring opportunities, and physical fitness military programs to young individuals within the program.
This program would not be possible without our supporting partners: SMDF, SFC, Ministry of ECYS, R4CR, Law Enforcement Entities, and all other stakeholders.
"The R4CR program is financed by the Government of the Netherlands via the Sint Maarten Trust Fund. The latter is administered by the World Bank and implemented by the NRPB (National Recovery Program Bureau). The R4CR program is locally managed by the VNGI (International Cooperation Agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities) in close cooperation with 4C Foundation and other local partners."
We are currently recruiting new members until June 16th. For more information about the St. Maarten Youth Brigade, check out our socials: Facebook: SYBSXM, Instagram: VOTYSXM, or LinkedIn.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Integrity Chamber hosted its first Integrity Symposium at the American University of the Caribbean, under the theme: “Building Integrity to Build a Nation”. The symposium highlighted the need for building integrity, the challenges that must be overcome, and the importance of doing so collectively.
The Integrity Symposium opened with an official opening address by the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, the honorable Silveria Jacobs. The opening address highlighted the importance of integrity being a shared value among all aspects of St. Maarten’s society and the role that technology can play in building trust and improving the quality of public services. Jacobs emphasized that “a nation built on integrity is one where corruption finds no fertile ground”.
The opening address was followed by an address by the President of the Integrity Chamber, Mrs. H.W. (Rian) Vogels. Vogels stated that “integrity is the cornerstone of good governance and essential in building public trust, fostering economic growth, and promoting social justice.” Six threats to integrity were highlighted: corruption, nepotism, conflicts of interest, lack of transparency, political interference, and inadequate oversight. Key measures to address and prevent these threats were outlined during the presentation.
The keynote speakers, Mr. Dion Abdool of Transparency International, and Professor Trevor Munroe of National Integrity Action, gave informative and inspiring speeches and regional perspectives.
Mr. Abdool outlined critical components of the National Integrity System and provided recent data on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) in the region as it compares globally. In building a nation, Mr. Abdool emphasized the importance of having trust between society and government and the need to work towards our own "Caribbean Currency" of trust.
Professor Munroe congratulated the Integrity Chamber for convening the symposium and for their multidimensional awareness campaign to promote integrity. “Improved governance requires empowerment of people; the next logical step is action in building integrity”, stated Munroe. Other takeaways from Professor Munroe’s address were that corruption is a global issue that needs to be fought and that there is a lack of awareness of actions that citizens can take to combat integrity issues.
Members of the Integrity Chamber, Mr. Rafael Boasman and Mr. Hans Lodder, joined the two keynote speakers for the panel discussion. Questions from the audience ranged from how artificial intelligence will impact integrity, to the role of financial institutions in promoting integrity for civil society, and best practices for public and private sector.
Closing remarks were given by the director of the Integrity Chamber, Ms. Charna Pompier, who thanked those involved in ensuring the first Integrity Symposium was a success.
The Integrity Symposium can be viewed online via https://www.integritychamber.sx/symposium or via the Facebook or YouTube page of the Integrity Chamber.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The United States Climate Prediction Center which is part of the National Weather Service of the National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is forecasting 12-17 named storms for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season.

The hurricane season officially starts on June 1st and ends on November 30th.

Of the 12-17-named storms, five to nine could become hurricanes, and one to four of those could become major hurricanes (category 3-5).

The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) which falls under the Fire Department (Ministry of General Affairs) headed by Fire Chief/Disaster Coordinator Clive Richardson, is appealing to all residents and businesses to plan ahead and let’s ‘Be Prepared’ for the hurricane season.

The community is urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and how to prepare for a storm/hurricane strike by visiting the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.”

Listen to the Government Radio station – SXMGOV 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during, and after a hurricane. You can also follow weather-related news and information as well as national addresses by the Prime Minister, and chairlady of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by going to @SXMGOV's Facebook Page.

For official weather-related information, check out the website of the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/

Remember, it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season. Be prepared!