PHILIPSBURG:---  A representative of the Department of Communication (DCOMM), documentalist Lee Williams, attended the Dutch Caribbean Heritage Week in Aruba, from April 8-12. The symposium had the theme: “Moving Towards a Caribbean Shared Heritage Platform.”

The purpose of the conference was to gather and share information, network, and learn about the latest developments in the field of archiving and heritage, Williams said. “By engaging with each other, we can maximize the potential in these important areas of archiving in the Dutch Caribbean, BES and SSS, and at DCOMM.

The aim of the symposium, according to the brochure, is “to convene stakeholder from the cultural heritage sector of the Dutch Caribbean and the Netherlands to discuss collaborative initiatives.”

In addition, organizers pointed out that the further objectives were to foster cooperation and coordination among heritage sectors within and across the Dutch Caribbean by enhancing the preservation and accessibility of collections, thereby encompassing both the pre- and post-slavery periods. The goal is to unite efforts towards comprehensive heritage preservation and access, recognizing our shared history and cultural heritage.

At the symposiums, there were many sessions during the week aimed at and embracing the goals set out, including viewing a mini-documentary, having network sessions, discussing and sharing visions, activities, practices, discussing the national archives, and digital collections.

The organizers strategy is too digitally connect 150 heritage organizations, starting with and building upon and include the Dutch Caribbean with these groups, institutions, organizations and departments, Williams said. By working together, we are preserving, managing, and making the archives accessible to all.

There were sessions meant to identifying opportunities for collaboration and contribution to the network, presentations on digital heritage, internet archives, digital transformation and culture, in addition to visits to Aruba’s national archives, national library, and digital collections.

“We learned at this conference,” DCOMM representative said, “what other departments are doing, and how, and what the latest technological methods were. In addition being informed about the amount of information related to all islands within the Dutch Caribbean.”

Williams looks forward to continuing learning and using what knowledge and information there is and sharing this with her department, other government departments, the general public, visitors, guests, researchers, and others of St Maarten.

Williams wanted to thank the Prins Bernhard Cultural Funds (Dutch Caribbean) for assisting in said trip.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Health Care Laboratory Sint Maarten (HCLS) proudly announces its international accreditation by the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA). This significant milestone affirms HCLS's commitment to excellence and adherence to the highest international standard in medical laboratory services.

HCLS, a multidisciplinary laboratory offering a broad spectrum of services has demonstrated its technical competence and robust management systems by obtaining the international accreditation.

The accreditation, effective as of March 21, 2024, is based on an exhaustive assessment against the rigorous standards outlined in EN ISO 15189:2012. This international standard sets the benchmark for medical laboratories worldwide, ensuring consistently reliable and accurate results.

Dr. Fey van der Dijs, Director of HCLS, expressed immense pride in this achievement, noting the significant obstacles overcome in recent years. "Obtaining this accreditation, despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Irma and the COVID-19 pandemic, is a testament to the unwavering dedication and high-quality work of our team. Typically, such a process takes five years, but our team's exceptional effort and commitment to excellence made this possible in just 3 full operational years."

The accreditation by the RvA is not merely a one-time recognition; it signifies a long-term commitment to ongoing excellence. HCLS will undergo annual audits to ensure it continues to meet stringent requirements and maintain the quality standards that this accreditation represents.

Health Care Laboratory Sint Maarten is dedicated to providing high-quality laboratory services to the community. By offering a wide range of diagnostic services, HCLS plays a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of various health conditions, contributing significantly to the public health sector.

SABA:--- On Wednesday May 15th, a new enforcement car arrived on Saba, making Saba the first in the Caribbean Netherlands to have an official enforcement car. The new vehicle will be more clearly recognizable and is equipped with siren, speakers and a radio system.

Saba’s fulltime general enforcers, Alexandria Hassell and Thompson Thomas, fulfil the role of ensuring adherence to Saba’s laws and rules which are aimed at protecting a pleasant and safe living environment for all, with a primary focus on prevention in the form of explaining applicable ordinances and handing out warnings.

Additional enforcers include Justin Yu, responsible for the safety and general order of the harbor, Randall Johnson, overseeing the hygiene and vector control measures in his capacity as the Head of Agriculture and Hygiene Department, as well as Tom Brokke and Marijn Van der Laan as rangers for Saba Conservation Foundation, responsible for enforcing marine environmental laws.

‘Having a more recognizable enforcement car is very welcome, as visibility within the community is important for our work, and with a new, fully equipped car, the significance of the work conducted by our enforcers is also emphasized,’ stated Head of Public Order and Safety, Walle Bos.

HARBOUR VIEW:---- On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, His Excellency Governor Ajamu G. Baly administered the oath to new Members of Parliament Mr. Richinel S.J. Brug and Mr. Viren V. Kotai at the Governor’s Cabinet. The new members, of the United Resilient Sint Maarten Movement (URSM) and the Democratic Party, take their seats left vacant as a result of the appointment to the Council of Ministers of Prime Minister/Minister of General Affairs Mr. Luc F.E. Mercelina and Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications, Mrs. Grisha Heyliger-Marten. This means that the Parliament is now at full capacity with 15 members. Governor Baly congratulated the new MP’s and wished them much strength, wisdom and discernment in their task ahead.

SPEECH
Chairlady of Parliament; Prime Minister; Members of Parliament; Ministers; Chairman of the General Audit Chamber; Griffier of Parliament; Chairlady of the Central Voting Bureau; Chairman of the Electoral Council; Commander of the Marines detachment on Sint. Maarten;

Distinguished guests ladies and gentlemen; Good afternoon.

A pleasant welcome to all of you.
A special welcome to the two members of Parliament-Elect.
Congratulations to both of you on being elected to hold the office as a representative of the people of Sint Maarten.
You are about to take the oath and make a promise.
When administering the oath, it is always my hope and aim to convey the importance and significance of this legally required act.
You have been elected to an esteemed body; Parliament.
You are called by the Constitution, our highest law, to represent the entire people of Sint Maarten and that brings with it considerable responsibilities.
As our nation once again goes through and is faced with challenging times the people of this Country have elected you to represent them and are depending on you and your colleagues in Parliament to do so to the best of your ability. And this as we are on the cusp of entering the upcoming hurricane season, you are called to be vigilant in your task as Parliamentarian and ensure stable and good governance, by making sure that the interest of the nation, our country, our people is placed above individual interests.
Yes, as a Parliamentarian you have a free mandate, but that does not mean that you are free to do as you wish. You are to act in a responsible manner, one focused on the general interest of the people, you are to exercise that free mandate within the confines of the oath you are about to take.
The parameters stipulated in the oath are i. Integrity, ii. Loyalty, iii. The Rule of Law and iv. The general interest of the people of St. Maarten.
You have to defend the people of Sint Maarten wholeheartedly and unconditionally ensuring stability and prosperity, promoting stable governance, you have to commit to the well-being of the people of St. Maarten.
And mind you this applies whether you are in opposition or part of the majority supporting Government.
In closing, I leave you with a quote attributed to the American educator, author, businessman and speaker Stephen R. Covey.
“We are free to choose our actions, but we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” End quote.

Members of Parliament-Elect, congratulations to you and God bless you and your families and God bless St. Maarten.