PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Department of Interior and Kingdom Relations (BAK) presented a thorough overview to the Council of Ministers, Secretaries General, and ministers' chiefs of staff on Friday, May 17, 2024.
The session delved into various key aspects, elucidating their respective roles, interactions with Kingdom entities, donor engagements, and European Development Fund (EDF) initiatives.
Furthermore, insights were shared on the evolution of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), originally stemming from the Millennium Development Goals, along with highlighting the alignment between the National Development Vision (NDV) and the SDGs.
In a subsequent presentation, BAK provided an update on Country Packages in the presence of members from the Temporary Work Organization (TWO). This segment detailed operational methodologies, reporting procedures, and the integration with the NDV.
Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina commented, "This briefing underscores our commitment to effective governance and sustainable development. The collaboration between BAK and relevant stakeholders exemplifies our dedication to advancing our nation's agenda in alignment with global goals.
“Our current needs in addressing poverty, education, and welfare are critical, but we need all pillars to work together. Collaboration on every level to overcome these challenges is essential.
“Our starting position is one unbalanced due to existing social disparities among our people, and these current issues must be addressed to achieve our national vision.
“Through united efforts, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all."

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  Throughout the preceding week, the Council of Ministers (CoM) intensified its R.I.S.E. Onboarding Program - Leadership Excellence, through Relationship Building, Insights, Skills, and Empowerment -, offering ministers vital insights into internal operations.
These ongoing sessions aim to equip ministers with the necessary knowledge to tackle the complexities within their ministries effectively.
Individual ministers engaged in visits to their respective ministries, acquainting themselves with management teams and reviewing transition documents outlining ongoing matters and internal challenges.

Preceding these visits, Personnel & Organization (P&O) provided an overview of the government structure and operations as per the ‘Landsverordening Inrichting and Organisatie Landsoverheid’ (LIOL). This included clarifying the division of responsibilities among ministers, cabinet staff, and ministry secretaries-general, alongside discussions on core values, strategic competencies, and current obstacles.
Dr. Luc Mercelina, the Honorable Prime Minister, emphasized, "The dedication of our ministers to this onboarding process underscores our commitment to effective governance. It is through such initiatives that we strengthen our capacity to serve our nation."
Further sessions throughout the week covered human resource matters, communication strategies, financial management, and digital transformation initiatives.
The Ministry of Finance provided critical insights into budgetary processes, financial strategies, and key procedures like procurement and AO-IC (Administrative Organization and Internal Control). SOAB offered guidance on financial audit assessments, striving for an unqualified audit opinion to ensure robust financial management.
ICT's presentation on the Digital Government Transformation Project highlighted efforts to enhance service delivery and system resilience, supported by the Sint Maarten Recovery, Reconstruction, and Resilience Trust Fund managed by the World Bank.
Dr. Mercelina remarked, "These endeavors reflect our determination to modernize governance and enhance service delivery for the benefit of our citizens and businesses."
As CoM transitions into the next phase, the focus will shift toward Kingdom Affairs, Foreign Relations, Trust Fund projects administered by the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB), and preparations for the impending hurricane season.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Council of Ministers (CoM) convened with press representatives on Friday, May 17, 2024, to discuss enhancements to the current Council of Ministers Press Briefing format.
After introducing the Cabinet members, who have been in office for two weeks, an informal session was held to outline the future approach to press communications, encompassing press conferences, statements, and releases.
During the meeting, various agreements were reached, with some feedback from the press requiring further deliberation and decision-making by the Council of Ministers.
A significant outcome was the decision to review the media accreditation policy. Attendees of the briefings will be invited to offer suggestions for improvement, forming the basis for collaborative discussions.
Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina underscored the media's vital role in nation-building, emphasizing its contribution to keeping the public informed and engaged, thereby fostering hope in the country's emerging democracy.
Regular meetings with the media will be scheduled to maintain ongoing dialogue and collaboration. The first Council of Ministers Press Briefing is slated for Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
Recognizing the pivotal role of a robust and independent press in informing the public, these efforts aim to enhance communication, rebuild trust, and hope, and ensure citizens are well-informed about their leaders' initiatives and progress.

~Exciting Opportunity for Women entrepreneurs based in the USA and Caribbean~

PHILIPSBURG:---  The U.S. Consulate General Curacao and Islandpreneur are thrilled to announce the opening of applications for the highly anticipated Islandpreneur POWER Fest, a groundbreaking Women's Economic Empowerment Conference. This transformative event will take place from June 27-29 at the scenic Simpson Bay Beach Resort in Sint Maarten.
Islandpreneur POWER Fest is not just another conference; it's a unique gathering designed to celebrate and elevate women entrepreneurs from the Dutch Caribbean and the United States. This summit, part of the esteemed U.S. State Department's POWER program (Providing Opportunities for Women’s Economic Rise), is dedicated to empowering women with the tools and networks necessary for economic innovation and sustainable growth.
Under the inspiring theme "Global Access Granted," participants will delve into actionable strategies to expand their businesses across various markets, including the Dutch Caribbean and the USA. Esteemed experts will provide invaluable insights into securing finance, leveraging technology, building networks, accessing new markets, and thriving in the digital economy. This conference is a golden opportunity for attendees to enhance their global reach and drive international trade.
One of the core highlights of Islandpreneur POWER Fest is the facilitation of business matching, which promises to open new market opportunities and bolster foreign trade. This exclusive, application-only event ensures that attendees will be among the top-tier of women entrepreneurs, fostering a collaborative environment ripe for growth and innovation.
Approximately 40 participants will be selected to attend this prestigious event. The application process is open now through May 31. Selected participants will be notified during the first week of June. Don't miss this chance to be part of an event that could transform your business trajectory.
To apply, visit https://ipfest.co/2024. For more information, contact the team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via WhatsApp at +1-721-520-0033. Stay updated by following the U.S. Consulate and Islandpreneur on social media: https://www.facebook.com/curacao.usconsulate and https://www.facebook.com/iamislandpreneur.