As of 1 September 2025, Stichting WeConnect will have a new Programme Manager. Pam Evertsz will succeed the current Programme Manager, Tanja Fraai. The board, Tanja Fraai, and the WeConnect team are very pleased with the outcome of the recruitment process, in which a number of excellent candidates came forward. “With the arrival of Pam Evertsz, the foundation once again gains a driven and connecting Programme Manager who will professionally take on the daily leadership of our team of talented young Caribbean professionals and all our well-known and trusted activities,” said Chair Gilbert Isabella. Pam Evertsz is no stranger to WeConnect and is currently involved in the foundation’s activities as the project leader of the aviation internship programme Cari-Aire. This pilot internship programme is being implemented by WeConnect in 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management. She has been highly proactive in launching and executing this project in a short timeframe. In the coming year, we will be able to share the first successes. Previously, Pam worked as Programme Manager of TOP Bonaire, and as Senior Advisor for Business Operations at the National Office for the Caribbean Netherlands on Bonaire. In these roles, she proved herself to be a strategic and tactical manager with a vision for developing, and capitalising on our Caribbean talent in the European Netherlands — stimulating local labour markets on the islands through this ‘brain gain’. Pam Evertsz: "WeConnect builds bridges by placing trust, connection, and talent development at its core – values that resonate deeply with me as a Caribbean public administrator, programme manager, and community builder. I look forward to continuing to build, together with the team, an organisation that supports, empowers, and gives visibility to Caribbean talent." Tanja Fraai is happy to pass the baton to Pam and has full confidence in a bright, healthy future for WeConnect: "Pam and WeConnect have been connected for years through our shared passion for bringing Caribbean talent back to the islands. In recent months, this collaboration has intensified and proved to be very successful. She knows her way both around the islands and within the ministries in The Hague, which form the (financial) foundation of our organisation. I am confident that under her leadership, WeConnect will take its next step forward." In the coming period, Tanja Fraai will ensure a warm and smooth transition of WeConnect responsibilities to Pam Evertsz.

~ Challenger Jamboree 2025: Where Community, Joy, and Ability Come Together~

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, June 14, the spirit of inclusion and community was fully displayed at the annual St. Maarten Little League Challenger Jamboree. For the second consecutive year, SZV Social & Health Insurances is proud to renew its partnership with the Sint Maarten Little League Association. This collaboration reflects SZV’s ongoing commitment to community inclusion and expanding access to wellness-promoting events. As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, this partnership highlights our dedication to fostering health, wellness, and meaningful engagement within our community.

The event brought together players from the Sister Basilia Center, 721 Kids Foundation, and Special Olympics Foundation for a joyful adaptive softball game that celebrates differently-abled individuals. The players were paired with “buddies,” volunteers from the Little League teams.  The team of the Little League Association, along with volunteers from the Fire Department, VKS cadets, and Police Department cadets, assisted with running, fielding, and cheering the players on. The fun-filled day included not only the adapted game but also lunch for the players and volunteers.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the individual and business contributors whose generosity made a difference, as well as to the Fire Department, Police, and VKS for their invaluable logistical support and presence. Gratitude also goes out to the Little League officials, ground crew, buddies, and volunteers who ensured safety, hydration, organization, and helped create lasting memories with the players.

“The Challenger Jamboree was more than just a sporting event—it was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together to embrace inclusion. Our differently-abled community members thrive when given the opportunity to participate in health and wellness activities. By supporting events like this, we’re not only promoting physical activity—we’re affirming that everyone deserves a place to connect, belong, and shine.” – Charonne Holder, Manager Corporate Communications at SZV.

To stay connected and informed, follow SZV Social & Health Insurances and social media, and join the SZV WhatsApp Channel: SZV Social & Health Insurances.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The third named storm Chantal formed last weekend and brought heavy rain showers to the U.S. states of South and North Carolina. This is a reminder that hurricane season is here and is in full swing.

Households and livestock owners are therefore reminded to also plan for their pets and cattle/goats for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) said on Thursday.  

ODM adds, if you leave your pets behind, they could get injured or lost; therefore, you should have a storm-ready ‘pet/livestock plan’ in place to keep your pet happy and comfortable. Pets are an important member of a household. 

Remember, it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season. Be prepared by having a ‘pet/livestock plan!’ 

Some aspects of your pet/livestock plan should entail, firstly, that a pet/livestock should never be chained outdoors during the passing of a storm/hurricane. Hurricane shelters cannot accept pets/livestock.

  If you plan to leave your home before a hurricane strikes and are not able to take your pets with you, you should put your pet (s) in the safest room and leave adequate water and food for several days.

If you do not want to leave your pet home alone, make alternative arrangements with family or friends, and check with your veterinarian/animal hospital.

Your pet plan and basic survival kit should have the following: food for a minimum of seven days or more; water for seven days or more; medicines/medical record; registration/vaccination documents.

A pet first aid kit (cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape, and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves; and cleaning alcohol for a wound).

Collar or harness with an ID tag and a leash; a crate or pet carrier (e.g., for a cat) in case you need to evacuate your home.

Sanitation: Depending on the type of pet you have, make sure you have sufficient litter, paper towels, plastic trash bags, and household chlorine bleach.

Regarding livestock, ODM is urging livestock owners to review their plans for securing their livestock in the event of a hurricane strike.

Livestock owners should ensure that their animal holding areas and other infrastructure can withstand a hurricane strike.  Any loose material that is currently not in use should be securely fastened in order to avoid damage to property and endangering human lives during the passing of a hurricane.

The following tips should be taken into consideration: Don’t keep your cattle in a barn or stable structure.  This is to prevent injury from flying debris.  If the barn/stable collapses, cattle have no chance to save themselves.  Relocate livestock to a predetermined safe area and ensure that they have access to hay, pasture, clean water, and a safe area or high ground above flood levels.

If you have chicken cages, these should be reinforced.  Medical supplies and a first aid kit should be kept on hand. 

Store drinking water for a number of days.  Also, have an adequate supply of feed.

The community is urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and resources you need on how to prepare your family, home, or business 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.” The information here is also valuable for new residents.

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, chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by going to @SXMGOV 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/

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Department (KPSM) is issuing an urgent appeal to the owners of scooters and motorcycles that have been

impounded due to various infractions, including lack of proper documentation, expired road tax, or absence of valid insurance.

Over the past months, KPSM has intensified its efforts to ensure road safety and compliance with traffic regulations across the island. As a result, a significant number of two-wheeled vehicles have been confiscated and are currently being held at the police impound lot.

Owners are hereby allowed to reclaim their vehicles by presenting the necessary and valid documentation. Failure to do so before July 31^st, 2025, will result in the

Permanent destruction of the impounded scooters and motorcycles.

To reclaim your impounded scooter or motorcycle, owners MUST present the following original and valid documents:

1. Proof of Ownership
2. Valid category A driver’s license (if being ridden from the pound yard)

3. Valid Insurance Policy

4. Valid Road Tax

5. Valid Vehicle Inspection document

Owners are urged to visit the Philipsburg Police Station during regular business hours to inquire

about their impounded scooter or motorcycle and to initiate the retrieval process. Please bring all required documents with you. The Sint Maarten Police Department remains committed to ensuring a safe and compliant road network for all residents and visitors.

KPSM Press Release.