PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Justice is pleased to recognize the selection of Police Officer Richardson of the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) to participate in the IACP/UAE Ministry of Interior Police Academy Exchange Program in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Officer Richardson departed Sint Maarten on September 10, 2026, to begin a six-month international training program at the Abu Dhabi Police College. The program is conducted in collaboration with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Interior (MOI).

The program combines academic studies, physical fitness, practical exercises, discipline, and other aspects of professional police training within an academy environment. Through this experience, participating officers can further develop their knowledge, skills, and professional capabilities while gaining exposure to international policing practices.

Officer Richardson is the second KPSM officer to participate in the program, following Officer Martina, who successfully completed the previous training period. The continued participation of Sint Maarten officers provides valuable opportunities for international exposure, knowledge exchange, and professional development within KPSM.

Minister Tackling highlighted the broader value of investing in opportunities that strengthen the people working within Sint Maarten’s justice system.

International training opportunities such as this are an investment not only in the individual officer, but also in the wider organization and the community it serves. Officers return with new knowledge, experiences, and perspectives that contribute to KPSM's continued professional development.

The Ministry of Justice remains committed to supporting opportunities that strengthen the capacity and professional development of Justice personnel. These international exchanges also strengthen cooperation with law enforcement partners beyond Sint Maarten.

Minister Tackling and Chief of Police Carl John, wish Officer Richardson every success during his six-month training in Abu Dhabi and looks forward to the knowledge and experience he will bring back to KPSM and Sint Maarten upon completion of the program.

WILLEMSTAD: ---- Over the next three weeks, 184 Dutch soldiers from the Royal Netherlands Army are training in Curaçao and Aruba as part of the annual 'Caribbean Engineer' exercise. Personnel from the 103 Construction Company (part of the 101 Engineer Battalion) are honing their technical skills in tropical conditions and carrying out various tasks on Ministry of Defense sites and for the local community.

For the combat engineers, this annual exercise offers an opportunity to practice their competence under challenging climatic conditions.

Work in Curaçao

During the exercise, the soldiers are working on a variety of technical projects. In Curaçao, they are expanding the vehicle shelter at Naval Base Parera. They are also leveling parking areas at the Brakkeput Watersports Association and improving the two main roads at the Wacawa training grounds. Additionally, the soldiers are installing solar panels on the roof of Forward Operating Base Maduro, also located at Wacawa.

Part of the exercise also benefits the local community. The soldiers are carrying out various tasks at the Betesda care and treatment center for the elderly, such as replacing sanitary fixtures and light fittings and upgrading electrical systems.

Work in Aruba

In Aruba, operating from the Savaneta Marine Barracks, the combat engineers are carrying out various tasks at the training village to optimize the training facilities.

The soldiers are using a range of heavy machinery for these tasks; over the coming weeks, they will operate shovels, trucks, excavators, cranes, bulldozers, and vibratory rollers. This equipment allows them to carry out extensive operations.

The 'Caribbean Engineer' exercise enables the combat engineers to maintain their technical proficiency. At the same time, their activities contribute to defense sites, training facilities, and the local community.

Partnership Strengthens Seven-Year Initiative Supporting Vulnerable Students at Marie Genevieve de Weever School

PHILIPSBURG:---  Brooks & Associates has become the first corporate sponsor of the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset’s Breakfast Programme, strengthening an initiative that has provided meals to students of the Marie Genevieve de Weever School for the past seven years.

The programme provides breakfast to vulnerable students identified by the school’s Care Team as children who would benefit from the additional support. The selection process aims to ensure students can begin the school day nourished, focused, and prepared to learn, while protecting their privacy and dignity.

The new partnership was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at the Brooks & Associates office for the continuation of the Breakfast Programme during the 2026–2027 school year.

Present at the signing were Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset President Jade Maccow, Brooks & Associates Senior Attorney Brenda Brooks, and Marie Genevieve de Weever School Manager Larisa Theodore.

Brooks & Associates supports initiatives centered on education, sports and youth development. For Brooks, the decision to support the Breakfast Programme also carries a personal connection to her own primary school experience.

“I remember looking forward to receiving my sandwich and milk at school, and every so often we would get the Pink Nesquik. Those simple moments of care stayed with me, and today it is meaningful to help create those moments for another generation. Investing in our young people is investing in the future of our community,” Brooks said.

The law firm has committed to supporting the programme throughout the current school year and into the future. The long-term commitment is expected to strengthen the sustainability of an initiative that has served Marie Genevieve de Weever School students for seven years.

For the school, the programme provides important assistance to participating students and their families.

School Manager Larisa Theodore said proper nourishment plays a vital role in preparing children for a productive day in the classroom.

“A well-nourished child is a child ready to learn. This generous donation helps ensure that our students at MGDW can start their school day focused, energized, and ready to succeed!” Theodore said.

Rotary Sunset President Jade Maccow described the law firm’s involvement as an important milestone in the programme’s seven-year history.

“For seven years, we have worked to ensure that hunger does not become a barrier to a child’s education. Having Brooks & Associates join us as our first corporate sponsor gives that mission new strength. Every breakfast served is an investment in a child’s ability to learn, grow, and reach their full potential,” Maccow said.

The partnership brings together the private sector, a service organization, and the school around children's needs. While each breakfast addresses an immediate nutritional need, the broader objective is to help students learn, develop, and prepare to contribute to the community.

The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset expressed its appreciation to Brenda Brooks and the entire Brooks & Associates team for becoming the programme’s first corporate sponsor and committing to the children of Marie Genevieve de Weever School.

The club also thanked the school, its Care Team and School Manager Larisa Theodore for continuing to welcome the programme and for their partnership throughout the past seven years.

The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset meets on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at Carl N Son’s in Cole Bay. Guests and prospective members are welcome.

Persons seeking information about the club, its service projects, partnership opportunities, or membership can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also reach the club at +1 721-581-9878 or at its office at Orange Grove Road #20, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten.

ORANJESTAD, ARUBA:---  The Ombudsman, Ms. Jurima Bryson, LL.M., recently submitted the 2024 Annual Report to the President of the Parliament of Aruba. The Annual Report provides insight into the Ombudsman Bureau's development during the institution’s first year. 

On July 8^th, 2024, the Parliament of Aruba appointed Ms. Bryson as Aruba's first Ombudsman. She was officially sworn in on October 1^st, 2024.

In 2024, the Bureau built its organizational and administrative foundation. Additionally, the Bureau developed a complaints procedure and began preparing to implement several digital systems to provide accessible service to the community. 

As 2024 was a start-up year, the Ombudsman Bureau was not yet operational for the formal handling of complaints. From 2025 onward, the focus shifted to fulfilling its statutory duties, furthering professionalization, and enhancing the Ombudsman's visibility. 

The Annual Report for 2024 is available on the Ombudsman website: https://ombudsman.aw/en/annual-reports/