PHILIPSBURG:--- Meet Greta Rodney-Thompson, a passionate St. Martin teacher, cultural preservationist, and aspiring social entrepreneur who has generously donated her newly published children’s book, The Johnny Cake Delivery, to the Sint Maarten Library and the wider community.

The Johnny Cake Delivery is a vibrant and engaging educational picture book that introduces young readers to the unique blend of French and Dutch cultures found on the island of St. Martin. Through colorful illustrations and an inspiring narrative, the story integrates important lessons in mathematics, language, and community values.

The concept of the book began as a tribute to Rodney-Thompson’s great-grandmother. However, it soon evolved into a heartwarming family project that celebrates legacy, heritage, and togetherness. The story opens with the familiar phrase, “Mama’s making Johnny Cakes,” a line that resonates deeply with many on the island. This nostalgic nod sets the stage for a delightful tale that highlights the importance of family, sharing, and social-emotional learning.

As the young protagonist delivers his favorite treat—johnnycakes—through his community, he engages in practical learning by practicing subtraction, using number words, and recognizing iconic landmarks that shape the geography and culture of St. Martin. The book is both educational and entertaining, offering early learners a rich experience that fosters cultural appreciation and academic development.

Rodney-Thompson dedicated her donated copy with the hope that her work will support the Sint Maarten Library’s mission to nurture a more literature-loving community.  S. Richardson gratefully accepted the donation on behalf of the Sint Maarten Library, which remains committed to promoting a love for reading and lifelong learning.

The book will soon be available to the public and represents a valuable addition to the library’s collection, particularly in the areas of education and cultural preservation. Through its diverse programming and inclusive initiatives, the library continues to be a cornerstone for education and cultural enrichment on the island.

PHILIPSBURG:---  On May 1^st, 2025, the Law Enforcement Council (the Council) presented its State of Law Enforcement (the State) for the year 2024 directly to both the Minister of Justice and the Parliament of Sint Maarten. In its State, the Council broadly describes the developments in law enforcement and the findings that go beyond individual inspections. The focus of the last State (2023) was on judicial cooperation between the countries. In addition to cooperation, the 2024 State focuses on local circumstances, including juvenile delinquency, (cross-border) issues, and their consequences for law enforcement, the entire justice chain, and society as a whole. In this State, the Council again emphasises that a repressive approach alone is insufficient. A well-functioning integrated (cross-ministry and/or country-transcending) chain approach is necessary. The Council points out that the time has come for a long-term vision that is future-proof and supported by effective joint action(s).

 Need for an integrated chain approach

For years, the Council has pointed out that law enforcement in Sint Maarten - a small, vulnerable society due to factors such as its location in the hurricane belt and its uniqueness of having two countries on one island territory - is and remains vulnerable. This is due to a lack of or limited availability of essential resources, such as material, human, and financial resources. This reality requires that the available scarce resources be used efficiently and responsibly.

The need for a broader perspective in the approach to local and cross-border issues is becoming increasingly evident. The Council, therefore, argues in this State for an integrated chain approach, which goes beyond just the judicial law enforcement chain. In the State, the Council describes four pillars that are of great importance for an integrated approach to various issues within law enforcement. These are: prevention (awareness and prevention), approach (management and capacity), cooperation (the need to work together), and protection (human security, resilience, and independent institutions).

However, this requires cooperation from a well-functioning integrated (where possible cross-ministry and/or country-transcending) chain approach. The Council notes that, in particular, more cooperation within and between the countries is too often a (partially) untapped potential solution. A good example of where cooperation between the countries has led to good results is the police cooperation between the countries.

Juvenile delinquency in Sint Maarten

Juvenile delinquency is a subject that has been a matter of concern in Sint Maarten for many years. For years, several studies by the Council and other organizations and agencies have outlined a situation in which young people are increasingly committing more serious offences at an increasingly younger age. The Council and other organisations note that these negative trends are increasing. In the State, the Council elaborates on various causes and consequences and the need for an integrated approach to youth issues.

Human security

The Council also calls attention to human security in the State. For law enforcement in Sint Maarten, more attention is needed from a human security perspective for investments in the quality and quantity of personnel working in the judicial chain, which will contribute to the strengthening of the various institutions. Within a well-functioning democratic rule of law and, particularly the judicial chain, there should be attention to the resilience of organisations and the physical and mental protection of the persons working within (public and justice) organisations and citizens in general. The independent institutions are also indispensable.

Ensuring that the legal status, remuneration and working conditions of justice personnel is up to standard is an important (preventive) factor in the fight against corruption as is the physical and mental well-being of personnel. Such (structural) improvements also lead to greater public confidence in the government and strengthen the credibility of justice organisations locally, regionally and internationally.

Cooperation between the countries

The Council also discusses two forms of cooperation between the countries within the Kingdom that received specific attention in 2024. This concerns regional police cooperation and forensic care. Both forms of cooperation lead to improvements in the performance of tasks and the quality of management of the organisation involved and the chain as a whole. The Council notes that as far as regional police cooperation is concerned, the many years of intensive efforts to achieve effective cooperation have reaped its benefits. Cooperation has also been sought with regard to forensic care. However, the Council notes that the results of this are still difficult to measure. In practice, this cooperation still requires the necessary attention.

In conclusion

In recent years, the Council has drawn attention to the responsibilities of Parliament and the Minister of Justice. This is due to the fact that, for years, the reports of the Council on Sint Maarten have not or not consistently been presented to Parliament with a response in accordance with the Kingdom Act Law Enforcement Council. This was still the case in 2024. The Council once again reiterates the responsibilities of each and everyone in this regard.

In 2024, the Council also once again notes that personnel within the justice chain continue to work hard every day for a safer society and expresses its gratitude for this.

The States of Law Enforcement Sint Maarten 2024 (available in Dutch and English with infographic), Caribbean Netherlands 2024 and Curaçao 2024 and all other publications of the Council are available digitally on the Council’s new website: https://www.raadrh.com/

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) celebrated its 61st Commencement ceremonies on May 15, 2025, on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix and May 16, 2025, on the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas. Jubilant crowds of family members, alumni, supporters and dignitaries honored an accomplished graduating class of 288 students across UVI’s six schools and colleges and celebrated a series of institutional milestones. 

In addition to marking the first commencement exercises presided over by UVI President Dr. Safiya George, who assumed office in August 2024, the ceremonies recognized the accomplishments of a diverse and dynamic graduating class, including historic program milestones, military commissions, and the conferral of prestigious honorary degrees. 

In her passionate welcome address, Dr. George highlighted the strengths of the graduating class saying, “I am confident that the resilient, eminent, revolutionary... limitless, innovative and tenacious Class of 2025 is going to go out in the world and do big bold things and also make small impactful, meaningful moves as well.” She added, “Graduates, you are the next generation of leaders at the nexus between educational preparation and implementation for greater impact and economic development right here at home.”  

Chair of the UVI Board of Trustees Henry C. Smock also reflected on the significance of the event and the impressive achievements of the Class of 2025. “The Board of Trustees is keenly aware that many of you were employed full-time, part-time, maintain households, raise children, all while attending UVI. And that’s something many of us on this stage would find extremely difficult to accomplish,” he said. “Your tenacity and commitment have served you well in the attainment of your goals.” 

Acting Governor of the Virgin Islands Tregenza Roach, a UVI alumnus and former faculty member, congratulated graduates with an inspirational message paying tribute to the heroes of the Virgin Islands. He shared stories of Virgin Islanders who contributed to the progress of the African Diaspora, reminding graduates that they are stepping into a legacy of greatness. “You stand on the shoulders of these incredible and awesome people and we are excited and hopeful for where you will take us in the future,” he stated. 

A highlight of both ceremonies was the keynote address delivered by Hill Harper, award-winning actor, best-selling author, and humanitarian, who was awarded an honorary doctorate during the ceremony. Celebrated for his roles in award-winning television series and his passionate advocacy for youth empowerment, health equity and education, Harper shared a message of purpose, legacy, and collective responsibility. He reminded the Class of 2025 that they are living answers to ancestral prayers and challenged them to lead with energy, courage, and compassion to help move what is stuck in the world, leaving behind their own lasting fingerprints of change. 

“You are magnificent, you are brilliant, and you are unstoppable, so remember you have to believe, and you have to show up with the level of energy that’s required to change something, and that energy has to be enthusiastic, it has to be positive, and finally, you have to forgive. As soon as you forgive, you go back to believing something new,” Harper exhorted. 

UVI also conferred Doctor of Humane Letters degrees on Brigadier General Deborah Y. Francis Howell and Brigadier General Sally F. Petty, two Virgin Islanders who broke barriers in military leadership. Both honorees were recognized for their decades of service, leadership, advocacy, and mentorship within the armed forces. 

The 2025 ceremonies marked the graduation of UVI’s inaugural cohort of students from the University’s Executive MBA program, a globally focused curriculum designed for experienced professionals. The five-member class, comprised of USVI and regional business leaders, included Kim Jerome, Sana Joseph Smith, Candace Warner Shoy, Kenneth Alleyne, and Edidiong Utibe. 

Representing another first for the institution, Edna Alfred and Zavira Wilson became the first two graduates of UVI’s new Associate of Science in Horticulture program, which integrates agricultural science, sustainability, and economic development across the Virgin Islands.  

Ten students were awarded the Ph.D. in Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change, representing the highest level of academic achievement at UVI. Among them were Dr. Gary Molloy, Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Labor, and his wife, Dr. Christa-Ann Molloy, a longtime educator — underscoring a shared commitment to public service and academic excellence. 

La’Monee Morris, former Miss UVI, and Jhaleek Christian graduated from UVI’s ROTC program and received military commissions. Both were celebrated for their leadership, dedication, and future service to the nation. 

Kyra Edwards, 2024 White House HBCU Scholar, delivered the class address on St. Croix, emphasizing growth through adversity and the power of perseverance. She encouraged her classmates to pause and appreciate how far they’ve come: “Here’s to the seeds we planted, to the storms we endured, to the gardens we have grown, to the lessons we have learned, and to the brilliant, blooming futures ahead of us. Let us bask in the pride of our win and savor the fragrance of our victory.” 

On St. Thomas, Joleen Buchanan, addressed her peers with reflections on perseverance and self-belief. “We started this journey with uncertainty and somehow we still made it here. Uncertainty will always be there. We don’t run from it,” she said. In the face of uncertainty, she urged graduates to “Take risks, ask questions, make mistakes and still show up.” 

The ceremonies also honored the fiftieth anniversary of the Class of 1975, recognized the dedication of UVI faculty and staff, and showcased the musical talents of UVI students who performed throughout the events setting a celebratory tone. 

To watch the recorded events, view the booklet and read student success stories, visit www.uvi.edu. 

For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) reminds all business owners and employers across Sint Maarten that when it comes to closing a business or dismissing of employees, fair and lawful processes must always be observed, especially in today’s evolving economic environment.

Minister of VSA, Hon. Richinel Brug, stated, “We understand that business decisions such as restructuring, downsizing, or full closure, are sometimes unavoidable. However, those decisions must respect the rights of all workers, both permanent and temporary.

Clarifying the Legal Process

While not every business closure requires formal notification to the Ministry, certain conditions, particularly those involving mass dismissals, do. In such cases, employers must notify and seek permission from the Secretary General of the Ministry of VSA, in accordance with the Dismissal Ordinance and established guidelines.

However, when terminations are settled mutually between the employer and employees, honoring legal entitlements, formal notification is not legally required. Still, both parties are encouraged to consult the Division of Labor Affairs for guidance, to avoid disputes or misunderstandings. Parties are also encouraged to establish such agreements in writing to prevent possible future claims by either party.

Key Considerations for Employers

Regardless of the type of employment contract, all employees have rights that must be respected during termination, including but not limited to:

• Payout of unused accrued vacation days, in accordance with the established legal requirements.

• Compensation equivalent to the salary over the legally established notice period, in case of e.g. premature termination without observing the aforementioned notice period.
• Possible compensation for years of service (also known as severance/ cessantia), when the termination is due to no fault of the employee

Employers are also encouraged to explore mutual termination agreements, which can be beneficial for both parties when handled transparently and respectfully.

Support for Employers and Workers

The Ministry, through the Division of Labor Affairs, offers free support to both employers and employees navigating termination or closure scenarios. Whether it’s legal clarification, best practices for termination, or help transitioning workers into new roles, the Ministry remains a resource for the community.

Minister Brug added, “Even when legal requirements are unclear, it is wise to seek advice. A single misstep can have long-lasting effects on both employers and workers. We are here to help ensure those steps are taken correctly and fairly.”

Moving Forward Together

In closing, Minister Brug calls on all businesses to act with integrity and care. “Our workforce is the foundation of our economy. By treating every employee with fairness and dignity, we ensure a stronger, more resilient Sint Maarten for all.”