Oranjestad:--- Sint Eustatius’ budget for 2025 has been adopted on time, and shows a surplus by means of which unexpected setbacks may be absorbed. Financial management still requires attention. The CFT requested the Public Entity to provide a better insight into the budget and spoke with the Executive Council about the steps that must be taken in order to achieve an unqualified audit opinion as soon as possible.

Budget for 2024 and 2025
The budget for 2025 was adopted on October 31st, 2024. The Cft observed that its recommendations regarding the draft budget for 2025 have been implemented for the most part, and forwarded the budget to the Secretary of State for the Interior and Kingdom Relations for approval. With the estimated surplus of USD 2.1 million in 2024, at current the Public Entity is on track to meet its obligation to compensate the 2023 deficit. Also for 2025 a surplus has been estimated (USD 1.9 million).

Financial management
Sint Eustatius is working on the improvement of financial management. Regarding the annual accounts for 2023, the external auditor again stated they refrain from issuing an opinion. Despite this assessment, the auditor, as well as the CFT, do observe an improvement of financial management. Internal control is an important point of attention. The CFT spoke with the Executive Council about the steps that must be taken in order to achieve an unqualified audit opinion as soon as possible.

Climate and energy
The Cft delegation attended Statia Day and visited the STUCO solar park. The delegation also visited the Sint Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA).

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Justice Lyndon Lewis addressed the media and the public on Wednesday at the Council of Ministers press briefing outlining some of his achievements during his tenure as Minister. Below is the full address.

Today marks a pivotal moment as I stand before you for the final time as your Minister of Justice for a press briefing. Reflecting on my tenure,
though brief, it has been a period of intense and impactful service, during which we have pursued comprehensive reforms and initiatives
aimed at enhancing the efficacy and integrity of our justice system. I came in with a determination to see justice for our justice workers who
have long awaited the appropriate compensation for their work. I encountered a lot of inconsistency, and I am proud that we were able to
push all stakeholders involved and accomplish  LBs during my tenure. Currently, Batch 11 is being distributed, and I hope that Batch 12
can also come back from the governor and be distributed in the remaining period.
Furthermore, in partnership with the Coast Guard, we have successfully finalized agreements with CCSU to adjust and increase the salaries of
our brave officers, incorporating a 3.2% indexation. This not only boosts morale but also ensures that our security forces are rewarded for their
unwavering dedication.
The National Detective’s Department has achieved a significant milestone, as we have strengthened the foundation of our force with the
successful swearing-in of all personnel, a gesture underscoring our commitment to accountability and duty.
Another necessity has been the need for resources across all departments. Unfortunately, we faced budget constraints across all ministries. However, we were able to increase our capabilities with the acquisition of three new service vehicles for the National detective, ensuring our teams are equipped to respond with the agility and
efficiency that justice demands. On the front lines of public safety, significant strides have been made under my leadership to enhance the
operational capabilities and responsiveness of the St. Maarten Police Force (KPSM). Recognizing a critical need, we secured funding through the capital expenditures budget to acquire additional vehicles for the KPSM; This initiative was designed to address the shortage caused by wear and tear on the existing fleet, thereby increasing police visibility and strengthening public safety efforts across the island.
I have aimed for more collaborative efforts with our French counterparts, taken decisive actions to combat crime, and provided KPSM with the necessary mandate to address gun violence on the island. Furthermore, I have empowered KPSM by providing them with the support and manpower needed to tackle the crime 

challenges our island faces effectively. Our proactive engagement with the community during the disturbances in the Dutch Quarter is one such example. During tenure, we have taken a comprehensive approach to crime aimed at increasing visibility, increasing patrol, and using technology to identify hot spots.
Our most important initiative, however, has been the Agreement to Launch Phase 2 of the New Prison Project with UNOPS. This project isn’t just about constructing a new facility; it's about rethinking and reshaping our approach to correction and rehabilitation. This state-of the-  art correctional facility, aligned with the highest international standards, addresses the acute challenges posed by our current infrastructure. It embodies our commitment to a humane, efficient, and
modern correctional environment. The overwhelmingly positive reception from all stakeholders has confirmed we are on the right path.
Regarding immigration, when I assumed office, I encountered a significant backlog of cases, neglect of humanitarian concerns, and inconsistent application of policies. I prioritized improving the admissions and residence processes, especially focusing on granting residence permits to individuals born here and those who have resided on the island for many years. Additionally, I tackled emerging challenges by ensuring our immigration policies aligned with both our national security priorities and our humanitarian obligations. This focus was clearly integrated into our broader immigration policy framework.
We engaged in meaningful discussions across different sectors of immigration to push these changes forward. Although our ambitious goals sometimes strained our operational capabilities, they underscored the dedication and adaptability of our Immigration and Border Protection Services staff in crafting impactful and progressive solutions.
Furthermore, we strengthened our collaborative frameworks with kingdom partners through the (JVO), enhancing information sharing and operational coordination. This comprehensive approach to immigration aimed not only to streamline procedures but also to reaffirm our commitment to being a welcoming, secure, and just nation.
As we move forward, the groundwork laid in these areas is crucial for the continued prosperity and security of St. Maarten. The initiatives we have introduced serve not only our current needs but also prepare us for future challenges and opportunities in the evolving global landscape.
As I conclude my tenure, I am confident in the foundation we have built for a more just, secure, and responsive justice system. The progress we have made is not just a reflection of my vision but of our collective commitment to the principles of justice and equity. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served and look forward to seeing the seeds we have planted bear fruit in the capable hands of the future.
Thank you for your trust, support, and collaboration. Let us continue to strive for a community where justice prevails, peace is cherished, and our people can thrive in safety and dignity.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Wednesday, November 20th is World Children’s Day.

World Children’s Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children's Day and is celebrated on 20 November each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare.

November 20th is an important date as it is the date in 1959 when the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. It is also the date in 1989 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Since 1990, World Children's Day also marks the anniversary of the date that the UN General Assembly adopted both the Declaration and the Convention on children's rights.

Mothers and fathers, teachers, nurses and doctors, government leaders and civil society activists, religious and community elders, corporate moguls and media professionals, as well as young people and children themselves, can play an important part in making World Children's Day relevant for their societies, communities and nations.

World Children's Day offers each of us an inspirational entry-point to advocate, promote and celebrate children's rights, translating into dialogues and actions that will build a better world for children.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) says health is an area that every child has a right too, to survive and thrive.

According to UNICEF, tremendous progress in child and maternal health has been achieved over the past decades. “More children today live to celebrate their fifth birthday, while fewer women lose their lives during pregnancy and childbirth.

“But millions are still dying from causes that can be prevented with quality health care and strong health systems – like communicable and non-communicable diseases, mental health conditions, injuries, malnutrition and environmental hazards.

“Within and among countries, stark inequities persist when it comes to accessing live-saving care. Women and children living in poverty or with a disability are especially likely to be cut off from the services they need to survive and thrive. And for those suffering through violent conflicts, natural disasters and other humanitarian emergencies, the risk of disease and malnutrition soars.

“Through it all, demographic changes threaten to strain global health systems. As fertility rates drop and life expectancies rise, income growth is also shifting young people into wealthier – but not necessarily healthier – environments. The next generation of children will live in an older, more urban world, with more people dependent on those in the workforce as public health emergencies and climate crises accelerate.”

World Children’s Day is the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF’s) global day of action for children, by children, marking the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Child rights are human rights. They are non-negotiable and universal. Upholding children’s rights is the compass to a better world – today, tomorrow and into the future.

By listening to children, we can fulfil their right to self-expression, understand their ideas for a better world and include their priorities in our actions today.

Cayman Islands, November 20, 2024. The Government of Panama received US$26.7 million from CCRIF SPC within 14 days of a rainfall event that affected that country during October 31 to November 4, 2024. According to reports, this event resulted in landslides, flooding, fallen trees, the collapse of some bridges and loss of crops in some areas. Some 1,500 people were negatively affected, and 11 persons have lost their lives due to heavy rains this month. CCRIF sends its deepest sympathies to those impacted as well as to the families and friends of those who lost loved ones.

Mr. Francisco Álvarez, Director at the Directorate of Investments, Concessions and State Risks (DICRE), explained that the CCRIF coverage is part of the national strategy to protect the country against natural disasters. This strategy, backed by a cabinet resolution, includes disaster risk financing tools for both risk transfer and risk retention to financially protect the country’s economy. In addition to its CCRIF parametric insurance policies, the Government also has contingent credit lines from the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. Panama has two CCRIF policies for excess rainfall and one policy for earthquakes.

Mr. Álvarez stated, “Parametric insurance allows the State to respond quickly to emergencies caused by phenomena such as excess rainfall, mitigating their fiscal and social impact.”

CCRIF is able to provide payouts within 14 days because its parametric insurance policies make payments based on the intensity of a natural hazard event (for example, volume of rainfall), the exposure or assets affected by the event, and the amount of loss caused by the event, calculated in a pre-agreed model. Thus, CCRIF does not need to wait for countries to make claims based on an on-the-ground assessment of loss and damage and can disburse funds quickly to members if their policies are triggered.

Climate change is causing the increasing frequency, intensity and unpredictability of hydrometeorological events, which is resulting in widespread social and economic impacts. Speaking from COP 29 (the 29th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) in Baku, Azerbaijan, CCRIF CEO, Mr. Isaac Anthony, reiterated the role of CCRIF and its parametric insurance products as a loss and damage strategy and indicated that, “Whilst countries implement several climate adaptation strategies to enable them to better cope with climate-related events, there is also loss and damage as a result of climate change that they must contend with. Loss and damage refers to those negative effects that occur even after current adaptation efforts. A key disaster risk financing instrument for addressing loss and damage is parametric insurance”. He continued by saying that, “Parametric insurance covers more than physical damage; it also covers economic exposure, thereby helping governments so they do not need to halt social and development programmes to address immediate needs post disaster”.

In the last five years, CCRIF members have been routinely ceding over US$1 billion in insurance coverage to CCRIF. For policy year 2024/25, total coverage purchased by CCRIF members increased by 10 per cent over the previous policy year.

In 2020, following Hurricane Eta, the Government of Panama received a payout of US$2.7 million from CCRIF and used this payout to, among other things, provide humanitarian aid to affected persons and communities; repair access roads to communities affected by landslides; and provide assistance to farmers who lost their crops as a result of flooding. Parametric insurance is not designed to cover all the losses following a natural disaster, but it plays a key role in closing the liquidity gap by providing governments with access to financial resources to respond to the immediate needs brought about by the disaster.

These two payments to the Government of Panama, brings to 13 the number of payouts that CCRIF has made this policy year, which started on June 1, 2024. CCRIF made a payout of US$6.4 million to the Government of Guatemala following a rainfall event in June and 10 payouts totalling US$84.5 million following Hurricane Beryl.

Since it opened its doors in 2007, CCRIF has made 75 payouts totalling US$358.5 million. The payouts to Panama will bring these figures to 77 payouts, totalling US$385.2 million.

Today CCRIF offers 6 parametric insurance products – for tropical cyclones, excess rainfall, and earthquakes, and for the energy and water utility sectors and the fisheries sector. The Facility has 30 members – 19 Caribbean governments, 4 Central American governments, 3 electric utility companies, 3 water utility companies and 1 tourist attraction, illustrating that it is able to provide bespoke parametric insurance solutions for multiple perils as well as social and economic sectors that are likely to be negatively impacted by climate change.