Program Manager Tanja Fraai said goodbye to the WeConnect Foundation on August 28 after more than 12 years. Her team surprised her with a talk show looking back on the history of WeConnect. Tanja herself also took a seat at the table to join the conversation and share memories. Several guests who had worked with Tanja joined the table. Among them were founding chair Paul Comenencia, former secretary Ron van der Veer, current chair Gilbert Isabella, and outgoing Director-General for Kingdom Relations Roald Lapperre. Several staff members of the foundation also addressed her. Young professional Gilberto Morishaw gave a musical tribute with piano and vocals. Their stories highlighted that Tanja is a true connector, with a genuine interest in people. WeConnect Award During the farewell, the board also presented the WeConnect Award to Tanja Fraai. This award was presented for the first time and was created to honor people who make an extraordinary contribution to the Caribbean community. In two years, Tanja will nominate a new candidate for the award to the WeConnect board. The award consists of a small stone sculpture. Since the founding of WeConnect in 2013, Tanja has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to the foundation. Together with Mike Ho-Sam-Sooi, she began organizing activities for Caribbean pupils and students on the islands and in the Netherlands. Over the years, under their leadership, WeConnect grew into a widely respected organization with a vast Caribbean network and activities for pupils on the islands, Caribbean students, and (young) professionals in the Netherlands. Successor As of September 1, Pam Evertsz has started as the new Program Manager. Tanja: “Pam and WeConnect have been connected for years through our shared passion for bringing Caribbean talent back to the islands. She knows her way both on the islands and within the ministries in The Hague, which form the (financial) foundation of our organization. Like me, Pam easily switches between Dutch and Caribbean culture and social norms, and she knows Bonaire in particular inside out. I am fully confident that under her leadership, WeConnect will take the next step.”
Minister TEATT Urges Reconsideration of Airport Work Permit Stance and Calls for Modernized, Unifying Labor Laws.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT), in the role as shareholder representative of the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA), has stated in response to the PJIAE’s announcement on airport access cards and the requirement for a valid legal working status.
Respecting the authority and expertise of the Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) in these matters, the TEATT Minister feels the decision requires an urgent review, and stated, “I cannot stand behind anything that tears our people apart”.
“I am one person, but for generations our people have lived and worked together as one. Our families, our businesses, and the airport ecosystem itself have been built through cross-border cooperation. That spirit of our people will continue to guide us. We are one people, and both our laws and policies should reflect that shared reality,” the Minister stated.
“For more than 100 years, our island has been one community, socially, culturally, and yes, economically. Families, businesses, and livelihoods straddle both sides of the border. A decision that has the potential to tear that apart must be considered with the utmost care, compassion, and long-term thinking,” The Minister explained.
The Minister stressed that while current laws are legally correct, they are not representative of the lived experience of the people of St. Maarten and Saint-Martin. She urged her colleague to review and update the law to one that matches the reality of the island and its people.
“Our nation is its people. The laws must be for the people. We have the chance to make our laws and policies reflect who we are: one island, one people, one future,” the Minister concluded.
PJIAE withdraws controversial letter on French Nationals after political backlash.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) has officially retracted a controversial letter that would have prohibited French nationals from receiving airport access cards, sparking intense political debate and concerns about unity between the Dutch and French sides of the island.
Swift Political Response
The decision to withdraw the letter came after significant pushback from key government officials, most notably Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation, and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten, who expressed both shock and outrage upon learning of PJIAE's initial stance.
"I will not sit on the sidelines when other people within the government organization are busy dividing its people," Heyliger-Marten stated firmly, emphasizing her commitment to maintaining the historical unity that has defined the island for decades.
Treaty of Concordia Takes Center Stage
At the heart of this controversy lies the Treaty of Concordia, a foundational agreement that governs relations between St. Maarten and Saint Martin. Minister Heyliger-Marten was quick to point out that this treaty supersedes any local policy or law, providing a legal framework that supports continued cooperation and unity between both sides of the island.
"The people of St. Maarten have lived as one for decades, and no minister or department head will divide them now," she declared, underscoring the long-standing tradition of cross-border collaboration that has characterized the island's unique political landscape.
Addressing Concerns About Reciprocity
When questioned about the fact that Dutch St. Maarten residents and nationals face restrictions when seeking employment on the French side, Heyliger-Marten provided important context about the differing governmental structures. She explained that the French side operates as a municipality or collectivity under French state authority, giving them different decision-making powers, while St. Maarten functions as a country with its own autonomous authority.
This distinction highlights the complex nature of the island's dual governance system and the challenges that can arise when policies don't align across the border.
High-Level Meeting Scheduled
To address these pressing concerns, the Council of Ministers has scheduled an urgent meeting with Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) Richinel Brug this morning at 9 AM. This meeting aims to resolve the issues surrounding what many are calling "adhoc decisions" that have negatively impacted French nationals working in Sint Maarten.
PJIAE's Official Response
In its official statement, PJIAE emphasized its commitment to transparency and partnership with the Government of Sint Maarten. The airport authority confirmed it will continue issuing security IDs and employing French St. Martin nationals while remaining open to hiring qualified candidates from both sides of the island.
The airport operator also indicated its willingness to provide legal protection to defend the rights of French St. Martin-born employees under the Treaty of Concordia, demonstrating recognition of the legal framework that governs cross-border employment.
This incident has highlighted the importance of maintaining clear communication channels between government entities and private operators like PJIAE. It also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to honor the historical unity between St. Maarten and Saint Martin while respecting the distinct legal and administrative frameworks that govern each side.
The outcome of this morning's ministerial meeting will likely set important precedents for how similar issues are handled in the future, with all stakeholders emphasizing the need for policies that support unity rather than division.
As discussions continue, the focus remains on ensuring clarity, fairness, and consistency in the application of labor and immigration rules while safeguarding both operational stability and employee rights across the island's unique dual-nation landscape.
PJIAE Implements New Access Card Requirements for French Nationals.
~Princess Juliana International Airport announces updated security protocols affecting French-born employees.~
Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) has issued new guidelines regarding access card requirements for French nationals working at the facility, marking a significant update to the airport's security and employment protocols.
The announcement comes as part of ongoing efforts to standardize access control procedures and ensure compliance with international aviation security standards.
New Access Card Procedures
Under the updated requirements, French nationals employed at Princess Juliana International Airport must now follow specific procedures to obtain and maintain their security access cards. These measures apply to all French-born employees regardless of their current citizenship status or length of employment at the facility.
The new protocols require French nationals to present additional documentation during the access card application and renewal process. This includes proof of employment authorization and updated identity verification procedures that exceed standard requirements for other nationalities.
Implementation Timeline
PJIAE management has outlined a structured implementation timeline for the new requirements. Current French national employees will need to update their access credentials within the specified timeframe to maintain uninterrupted access to secure areas of the airport.
The airport administration has emphasized that these changes are being implemented to align with enhanced security protocols and regulatory compliance requirements. All affected employees have been notified directly through official channels.
Impact on Operations
The updated access card requirements are expected to affect approximately [number not specified in source document] French nationals currently employed at various levels within the airport operations. These employees work across multiple departments including ground handling, maintenance, security, and administrative functions.
PJIAE has indicated that support will be provided to affected employees throughout the transition period to ensure minimal disruption to daily operations. The airport's human resources department is coordinating with relevant personnel to facilitate the smooth implementation of these new requirements.
Compliance Obligations
The letter outlines specific compliance obligations that French nationals must meet to maintain their employment status and access privileges at the airport. These requirements extend beyond basic documentation to include ongoing verification procedures and regular status updates.
Failure to comply with the new access card requirements within the designated timeframe may result in restricted access to secure areas, potentially affecting work assignments and employment status. The airport management has stressed the importance of prompt compliance to avoid operational disruptions.
Administrative Support
PJIAE has established dedicated support channels to assist French nationals navigating the new access card requirements. The airport's administrative team will provide guidance on documentation requirements, application procedures, and timeline compliance.
Employees requiring assistance with the new procedures have been directed to contact the designated administrative offices during specified business hours. Additional resources and information sessions may be scheduled as needed to ensure full understanding of the requirements.
Background Context
This development represents part of broader security enhancements being implemented at Princess Juliana International Airport. The facility continues to adapt its protocols in response to evolving aviation security standards and regulatory requirements.
The specific focus on French nationals reflects particular administrative considerations that have emerged through recent regulatory reviews. Airport management has indicated that similar reviews may be conducted for other nationality groups as part of ongoing security assessments.
Moving Forward
PJIAE management expects full compliance with the new access card requirements within the established timeline. The airport administration will monitor implementation progress and provide updates as the transition process advances.
The success of these new protocols will likely influence future security policy decisions at Princess Juliana International Airport, as the facility continues to strike a balance between operational efficiency and enhanced security measures.
– NATIONAL SPORTS INSTITUTE.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The National Sports Institute (NSI), in partnership with RebuildSXM, is happy to announce the installation of a new dual-function basketball and netball structure at the Dutch Quarter Community Court. This installation allows the basket to rotate, making the court suitable for both basketball and netball. With netball experiencing rapid growth in participation, the Dutch Quarter community and the Dutch Quarter Council are now proud to be the second official community with a venue for netball. The upgrade also provides the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Primary School team with a nearby facility to train and sharpen their skills. The Dutch Quarter Community Court is now open and ready for use, and NSI invites all residents and athletes to make the most of this upgraded space and help turn it into a true hub of community activity. NSI will continue to create opportunities in sports and show the power of partnerships. A big thank you to RebuildSXM for making this possible! Organizations or partners interested in collaborating with NSI on future projects are encouraged to contact us.