15 Years of Nationhood – A Tribute to the Youth Who Shaped Our Journey

PHILIPSBURG:--- This year marks 15 years since St. Maarten became a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a milestone that continues to resonate as both a triumph of vision and a testament to the collective effort of a determined people.

As we celebrate this historic anniversary, we pause to recognize the Constitutional Youth Club (CYC) and the Constitutional Culture Club (CCC), two pioneering youth movements that helped shape the national consciousness during the crucial years leading up to 10-10-10.

We owe immense gratitude to their visionary leader, Ms. Dorothy Lake, and to the dedicated mentors who stood beside her: Ms. Irene Hodge, Ms. Sharon Freiburg, Ms. Judy Fitzpatrick, Ms. Angelique Brill, Mr. Rolando Tobias, Catherine Connor and so many more! Their belief in empowering youth through civic education created a generation that not only witnessed history but helped make it.

The Birth of a Movement: Youth in the Heart of Constitutional Change

Between 2007 and 2010, St. Maarten stood on the threshold of transformation. The path to autonomy demanded not only political negotiation but also public understanding and youth participation.

Recognizing this, Dorothy Lake, then a senior civil servant with a passion for civic education, spearheaded the creation of the Constitutional Youth Club (CYC) and later the Constitutional Culture Club (CCC) under the Department of Constitutional Affairs.

Her vision was simple yet profound:

“A nation cannot be built without the understanding and participation of its youth.”

Through school-based programs, debates, and interactive panel discussions, CYC and CCC turned classrooms and community halls into spaces of nation-building. They tackled complex questions of identity, governance, and autonomy, translating the legal language of constitutional change into the lived experiences of the people.

A Generation That Answered the Call

Among the first to take up this challenge were young people like Alissa Rios and Paul Lourens, who worked hand in hand with Ms. Lake to organize youth workshops, debates, and public outreach initiatives. Their work helped demystify constitutional restructuring for their peers, fostering understanding of concepts like autonomy, responsibility, and citizenship.

Many of those youth have since become leaders in their own right, professionals, public servants, and changemakers who continue to carry the torch of nation-building.

From Youth Leaders to Nation Builders

Over the past fifteen years, nearly every member of the CYC and CCC has gone on to make meaningful contributions within their communities, both at home and abroad. Former members can now be found in nearly every sector of society, serving as educators, civil servants, chefs, entrepreneurs, political leaders, artists, and innovators. Together, they represent a generation of young St. Maarteners who transformed civic education into civic action.

To name just a few examples of this lasting legacy:

• Alissa Rios, founding member of CYC and CCC, returned in 2012 after completing her Master’s in Public Administration in the Netherlands, and quickly became a trusted advisor to several Ministers. Today she works passionately as an advisor to Member of Parliament Omar Ottley, shaping legislation and continuously championing effective, people-centered governance.
• Nerissa Cornelia, former President of CCC, is now a respected lawyer at SXM Notary Richards, continuing her dedication to integrity, community service, and the principles of fairness that guided her from her teenage years.
• Patrice Gumbs, once an active debater and member of CYC, now serves as Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI). His journey from youth leader to civil servant to Minister reflects a lifelong commitment to public service and responsible leadership.
• Keshia Richards, LLM, who also was a member of the CCC, went on to become one of the 3 Civil Law Notaries on St. Maarten, embodying integrity and professionalism in one of the nation’s most trusted legal roles.

These are but a few examples of the many youths who turned civic learning into lifelong leadership; a legacy that continues to shape St. Maarten today.

The Legacy of Ms. Dorothy Lake

No tribute to CYC and CCC would be complete without honoring the indomitable Ms. Dorothy Lake, the architect of youth civic engagement during the constitutional transition. With wisdom, grace, and an unwavering belief in young people, Ms. Lake instilled in her students a deep understanding that nation-building begins with knowledge, dialogue, and accountability.

Her mentorship produced not just informed youth, but future leaders, many of whom now serve in key positions across government, law, medicine, and education.

Even in retirement, Ms. Lake remains a guiding light, her legacy woven into the civic fabric of modern St. Maarten. Her example continues to inspire those who believe in service above self and in the transformative power of education

PHILIPSBURG:---  Since becoming a constituent country on October 10, 2010, Sint Maarten has navigated the complex waters of self-governance. As the nation celebrates its 15-year milestone, its Parliament is under the microscope. The public is increasingly asking tough questions about the cost of governance versus the tangible benefits delivered to the people.

The High Price of Politics

From the outset of autonomy, the financial costs associated with running the government have been substantial. A 2019 report highlighted that approximately 54 million guilders had been paid in salaries and related benefits to around 66 political officeholders, including Members of Parliament and ministers. This figure doesn't include other perks and representation costs, raising concerns in a nation grappling with economic challenges and recovery from natural disasters.

A significant portion of this spending has been directed towards international engagements, most notably the country's membership in the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino). Audits reveal that since 2010, Parlatino membership has cost nearly half a million guilders in fees and an additional 2 million guilders in travel expenses. In 2022, travel for Parlatino events made up over a third of the Parliament's total travel budget.

This has drawn criticism from figures like former MP Melissa Gumbs, who described the expenditure as a "waste of limited resources" with "no measurable return" for Sint Maarten. A growing chorus of voices now suggests these funds could be better used to address pressing local needs.

Legislative Wins and Unanswered Questions

Parliament has not been idle. It has passed foundational laws necessary for the country's governance, including the constitution and various national ordinances that guided the transition to autonomy. A 2015 report from Transparency International noted that about 130 bills had been passed in the first five years, covering critical areas like governance and integrity.

However, a key piece of the puzzle is missing. It is difficult to determine how many of these laws were initiative bills—legislation proposed directly by MPs rather than the government. Without this information, it is hard to assess the proactive impact of individual representatives. The public record often lacks the detail needed to connect enacted laws to direct improvements in citizens' lives, making it challenging to gauge the legislature's overall effectiveness.

Parliament Composition: The Search for a Complete Record

Efforts to trace who has served in the Parliament of Sint Maarten since 2010 quickly reveal obstacles. While headline figures—such as the roughly 66 individuals holding MP or ministerial office over 15 years—are publicly cited, no single accessible source lists every MP per term, especially accounting for the frequent mid-term changes resulting from resignations, appointments to the Council of Ministers, by-elections, and party shifting.

Verified MPs by Term

Drawing from the most reliable sources available, here is a breakdown of known Parliament members at or near the start of each term:

Gaps and Challenges in Tracking Parliamentary Membership

Despite repeated efforts, it has not been possible to compile a fully definitive list of every MP who served, accounting for all substitutions, ministerial appointments, resignations, and inter-party switches—especially between elections. Publicly available records frequently lack timely updates, and comprehensive parliamentary rosters from past terms are often absent or incomplete. Information on party shifts, by-elections, and the mid-term entry of substitute members is especially difficult to corroborate, further complicating efforts to assess long-term parliamentary continuity and output.

Notable MPs with Long Service

Amid these data gaps, several parliamentarians stand out for their enduring presence:

• Sarah A. Wescot-Williams: Serving continuously since 2010, she has played pivotal leadership roles, serving both as Prime Minister and as President of Parliament, guiding crucial institutional reforms and legislative foundations. However, her achievements are limited.

• William Marlin: Elected in 2010 and serving until 2024, Marlin shaped early governance as National Alliance leader and contributed significantly to legislative development.

• Theodore (Theo) Heyliger: First elected in 2010 and serving through multiple terms, Heyliger was instrumental within the United People's Party and central to parliamentary debates and initiatives

• While these MPs have helped shape Sint Maarten’s legislative history, the details of their specific output—such as the number and type of legislative proposals and policy initiatives they individually authored or championed—are not easily extracted from the public record. This further highlights the ongoing need for transparent, accessible archives of parliamentary actions and achievements.
• A Growing Demand for Transparency
• The gap between significant public spending and unclear legislative impact has fueled calls for greater accountability. A lack of detailed public information on MP-initiated laws and their outcomes makes it difficult for citizens to evaluate whether their elected officials are earning their keep beyond ceremonial duties.

As Sint Maarten looks to the future, residents and watchdog groups are pushing for more transparency and a better use of public money. There is a clear demand for elected officials to demonstrate how their work translates into positive, measurable results for the community.

To rebuild public trust and ensure taxpayer money is spent wisely, critics are proposing several key reforms. These include creating a public registry for all initiative laws, conducting thorough audits of expenditures like the Parlatino membership, and establishing clear performance metrics. Such measures would help tie parliamentary actions directly to improvements in governance, infrastructure, and social well-being for all of Sint Maarten.

SAINT-MARTIN:--- The island of Saint-Martin is set to celebrate its rich culinary landscape with the return of the Festival de la Gastronomie for its fifth edition. This highly anticipated event, running from November 9th to November 22nd, 2025, promises to be an unforgettable showcase of the island's unique blend of Caribbean, French, and international flavors. The festival aims to reinforce Saint-Martin's identity as a premier culinary destination, boost the local economy by supporting agriculture and fishing, and unite the community through the art of food.

This year's festival will feature an impressive lineup of local talent and international culinary stars. The event's patron is Chef Laurent Huguet, a consultant chef with a Michelin star and 33 years of experience in prestigious kitchens. He will be joined by a distinguished panel of jury presidents, including mixology expert Arthur Sutley, Boston-based chef and Hell's Kitchen finalist Jason Santos, and Texas barbecue icon Kevin Bludso. A team of seven local chefs—Shane Huggins, Gaëlle Mussington, Kareem Brooks, Danitza Dormoy, Kénila Hyman, Angéla Marcenat, and Ashanta Daniel—will serve as the 2025 ambassadors, representing the island's vibrant culinary scene.

The festival schedule is packed with a diverse array of events designed to appeal to all food lovers. The celebration kicks off on November 9th with "Taste of Sunrise" at Loterie Farm, a brunch event featuring the local chef ambassadors. The official launch will take place on November 10th with a free, open-to-the-public event on the Boulevard de Grand-Case, the island's culinary capital.

Throughout the festival, attendees can participate in a variety of activities:

• Gastronomy Village: On November 14th and 15th, the Marigot Seafront will transform into a bustling village featuring local producers, food trucks, restaurants, and caterers.
• Cooking Workshops: From November 15th to 17th at Marina Fort Louis, adults and children can learn from renowned chefs in hands-on workshops. Special "Sip n' Cook" sessions will pair cooking with cocktails.
• Competitions: A series of thrilling competitions will highlight the island's talent. These include a BBQ Competition (Nov. 16), Private Chefs Competition (Nov. 12-13), a High School Student Competition (Nov. 17), and the prestigious "Best Table of Saint-Martin" competition (Nov. 18, 19, & 21).
• Special Evenings: The festival will host several exclusive ticketed events, including a "Food & Cocktails Pairing" (Nov. 20) and a Charity Dinner at the Daniella Jeffry Vocational High School (Nov. 20), with a menu crafted by chefs Xavier Isabal, Laurent Huguet, and Angela Marcenat.

A major highlight is the Closing Evening on November 22nd. The Marigot Seafront will host an all-inclusive event featuring over 15 guest chefs from across the Caribbean, including Haiti, Grenada, Curaçao, and the British Virgin Islands, for a grand celebration of regional cuisine.

The festival not only serves as a platform for culinary excellence but also as a significant economic driver for Saint-Martin. By spotlighting local products like Guavaberry Colombier Tradition and connecting producers with a wider audience, the event strengthens local supply chains. The extensive media coverage, with press and influencers attending from Canada, the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean, will further promote Saint-Martin as a creative and flavorful destination on the global stage.

From discovery menus at participating restaurants across the island to specialized wine-and-cheese pairings, the 5th Festival de la Gastronomie invites residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in a two-week celebration of food, culture, and community.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Golf Association proudly represented the island with a qualified team of 12 players at the annual Eastern Caribbean Golf Association’s tournament held in St. Kitts. This prestigious event brought together competitors from 10 countries and took place on October 4th and 5th, 2025, at the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club.

The team included a diverse group of players: three ladies, four men, three senior men, and two super-senior men. The opening ceremony was hosted at Government House by the Governor-General, featuring welcoming speeches and a formal presentation of each team member.

Over two days, the tournament showcased intensive competitive golf. On Sunday evening, the final ceremony celebrated the achievements of all participants. St. Maarten’s men’s team earned first place in the low net category and were honored with medals for their outstanding performance.

Following the tournament, the team took advantage of their time in the region by visiting Nevis on Monday. They enjoyed a relaxed round of golf at the Four Seasons Golf Resort, known for its spectacular course. With the pressure of competition behind them, the experience was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The team returned to St. Maarten on Monday night, tired but unanimously grateful for the opportunity. They described the tournament as a wonderful experience and are already looking forward to next year’s event at a new venue and location.

For more information on this tournament or membership please contact the SMGA site at: www.sxmgolfassociation.com   https://www.facebook.com/St.MaartenGolfAssociation