THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE):---  Her Excellency Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell attended an Extraordinary Joint Session of the States General on Thursday, 20 November 2025.
The commemorative session, held in the historic Grote Kerk in The Hague, marked exactly eighty years since the First and Second Chambers of Parliament convened together again after being suspended during the Second World War.
On 20 November 1945, the Dutch parliamentary system took its first steps toward recovery following years of war and occupation. With both Chambers having been rendered inoperative during the conflict, the post-war reconstruction of the Kingdom required not only physical rebuilding but also the restoration of democratic governance.
By attending this special session, Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell reaffirmed Sint Maarten’s active engagement within the constitutional and democratic traditions of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Her presence emphasized not only recognition of the past but also Sint Maarten’s commitment to shared values, inter-island cooperation, and the safeguarding of democratic principles for future generations.
Extraordinary Joint Sessions are held only on exceptional occasions. The most recent prior session took place in 2015, marking the 200th anniversary of the States General. The symbolic date of 20 November 2025 was chosen to reflect on the end of the war, the meaning of freedom, and the importance of protecting democratic institutions in a time marked by conflict, polarization, and societal pressures.
The ceremony began at 10:30 AM on Thursday and lasted one hour. His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Princess Amalia attended as honored guests.
Speeches were delivered by the Presidents of both Chambers, outgoing Prime Minister, Minister of General Affairs Dick Schoof, and General (ret.) Peter van Uhm, who reflected on the resilience of the Dutch democracy and the necessity of safeguarding its foundations.

PHILIPSBURG(DCOMM):--- Thursday, November 20th, is World Children’s Day. The 2025 theme is, “Listen to children, stand up for the rights of every child, every day.”

Around the world, children are standing up and talking about their lives, their hopes, and their rights.

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 improve 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 the Rights of the Child.

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.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says that my day my rights, “from the moment the sun rises, children wake up to a world shaped by choices they didn't make. But every child, everywhere, also wakes with rights. Including the right to be protected, to learn, and to have their voice heard.

“It’s time to listen to children. To understand what their lives are like and how their rights are present, missing, or pursued every day.”

UNICEF says children and young people are powerful agents of change, bringing new ideas and perspectives that can help shape a better world for all of us.

World Children’s Day is 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.

CAY HILL:---  A large crowd of participants walked in solidarity last week, Thursday, November 13th, along Front Street for a Mental Health Awareness March organized by the Mental Health Foundation (MHF).
The event was held on World Kindness Day, a date that serves as a reminder that caring for one’s mental health and seeking support when needed is an essential act of kindness. This message aligned with the march's theme, “End the Silence. Break the Stigma,” which was designed to promote open conversation, self-compassion, and a culture of care and solidarity within the community.
The march commenced at the Midtown Hotel parking lot on Front Street, proceeded through the street, and concluded at the head of town on the boardwalk. Participants chanted as they moved, led by the rhythmic sounds of the Soualiga Soldiers drum band from the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Cole Bay. The event successfully drew many onlookers and supporters as the group made its way down the street.
The purpose of the march was to highlight mental health issues, reduce associated stigma, and foster understanding, support, and advocacy. MHF reminds the public that mental health matters and that community solidarity is key to breaking the silence and ending the stigma.
MHF extends its appreciation to all who participated and supported the event, making it a success. The MHF specifically recognizes the following partners and sponsors for their contributions: Don Hughes for allowing us to use the Mid Town Hotel Parking Lot, the Soualiga Soldiers from the Cole bay Seventh Day Adventist Church for their excellent performance; Philipsburg Pharmacy for the donation of a first aid kit; Constable Security BV. for providing security services; The Red Cross for their assistance and participation in the march; and Susana Diaz Granados for providing photography services.
MHF further extends its gratitude to its key stakeholders and partners, the Turning Point Foundation, the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), the White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF), and the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) for their vital collaboration, commitmen,t and continued support.
MHF also extends a special thank-you to Host Elecktra of Oasis 96.3, Host Gee Money, Suppa Kid and Sagan of Laser 101, Host Ramona Riley of SOS Radio, Host Lydia G.Henderson of 101.5 Radio St. Martin and Management and Host of PJD2 102.7 Radio St. Marteen for offering the opportunity to go on air to speak about mental health on the island, the available services, the ongoing stigma and to help promote the march.
The Mental Health Foundation further extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who came out and joined the event, as well as those who were present in spirit.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is proud to announce that it has been honored with the Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award by ESRI, a global leader in geographic information systems.

This distinguished award recognizes KPSM’s innovative use of GIS technology to improve crime analysis, enhance strategic planning, and strengthen public safety nationwide.

The award was officially presented on November 19th, 2025, at the Philipsburg Police Station by the Founder and President of ESRI.
The Chief of Police, Mr. C. John, accepted the award on behalf of the Police Force of Sint Maarten. In his remarks, Chief John expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized KPSM’s ongoing commitment to embracing technology to serve the community better.

KPSM extends its appreciation to ESRI for this honor and reaffirms its dedication to innovation, professionalism, and the continued protection of the people of Sint Maarten.

KPSM Press Release.