PHILIPSBURG:--- NAGICO Insurances and local Publisher Lasana Sekou introduced and presented a new storybook titled “Ti Koko and Kush Kush” to the students of Group 4 (Grade 2) during their English Class at the Sr. Borgia Elementary School amidst excited giggles and eager eyes.

The presentation was filled with excitement as the young students eagerly giggled, watched with bright eyes, and answered questions from the presenters while the new book was shown to them.

The book was published in St. Maarten by the House of Nehesi and written by educator Patricia G. Turnbull of the British Virgin Islands.

The story highlights themes of friendship and environmental awareness, focusing on how a young coconut tree, a wise yam, and their friends work together to save their beach or bayside community from a mysterious destroyer known as “Brogudoosh!”

“Reading is an essential skill that every person must have because it opens doors to endless opportunities. And it is best if reading is encouraged and practiced at an early age,” said NAGICO Marketing Manager Lisa Brown to the attentive students.

“While technology will always evolve, with many ways to entertain and capture your attention, you must always discipline yourself to read and engage your mind. Learning never stops, and reading is the foundation of knowledge,” said Ms. Brown.

Sekou recognized as one of the Caribbean’s prolific poets, is known best on the island as a “son of the soil” for his contributions to St. Maarten’s culture in the form of the creative arts and as a poet, short story writer, and an author of over 20 books.

In speaking with the Sr. Borgia school students, Sekou stressed the importance of reading and how, when nurtured, it can be a lifelong skill. “By presenting Ti Koko and Kush Kush to the students, we hope to further inspire a love of reading and learning in our young people,” he said.

Sekou thanked NAGICO for partnering with HNP on this project to promote literacy and foster a love for reading among our young children.
“NAGICO’s support aligns well with our shared goals of fostering literacy and expanding educational resources. This partnership not only strengthens vital literacy skills, but also demonstrates NAGICO’s commitment to community engagement and educational advancement.”

Ms. Tamisha Wigley, the new Operations Manager for NAGICO St. Maarten, Saba & Statia, also paid a courtesy visit to the school and assisted with the presentation to their English subject teacher, Mrs. Lechardes Bell. Each student was challenged to read and provide a summary to their English teacher as soon as possible.

Principal Edmaira Jacobs welcomed this valuable addition to the school’s resources and thanked Mr. Sekou and the NAGICO team for not only the donation, but also for taking the time to sit with their class. Both Ms. Jacobs and Teacher Bell extended their appreciation and promised to use the books to their fullest capabilities.

ARUBA/PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten author and speaker Ralph Cantave made a remarkable impact at the 32nd Festival di Buki pa Mucha (Children’s Book Festival) in Aruba, held from November 3rd to 8th. As one of 16 authors featured in the event, Cantave captivated audiences with his storytelling talents, serving a slice of St. Martin’s culture and history to the forefront. With his latest children’s book, Steve Takes a Stand, he engaged young readers, educators, and organizers alike, earning admiration for his interactive presentations and passionate messages.

The festival, hosted by the National Library of Aruba, is a flagship event aimed at fostering a lifelong love of books and learning among children. Cantave’s feature in this esteemed lineup was particularly meaningful as he represented St. Maarten on the heels of his participation in the reading festival held by Stichting Biblionef Nederlands on St. Maarten. During his time in Aruba, Cantave toured 19 classrooms and held additional sessions at the library, empowering students through engaging storytelling and heartfelt discussions.

Cantave’s book, Steve Takes a Stand, is set in 1960s St. Martin and tackles themes of bullying and respect for elders, combining important lessons with cultural preservation. Each reading session was uniquely brought to life by his use of voice acting for each character. He had every class repeat an affirmation in Papiamentu, including the powerful words: "Mi ta balente, mi tin kurachi, no ta importa kiko pasa mi ta para pe!" (“I am brave, I am courageous, and no matter what happens, I will take a stand.”).

Cantave’s participation aligned with Kinderboekenweek, an annual celebration of children’s books and storytelling in Aruba. This week-long festival is a cornerstone of literacy promotion on the island, drawing local and international authors to share their works and inspire young minds. Cantave’s visit stood out as a bridge between the cultures of St. Martin and Aruba, highlighting shared histories and values of the sister islands. Teachers happily welcomed his ability to intertwine education with entertainment, using his stories to cultivate empathy, critical thinking, and a love for literature.
Beyond the festival, Cantave remains a passionate advocate for reading, writing, and education in St. Maarten. He plans to continue visiting schools and after-school programs, using literature as a tool to build creativity, character and confidence among the nation’s children. He also hopes for renewed focus on rebuilding St. Maarten’s public library, which he sees as vital to providing a safe and nurturing space for innovation.
Cantave expressed gratitude to the festival organizers for the opportunity to share stories from St. Martin with audiences beyond its shores. “It was an honor to represent the land of my heart."

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) has made significant progress in its investigation into a violent assault that was widely circulated on social media. The incident, which occurred at the intersection of L.B. Scott Road and Marigot Hill Road in Sint Peters, involved a male victim being subjected to severe physical abuse by several individuals.
After a thorough investigation and in coordination with the Prosecutor’s Office, arrest warrants were executed for the three suspects involved in this incident.
• The first suspect, identified by the initials N.A.B.J, was arrested earlier in the day on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.
• Later that evening, detectives apprehended the other two suspects, identified as J.I.A and D.A.M.
All three suspects have been taken into custody and are currently being detained at the police station pending further investigation.
KPSM reiterates that such violent acts will not be tolerated. The police, in collaboration with the Prosecutor’s Office, will take firm action against anyone engaging in criminal behavior of this nature.
A Message to the Public
The Sint Maarten Police Force is committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of all citizens. KPSM encourages anyone with information regarding incidents of violence or criminal behavior to come forward.
Contact Information for the Detective Department:
• Telephone: +1 (721) 542-2222
• Anonymous Tip Line: 9300
The Sint Maarten Police Force thanks the community for their continued cooperation in tackling crime and emphasizes its dedication to creating a safe environment for all.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Committee of General Affairs of Parliament is scheduled to meet on November 20, 2024.

The Committee meeting will be convened on Wednesday at 11.30 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of General Affairs will be in attendance.

The agenda points are:
1. Report: Auditing public sector travel and Parlatino Membership (IS/324/2023-2024 dated January 9, 2024)

2. Discussion with the Minister of General Affairs on the changes in granting the Dutch nationality on Sint Maarten (IS/1079/2022-2023 dated September 6, 2023)

This agenda point was requested by MP S.A. Wescot-Williams

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament