Willemstad:--- The Social and Economic Council (SER) of Curaçao participated in the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) from July 15 to 18. This forum began a week earlier at the United Nations headquarters in New York. In its capacity as the chair of the International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (AICESIS), the SER of Curaçao was present at this event.
The HLPF 2024 focused on "Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and Eradicating Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises: The Effective Delivery of Sustainable, Resilient, and Innovative Solutions." Throughout the forum, thematic evaluations were conducted on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 13 (Climate Action), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
During the forum, AICESIS emphasized the need for more specific and measurable targets for each SDG. Despite the good intentions of many countries, progress has been slow due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of financial resources, conflicts, climate change, and natural disasters. Only 17% of the sustainable development goals are on track.
AICESIS also highlighted the importance of the outcomes of the 2023 SDG summit, which called for an annual investment of $500 billion by developed countries to bridge the financing gap. There was a strong call for enhanced multilateral cooperation and the involvement of all stakeholders, including civil society organizations and youth.
Concrete action plans are necessary, including more specific and measurable goals for each SDG, clear pathways and milestones for achieving these goals, and mechanisms for monitoring and accountability. Partnerships between governments, businesses, and civil society organizations, knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices between countries, and the mobilization of resources to support developing countries are essential.
AICESIS was represented at the HLPF by the Curaçaoan chairmanship, the secretary-general of AICESIS, and the permanent representative of AICESIS to ECOSOC.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, the Secretariat of the Parliament of Sint Maarten organized and hosted an information session for all candidates of the political parties contesting the snap Parliamentary elections on August 19, 2024. Candidates of all nine parties contesting the upcoming elections were offered the opportunity to learn more about Parliament and the role of a Member of Parliament.
The session, which was facilitated by the Secretary General of the Parliament, Mr. G.J. Richardson, LL.M, ML, was held at the University of St. Martin.
During the presentation, the Secretary-General provided insight into Sint Maarten’s political history and our current constitutional framework.
The presentation also covered the tasks of the Members of Parliament, the legislative process, and the Rules of Order for Parliament that regulate how Parliament functions.
Additionally, the candidates also received insight into the different formats of meetings that the Parliament has, the Permanent Committees of Parliament and the Ad Hoc (temporary) Committees of Parliament, as well as the role of the President of Parliament, the Presidium, and the Secretariat of Parliament in the organization of Parliament.
At the end of the presentation, the candidates attending the session were allowed to ask the Secretary-General questions related to the presentation.
This was the second time the Secretariat of the Parliament of Sint Maarten organized this information session.
A similar session was held late last year for candidates of the then-eight political parties who contested the January 2024 elections.

New candidates and a few returning candidates of various political parties contesting the upcoming snap elections took the opportunity to attend the information session. At the closing, participants expressed their appreciation for the presentation format and the information shared.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Richard Gibson Sr., a staunch advocate for fairness and transparency, has re-emerged in the political arena after a five-year hiatus since his tenure as Minister of Finance. Now running as candidate number two on the United People's Party (UPP) slate, Gibson aims to address misconceptions and champion the cause of St. Maarten's autonomy over its vital assets.
Despite attempts by opposition figures to brand him as an "Ansary boy" defending the interests of Husang Ansary and the Mullet Bay Property, Gibson has firmly refuted these claims. He clarifies that the Mullet Bay Property, devastated by Hurricane Luis in 1995, is not owned by Ansary but by the ENNIA group of companies based in Curacao and controlled by the Central Bank. Gibson emphasizes that St. Maarten should have the first right to decide on the future of the Mullet Bay Property. "If you want to sell it, we have to have the first right to decide or choose," he asserts. The property has been in legal battles for over two decades. Still, Gibson insists that any sale should involve St. Maarten's approval and control over its development because of its vital importance to the economic future of the people of Sint Maarten.
"There are claims that ENNIA will be selling off Mullet Bay. That should not happen," Gibson states. "Mullet Bay is in St. Maarten, and if you want to sell it, we have to have a say in the decision." He highlights that while some advocate for expropriation of the property, this under the constitution would require paying the property's market value to the owner. Instead, he proposes leveraging St. Maarten's position to ensure the island retains ownership and control over the property's development. Gibson points out that the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten, which controls ENNIA, plans to sell off the property based on an appraisal. He argues that St. Maarten should negotiate to maintain control of Mullet Bay's development, both touristically and otherwise. "St. Maarten should have the decision-making power in terms of how it should be developed," he reiterates. The UPP has consistently advocated for this approach, emphasizing that St. Maarten should leverage its unique position. "Ways and means have to be found for St. Maarten to own Mullet Bay," Gibson asserts. He believes that the island's stake in the matter could influence Curacao, given the potential jeopardy faced by Curacao's 27,000 policyholders. Gibson criticizes the proposed ENNIA bailout agreement, which would obligate St. Maarten to send millions to Curacao over the next fifty years. He recalls his efforts to extricate St. Maarten from the Netherlands Antilles, aiming to enable the island to retain and invest its resources locally. "The goal of getting out of that constellation was that the islands would be able to keep their money to invest in their people," he notes.
Highlighting a previous rejection by the Committee for Financial Supervision (Cft) of the initial proposal, Gibson questions the subsequent approval of a similar agreement. "The Cft already said no to the proposal, and then a few weeks after, they came up with a new approach," he observes. "Now they are saying it is okay for St. Maarten to spend fifty years sending millions to Curacao." Gibson's commitment to St. Maarten's economic independence is unwavering. He recalls his efforts to secure resources for the island as a private citizen, even arranging for rental cars through the Friends of the Police organization. His vision aligns with the United People's Party's, ensuring that St. Maarten retains its assets and invests in its future.
As Gibson and the UPP continue to campaign, they urge the people of St. Maarten to support efforts to secure control over the Mullet Bay Property. "St. Maarten should be leveraging its position to gain ownership of Mullet Bay," Gibson concludes. "Our island's future depends on our ability to manage and develop our resources for the benefit of our people."
For more information and updates, please stay connected with Richard Gibson Sr. and the United People's Party as they work towards a prosperous and autonomous future for St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Cresburk A. Browne, Candidate #12 for the United People's Party and Community Council President of Dutch Quarter, has issued a passionate plea to the Parliament of Sint Maarten, demanding immediate attention to the deplorable condition of the Martin Luther King School. This call to action follows a heated meeting on September 17, 2021, where board members and incoming President Browne unveiled numerous unresolved grievances from Dutch Quarter residents. According to Browne's recent live report on Facebook, the school remains dismal and unprepared for students as the new school year approaches.
Brown explained that he brought the matter to the public in this manner to avoid further confrontations regarding the lapsed approach to fixing the school. He said during a recent meeting, known as PY 21-22 CDC #1, frustration peaked over the incomplete sewage project and the severe neglect of the Martin Luther King School. Other pressing issues included non-functional streetlights and unfinished roadworks.
"The school repairs have dragged on since before Hurricane Irma. It's disgraceful that there's been no consistent follow-up," Browne said. He mentioned the numerous emergency sessions for the airport, GEBE, and other projects, pointing out that education, a community cornerstone, needs to be addressed with equal passion.
The situation at Prince Willem Alexander School is equally concerning, with a longer history of neglect and a lack of necessary scrutiny. Browne fears politicians might exploit these schools as election bait, only to abandon them once votes are secured.
His appeal extends to the urgent need for a special needs school, arguing that improving educational infrastructure is essential for addressing crime and youth delinquency in Dutch Quarter. "If we don't fix the schools, we are failing our future generation. Education is the key to reducing crime, youth delinquency, and unemployment," he asserted. "The children are our future, and if we ignore them now, we will pay a steep price later."
With snap elections approaching, Browne's call to "crown the Prince" by reopening the school is more urgent than ever. He challenges the Parliament to force the sitting government to prioritize education with the same urgency as other infrastructure projects.