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.
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.
SIMPSON BAY:--- The recently concluded Dutch Caribbean Cooperation Association (DCCA) conference hosted by Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) on St. Maarten brought together more than 150 international leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to Sonesta Maho Beach Resort. The conference program featured keynote speeches, dynamic panel discussions, and workshops focused on inter-island connectivity, economic resilience, climate adaptation, and digital transformation.