PHILIPSBURG:--- Our community was once again shaken by the heartbreaking news regarding the passing of a dedicated security officer who, for unknown reasons, took his own life. 

I want to take this time and extend my deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, other loved ones and all those affected by this loss. No words can ease the pain, but please know that you are in my heart during this incredibly difficult time.

Mental health is not a weakness; it is a reality that so many silently struggle with every day. As a society, we must do better in acknowledging, supporting, and addressing the mental and emotional burdens that individuals carry daily. 

To anyone going through hardship, please know you are not alone. There is help, there is hope, and there are people who care. Suicidal thoughts are a sign of deep suffering, not failure, and I urge anyone facing overwhelming difficulties to reach out, speak up, and allow others to support you.

Let this moment remind us of the importance of compassion, understanding, and mental health awareness. Together, we must create an environment where seeking help is not only accepted but encouraged.

May the soul of the fallen officer rest in peace, and may we, as a nation, rise to ensure that no one else suffers in silence.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Government officials, heritage experts, and archival stakeholders gathered at the Government Administration Building to reaffirm a shared commitment to preserving St. Maarten’s documentary heritage. The gathering on Friday, which centered around the progress of the “Echoes of Memory – Preserve” project, marked a critical step forward in the island’s efforts to safeguard historical records, modernize archival infrastructure, and create a sustainable national preservation strategy.

The initiative is a collaboration between Kadaster St. Maarten, the Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies (KITLV), and key local partners. Kadaster Director Benjamin Ortega officially unveiled the project name, emphasizing the symbolic significance of “Echoes of Memory – Preserve.” “It reminds us that preserving our past is a collective responsibility,” he stated. “Without proper legislation and a secure, climate-controlled facility, our heritage remains at risk. We must act now.”

Ortega highlighted two major obstacles: the lack of adequate legislation and the absence of a proper archival facility. He thanked the Supervisory Board of Kadaster for their commitment to institutional progress and stressed the importance of sound governance and a structural preservation plan currently being developed.

KITLV Science Communication Coordinator and researcher Daniella Britt shared insights from her recent fieldwork on the island. Over the past month, she engaged with heritage professionals and stakeholders to better understand the local preservation context.

Her presentation addressed four critical areas: the value of documentary heritage, the current state of archives in St. Maarten, key challenges, and potential next steps. She emphasized that for St. Maarten, the preservation of documentary heritage is not a theoretical exercise but an urgent necessity, especially in light of past natural disasters. She referenced deteriorating records stored in unsuitable containers, underscoring the ongoing vulnerability of valuable documents.

Britt noted that Caribbean-specific knowledge is vital to developing a successful strategy. “Local expertise must be the cornerstone of our efforts,” she said, while outlining steps for targeted consultation, capacity building, and infrastructure development. She introduced a preservation framework that highlights environmental threats including heat, humidity, insects, and hurricanes as constant risks in the tropics.

Among the most fragile materials identified were historical land deeds dating back to the era of slavery documents that reveal vital social and economic aspects of the island’s past. These, Britt warned, will continue to deteriorate without urgent intervention.

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina delivered a passionate and thought-provoking address that captured both the urgency of the moment and a bold vision for the future. “Standing here today, I don’t feel lost, I feel the weight of responsibility,” he said. “Because this is what nation-building truly demands: institutions that anchor our identity and drive our independence. A National Archive, a National Library, a Police Academy, a Development Bank these are not luxuries; they are the bedrock of a country that knows where it’s been and where it’s going.”

While commending the collective expertise in the room, the Prime Minister also issued a clear call to action: “Goodwill is not a strategy. We keep saying we will commit but too often, we leave the room and leave the work behind. That must end today. Let us make this the turning point where intent becomes action and vision becomes legacy. As Prime Minister, I see my role not as a gatekeeper, but as a facilitator—ready to unlock the doors that have long been closed to our progress.”

He further reflected on the constraints of reactive governance, stating: “We spend our days putting out fires and our nights dreaming of progress. When do we carve out the time to actually build the future? We rarely get two uninterrupted hours to think boldly, to plan strategically—and that absence of vision has kept us stuck. The National Archive is not just a collection of papers—it is the spine of our national story. It’s time we give it the priority and protection it deserves.”

Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (ECYS), Hon. Melissa Gumbs, expressed appreciation for the collaborative energy in the room. She praised the collective institutional memory, research, and passion shared by all present. “This gathering proves we are not starting from zero. We are building on foundations laid by dedicated individuals across generations,” she said.

Minister Gumbs also reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment to working with Kadaster and other stakeholders to develop a realistic, actionable preservation plan.

UNESCO Secretary-General for St. Maarten, Marcellia Henry, closed the session with a vote of thanks, applauding the participants for their dedication to the nation’s heritage. She reaffirmed UNESCO’s ongoing partnership with Kadaster and other local entities in ensuring St. Maarten’s documentary legacy is protected and elevated. Henry stressed the importance of digitization, modern preservation techniques, and capacity-building to ensure long-term access and resilience.

As the “Echoes of Memory – Preserve” project gains momentum, stakeholders have made it clear: this is not just a technical mission—it is a moral imperative. The future of St. Maarten’s identity, history, and cultural resilience depends on how decisively the nation responds today.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Young local artist Kelvin James—better known by his stage name, King James—has teamed up with Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labor, Mr. Richinel Brug, and the Ministry of VSA to bring attention to the pressing issue of mental health among youth. This collaboration marks a significant step towards addressing the mental health challenges that many young people face today in a manner that young people can relate to.

Mental health is a crucial topic that often remains shrouded in stigma, especially among adolescents. Many young individuals find it difficult to express their feelings or seek help due to the fear of judgment. King James's involvement in this campaign is particularly impactful because his music and platform resonate with the youth. By using his influence, he can effectively encourage open conversations about mental health, making it easier for young people to share their experiences and struggles.

“Mental health matters at every age. Nothing in life is perfect, so it’s okay to not be okay. Don’t keep it bottled up—talk to someone, anyone. You’re never alone.”, stated King James.

The campaign lead by the Ministry of VSA aims to not only educate students about mental health but also create a supportive environment where discussions can thrive. It’s essential for young people to feel safe talking to peers, family members, friends, and teachers about their emotions and difficulties. The message is clear: it is okay not 2 B Ok: it is okay to talk about mental health, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

PHILIPSBURG:---  From Monday, June 2 to Friday, June 6, 2025, a special five-day training on an innovative forensic analysis method was held in Sint Maarten. This training, organized by CARICOM in cooperation with the Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Science Centre (TTFSC) and the Sint Maarten Police Force, helps law enforcement officers to more effectively address firearm crime.

 Six forensic investigators participated in this training: two from the Curaçao Police Force, two from the Aruba Police Force, and two from the Sint Maarten Police Force. They have learned an advanced technique that enables faster and more effective handling of firearm-related crimes. This training is much needed, as all countries and islands in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom are dealing with an increase in shooting incidents. The Council of Police Chiefs is concerned about the large number of firearms circulating in the region.

This training was made possible by the strengthened regional cooperation between the Council of Police Chiefs and CARICOM IMPACS. CARICOM IMPACS (Implementing Agency for Crime and Security) is the security agency within the Caribbean Community and was established in 2006 to promote a coordinated approach to crime and security in the region. The agency plays a key role in strengthening cooperation between the police, immigration, customs, and intelligence services of the member states. CARICOM IMPACS implements regional projects, collects and analyzes data on crime trends, and advises member states on security strategies. Through these tasks, IMPACS contributes to enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of regional security services. Its headquarters is located in Trinidad and Tobago.

All participants successfully completed the training. During his speech at the certificate award ceremony, Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John emphasized that the cooperation is already yielding results. Not only through trainings like this one, but also through faster exchange of information on criminals who move through the Caribbean region to commit crimes. ‘The Caribbean is no longer a safe haven for criminals,’ said John. He also stated that the intention is to further strengthen ties in the near future, including through the organization of the third Regional Network Meeting for crime analysts, which will be held later this year.

With this intensive collaboration, the region is taking an important step towards a safer Caribbean.