PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, October 25th, the Sint Maarten Lions Club, the Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation, and the Sint Maarten Senior Citizen Recreational Foundation came together to host a memorable day of fun, fellowship, and appreciation for the island’s senior citizens.

The joint initiative aimed to honor the elders of the community and remind them that they are valued and cherished. The day began with a scenic island tour, allowing participants to take in the beauty of Sint Maarten, followed by a delightful lunch at the Senior Citizen Center in Hope Estate. Members from all three organizations volunteered their time to serve lunch and engage with the seniors throughout the event.

The afternoon was filled with laughter, games, and entertainment, including trivia, musical chairs, and other interactive activities. Exciting prizes were awarded, and the lively beats of DJ Richi D kept everyone on their feet, dancing to classic old-school hits that brought back fond memories and pure joy.

Lion President Alvin Prescod expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating:

“Seeing the seniors smile, laugh, dance, and feel alive reminds us why we do what we do — which is to serve from the heart with a purpose. As our slogan goes, ‘We Outside – Uniting hearts while serving the community,’ and today was a true reflection of that spirit.”

Donna Morrison-Wilson, Executive Director of Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation, also shared her appreciation for the collaboration, saying:

“I am truly elated by the success of this joint initiative. It is an honor to serve our senior citizens and give back to those who have given so much to our community. Collaborations like this remind us of the power of unity, and I look forward to many more initiatives like this in the near future.”

This collaborative effort highlighted the shared commitment of all three organizations to promote compassion, community spirit, and social engagement among Sint Maarten’s elderly population.

The Sint Maarten Lions Club, Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation, and Sint Maarten Senior Citizen Recreational Foundation extend their sincere thanks to all volunteers, sponsors, and participants who helped make the event a success.

CAY HILL:--- St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) is proud to welcome Urologist, Dr. Francisco Pinto to its Urology team. Dr. Pinto joins SMMC Urologists, Dr. Ramos and Dr. Rojas, bringing the number of resident Urologists in-service to three; further enhancing healthcare to the community of St. Maarten and surrounding islands.

Dr. Pinto, a board-certified Urologist with over 20 years of experience, officially joins the SMMC medical staff this month. His arrival marks an important step in expanding the hospital’s Urology services, including the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the urinary tract and male reproductive system.

Dr. Pinto completed his medical training at the Central University of Venezuela and has worked at several healthcare institutions across Latin America, including Venezuela and Honduras. He specializes in general urological procedures, the treatment of Lithiasis (kidney stones) using endoscopic methods, and the management of benign prostatic conditions, including TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) and Bipolar Resection. Dr. Pinto has also performed endoscopic procedures for pelvic floor disorders, conducted urodynamic diagnostic studies, and carried out both general urological and oncological surgeries.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Pinto served as Vice President of the Board at the Santiago de León Clinic in Caracas, Venezuela. He was honored with the Dr. Teófilo Moros Medal, awarded by the Miranda State Government of Venezuela in March 1998. Dr. Pinto has also been a continuous member of the American Urological Association for the past 18 years.

“I aim to provide optimal and patient-centered care for the community,” says Dr. Pinto, “I consider myself an empathic person and doctor, so I hope I can impact the community of St. Maarten in a positive way, helping them to improve men’s health, and help decrease the prevalence and severity of urological disease altogether”.

With the addition of Dr. Pinto, SMMC reaffirms its commitment to growing its medical capacity in order to meet the needs of the communities of St. Maarten and the surrounding islands.

SMMC urges patients interested in a consultation to make an appointment by calling the Urology Department at Tel: +(1-721) 543-1111 or 910 ext. 1300 or 1379. Appointments can be made from Monday to Friday between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. SZV patients are requested to obtain a referral letter from their family doctor.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Court of First Instance of Sint Maarten has ordered former politician and developer Theodore Heyliger to pay USD 92.1 million in damages to Zebec Development N.V. for unlawfully obstructing the company’s Dutch Village project near the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise Terminal.

In its October 28 ruling, the court found Heyliger personally liable for abusing his position for financial gain, leading to the collapse of Zebec’s lucrative development deal. However, the court dismissed Zebec’s claims against Ocean Drive Properties N.V. (ODP) and its principals Deepak Ramchandani and Prem Mirpuri, citing insufficient evidence of wrongdoing.

“Zebec did not succeed in substantiating that ODP or its owners performed acts that led to the termination of its contract with the port,” the judgment stated.

A Long-Running Dispute

The decision ends more than three years of litigation over the stalled Dutch Village retail and entertainment project, once envisioned as a major addition to Sint Maarten’s cruise-port economy. Zebec alleged that Heyliger and business associates conspired to divert the project, demanding kickbacks and manipulating approvals.

The court ruled that Heyliger’s conduct constituted a wrongful act but found no proof that ODP or Ramchandani & Mirpuri directly financed or arranged any illegal payments.

Financial and Legal Consequences

Heyliger must pay USD 92.1 million plus statutory interest dating from October 1, 2021, and cover NAf 31,740.50 in legal costs. Zebec was ordered to pay the costs of the dismissed defendants — NAf 27,000 to ODP/R&M and NAf 24,000 to the St. Maarten Quarter Development Company N.V., which had already been released through an earlier settlement.

The judgment is immediately enforceable, even if an appeal is filed.

Significance

Legal observers say the ruling is one of the largest civil damage awards in Sint Maarten’s history and a warning to public officials over corruption in development projects.

Zebec’s attorneys hailed the decision against Heyliger as “a victory for integrity in public-private partnerships,” while ODP’s representatives said the dismissal confirmed their clients had “acted lawfully and transparently.”

What’s Next

Heyliger faces the challenge of satisfying the massive judgment amid ongoing scrutiny of his business dealings. The court’s decision closes a turbulent chapter in the island’s development history — and underscores that misuse of public power for private profit carries heavy civil consequences.

CAY HILL:---  The Mental Health Foundation is hosting a Mental Health Awareness March on November 13th, the International Day of Kindness.

The International Day of Kindness serves as a powerful reminder that kindness begins with us by caring for our mental health and seeking support when needed. This message aligns with the theme of this march, “End the Silence. Break the Stigma,” which promotes open conversations about mental health, self-compassion and a culture of care and solidarity.

We invite participants to wear green, the internationally recognized color for mental health awareness. The event aims to highlight mental health issues, reduce stigma and foster understanding, support and advocacy within the community. By bringing together diverse voices, the march encourages open dialogue and builds a culture of compassion and inclusion.

The march will begin at the Midtown Hotel parking lot on Front Street, proceed through Front Street and conclude at the head of town (Diamond Casino), followed by a closing speech on the boardwalk near Greenhouse. The event will take place from 5:00 p.m. sharp to 7:00 p.m.

Join us on November 13th and take a stand for mental health. Bring your voice, your support and your presence to help create a stronger, more compassionate community. Together, we can break down stigma and move toward a future where mental well-being is a shared priority. Let us all walk side by side in solidarity for a healthier, more supportive society.

For more information about the march, please contact the MHF Faraja Day Center at (721) 542-1677 ext. 507 or 721-585-8409, 721-585-5557.