PHILIPSBURG:--- The Management and staff of Milton Peters College (MPC) and Sundial School are proud to announce their full readiness for the start of the 2025–2026 academic year. Under the inspiring theme “I-YOU-WE CARE: THRIVING TOGETHER,” the schools are placing a renewed focus on care, connection, and community engagement. Education Director Sergio Blomont warmly welcomes back all students, teachers, and parents, expressing his heartfelt wishes for a successful and enriching school year. “Together we grow stronger, wiser, and kinder,” Blomont stated. “Our focus this year is on togetherness—because together, we thrive.”

Staffing and Academic Focus

The schools have successfully filled the majority of their teaching vacancies, with only a few remaining in French and Arts and Crafts, which we are hoping will be filled shortly. A new vacancy for a Reading Specialist will be posted this week to support students facing language barriers, ensuring inclusivity and academic success for all. In addition, a Verzuimcoordinator (Attendance Officer) will be appointed to address long-standing attendance challenges. This initiative will be carried out in close collaboration with parents and the wider community, reinforcing the belief that “it takes a village to raise a child.”

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Enhanced Academic Support: Expanding after-school tutoring and mentorship programs to support student achievement. - Teacher Development: Continued investment in professional development to empower educators with the latest tools and strategies. - Data-Driven Interventions: Implementing tailored academic interventions based on performance trends and student needs. - Student Wellness Programs: Strengthening counseling services and wellness initiatives to support the holistic development of every learner.

Community Engagement and Communication:

A key priority this year is improving communication between the schools and the community. The SVOBE schools operate under the legislation of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports, and the examination criteria—especially within the Dutch education stream—are more stringent than in other streams. Efforts will be made to clarify these standards through parent and teacher committees and other outreach initiatives.

Facilities and Contingency Planning

Following the passage of Hurricane Erin, both campuses have undergone inspections and are deemed safe for reopening, with only minor water leakage reported. However, the termination of gym and sports facility repair contracts by NRPB—highlighted in a July 7 article in The Daily Herald—is a setback. Fortunately, contingency plans are in place to ensure students still have access to physical education and sports activities.

Looking Ahead

MPC and Sundial Schools are committed to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student can thrive. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, academic excellence, and community involvement, the 2025–2026 school year promises to be one of growth and unity.

WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:---The Ennia debacle is a glaring example of corporate greed and systemic failure, leaving taxpayers in both Curaçao and St. Maarten to foot the bill for a financial catastrophe that should never have occurred. The recent developments in the case, as reported by Antilliaans Dagblad, highlight the ongoing struggle for justice in a saga that has drained hundreds of millions from these communities.

Under the ownership of Hushang Ansary, Ennia was systematically looted, with vast sums siphoned off, leaving the insurance group in financial ruin. This financial disaster has not only crippled Curaçao but has also deeply affected St. Maarten, where the fallout equally burdens residents. Despite the gravity of the situation, the justice systems in both territories have been hamstrung by a lack of capacity and expertise, delaying any meaningful progress in holding those responsible accountable. This is an insult to the taxpayers who have been forced to rescue the company, bearing the financial burden of others' misconduct.

The public outcry in 2023 reignited attention on the case, prompting a request for assistance from the Netherlands. Dutch authorities, including the Recherche Samenwerkingsteam (RST), are now actively involved in investigating the full scope of the Ennia scandal. This marks a significant step forward, as the Netherlands' expertise and resources could finally bring the accountability that has been sorely lacking. However, delays in providing concrete resources and answers only prolong the agony for those seeking justice. The lack of urgency in addressing this issue is a slap in the face to the people of Curaçao and St. Maarten, who deserve swift and decisive action.

The civil proceedings have already exposed the extent of the wrongdoing, with former executives and Ansary himself facing liability for unlawful withdrawals and payments. Yet, the absence of criminal convictions underscores the systemic failures that allowed this crisis to fester. The justice minister's assertion that capacity issues should not hinder investigations rings hollow when years have passed without significant progress.

This case is not just about Ennia; it is a litmus test for the integrity of institutions in Curaçao, St. Maarten, and the Netherlands. The taxpayers who bailed out Ennia deserve more than empty promises and bureaucratic delays. They deserve accountability, transparency, and a commitment to ensuring that such a travesty never happens again. With the Netherlands and the RST now fully engaged, there is hope that justice will finally be served—but the clock is ticking. Justice delayed is justice denied.

PHILIPSBURG:---  As part of the ongoing implementation of the integrity program established by the Board of the Dutch Caribbean Chiefs of Police, under the leadership of the Chief of Police of Sint Maarten, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) conducted an essential week of training and a symposium from August 11 to August 15, 2025. This initiative, developed by the integrity platform of the Association of the Dutch Caribbean Chiefs of Police, aims to enhance internal investigation protocols and strengthen standards among the police forces of the Dutch Caribbean.

In its second year, the Integrity Program focuses on establishing consistent integrity standards for police forces across Sint Maarten, Aruba, Curaçao, and the Caribbean Netherlands. The project includes a series of training sessions designed for leaders within the police forces to ensure alignment with the integrity and transparency objectives.

KPSM leadership, including the Chief of Police and other senior officials, engaged actively in the training. Over the past year, various sessions have been conducted for police leaders, ensuring that all personnel, from top management to rank-and-file officers, are united in their commitment to integrity and transparency. More than 110 KPSM officers and other participants took part in this week of training, fostering a collaborative approach to internal investigations and accountability, resulting in a stronger, more professional police force.

The week culminated in a symposium featuring high-level participants from the Ministry of Justice, including department heads, the Prosecutor’s Office, unions, and other distinguished guests. The Honourable Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling, actively participated and endorsed this crucial initiative, significantly contributing to the success of the training program.

The symposium included expert presentations from Mr. J. Rosales and Mr. O. Bouman, who shared valuable insights into the implementation of the Integrity Protocol. The Integrity Protocol is a vital component of a broader regional initiative to uphold a high level of integrity and enhance collaboration among the police forces of Sint Maarten, Aruba, Curaçao, and the Caribbean Netherlands. By establishing clear, shared protocols, the police forces aim to:

- Increase the quality and transparency of internal investigations.

- Foster the exchange of best practices among investigators across borders.

- Ensure fairness and consistency in legal practices throughout the region.

- Leverage collective knowledge and resources to improve police operations.

- Promote accountability and compliance within the police forces.

The ultimate goal is to build a police force that is not only trusted by the public but is also characterized by internal strength, transparency, and accountability.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten extends its deepest gratitude to the  Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling for her unwavering support and participation in this initiative, as well as to the Chief Prosecutor and the unions for their ongoing collaboration. Special thanks are also due to the instructors, Mr. J. Rosales and Mr. O. Bouman, whose expertise and dedication were instrumental in making this training a success.

KPSM Press Release.

The 3-day summit is aimed at boosting island competitiveness in the fast-evolving world of AI

 Willemstad, Curacao:---The first-ever AI Islands summit will take place in Curaçao from August 27 to 29, bringing together visionary leaders to explore the transformative power of AI for island economies. This landmark event is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Curaçao Investment & Export Promotion Agency (CINEX) and Islandpreneur International.  AI Islands 2025 (www.aiislands.co) will be held at the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) and will gather over 100 leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers and investors.

The vision for AI Islands, as presented by the founder of AI Islands and CEO of Islandpreneur, Ife Badejo, is to strengthen entrepreneurship ecosystems in island nations by equipping entrepreneurs and leaders with AI-powered solutions and creating pathways for global competitiveness. Curaçao is the ideal location for the AI Islands summit, due to its emerging tech hub status, developed ecosystem, and strong commitment to innovation. According to CINEX CEO, Miles Mercera, Curaçao is ready to take its place as a leader in the digital economy. “Partnering with the AI Islands summit allows Curaçao to showcase our vision, connect global stakeholders, and accelerate opportunities for our entrepreneurs,” Mercera explained.

The three-day program will feature high-impact workshops and panels at the CBCS with participation from Islandpreneur’s strategic partners, and keynote sessions led by global and regional thought leaders. Topics will cover leading in the AI age, understanding AI’s impact on finance, the role of AI in government, and strategies to stand out in an AI-driven world. During the workshops, attendees will learn how to automate workflows, build their own bots or agents with Blue NAP Americas, and create apps in under 30 minutes. CINEX will also present its vision and strategy for advancing the digital economy, emphasizing its role as a bridge and connector in the region. "This partnership with CINEX signals the beginning of a multi-year journey,” said Ife Badejo, founder of AI Islands. “Together, we will deliver a transformative experience in 2025, and in addition strengthen the position of Curaçao as a driving force in shaping the future of AI in island economies."

For more information or get passes, kindly visit www.aiislands.co. For updates, connect with Islandpreneur on facebook at www.facebook.com/iamislandpreneur.