PHILIPSBURG:--- As part of the observance of Literacy Month in September, the book The Adventures of Anansi was officially launched and presented to the honorable Minister of VSA, Mr. Richinel Brug, who graciously accepted the publication on behalf of the honorable Minister of ECYS, Ms. Melissa Gumbs.
Also present at the book launch were representatives of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, school managers/directors of the public and government subsidized schools, and representatives of the Windward Islands Bank of Sint Maarten.
The publication features eight beloved Anansi stories, retold to capture the wit, wisdom, and wonder of the legendary spider. Originating in West Africa, the stories were carried across the Atlantic through the transatlantic slave trade, becoming an enduring part of cultural heritage in the Americas and the Caribbean.
The new edition draws on the 1970s television series based on the works of Curaçaoan writer Nilda Pinto, illustrated by Utrecht artist Toon van Ham. The same illustrations now enrich this newly released edition.
The stories remain highly relevant today. Beyond their cultural value, they provide opportunities for reflection and dialogue. Each story concludes with a central question: What would you do in this situation?—inviting readers to consider their own values and moral choices.
Following the official launch, a workshop was organized for teachers to introduce the accompanying teaching tools. During the session, educators worked with the first story from the book and explored how the materials can be applied in classrooms to support discussions on ethics and decision-making.
Throughout the final week of September, in partnership with Biblionef Netherlands, school visits were conducted to introduce students to the Anansi stories. In the weeks ahead, every school will receive a box containing multiple copies of The Adventures of Anansi, thanks to the support of the Windward Islands Bank.
This project, which also includes a website with teaching resources, has been made possible through the support of the Nederlands Letterenfonds. Separate editions of the book are released in English, Dutch, Papiamentu, and Papiamento, ensuring that pupils throughout the Dutch Kingdom can experience the legacy of Anansi in their own language.
Special recognition is extended to the Project Group Kompa Nanzi—Elodie Heloise, Philie van Veen, Richenel Ansano, Crisèn Schorea, and Marjan de Visser-Lemstra—as well as to all contributors who helped bring this project to fruition.
And finally, we want to thank the management of Windward Island Bank of St. Maarten for assisting with the distribution of these books to all public and government-subsidized schools.
French Quarter, St. Martin:--- The public is invited to a free festival celebrating St. Martin’s migratory birds this Saturday, October 11th! The Migratory Bird Festival will be held from 9 am to noon at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House in French Quarter. The event will include the launch of a new coloring book: Amuseum Around Me. The book will be available for free at the event while supplies last. Kids can dive right into the books at the festival’s coloring station. Guests can also play fun bird games in the Amuseum’s gardens and explore the museum exhibits and grounds. A special snail station will also highlight island snails. 
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Performance Sports Academy (PSA) Athletics Association is excited to announce the return of the U15 Paradise Showdown, taking place October 4th–8th at the L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium in Sint Maarten. This year’s tournament promises five action-packed days of competition. The first three days will feature four thrilling games each day, followed by two days of intense matchups, crossovers, semi-finals, and the grand finals. Over 90 individuals will be flying in or via ferry and will arrive in Sint Maarten starting October 3rd and the morning hours of October 4th. These numbers exclude families and other supporters who will also be traveling with the groups. We are excited for the countries to visit our shores and enjoy what Sint Maarten has to offer while they are on the island. Two hotels will accommodate these groups of individuals, along with any other accommodations that may have been booked for the families and supporters. A new highlight for 2025 is the All-Star Game, showcasing 24 of the tournament’s most outstanding players (excluding finalists). This special event will give rising stars more time on the court to display their skills and entertain the crowd. Beyond the competition, Paradise Showdown is designed to develop youth basketball at the grassroots level. Morning training sessions will be led by esteemed coaches from the USA, working closely with student-athletes and their coaches from each participating country. This year also introduces a girls-only training session featuring players from Curaçao, Saba, Saint Martin, and Sint Maarten, an important step in encouraging young female athletes to develop their talents in a supportive environment.
Willemstad/Philipsburg:--- In its 30th anniversary year, SOAB presents the 2024 annual report with the theme ‘Collaboration’. In an era of increasing societal complexity, collaboration is not just desirable but essential. SOAB emphasizes its role as a reliable partner in the public sector, with a clear mission: to contribute to transparency, good governance, and responsible use of public funds.