PHILIPSBURG:--- For 45 remarkable years, Shirley Richardson dedicated her time, talent, and passion to serving the community and advancing literacy. Retiring just two months shy of her 46th anniversary, Shirley leaves behind a lasting legacy of warmth, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to literacy and the people she served.

Congratulations, Shirley Richardson, and thank you for 45 remarkable years of dedicated service! Your legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Throughout nearly five decades at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library (now the Sint Maarten Library), Shirley was more than a dedicated team member; she was the heart of the library’s mission. Her career spans generations, leaving an indelible mark on thousands of young minds. From guiding toddlers to their very first picture books to helping young students discover a lifelong love for reading, Shirley’s contribution is woven directly into the educational journeys of children across Sint Maarten.

Over the years, Shirley witnessed and contributed to the library’s evolution, remaining a familiar and welcoming face to generations of island families. Countless adults across the island now read to their own children, carrying forward the love for books that Shirley helped ignite decades ago.

“Forty-five years of service is an extraordinary achievement,” stated the Sint Maarten Library Board. “Shirley’s passion represents one of the brightest chapters in our history. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the countless individuals she welcomed, assisted, and inspired throughout her years of service. We are deeply grateful for her historic contribution to the library and the community of Sint Maarten.”

As Shirley embarks on this joyful new chapter, the entire Sint Maarten Library family celebrates her well-deserved retirement and wishes her endless happiness, relaxation, and exciting new adventures.

Thank you, Shirley Richardson, for 45 remarkable years of shaping young minds, fostering a love for reading, and contributing to a brighter future for Sint Maarten!

The Sint Maarten Library remains dedicated to empowering the local community through access to books, educational resources, creative cultural programming, and dynamic activities that spark a lifelong passion for reading and learning.

PHILIPSBURG:---  United People’s Party (UP) Leader and Member of Parliament Omar Ottley has congratulated Alexander Gumbs on the extension of his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Port St. Maarten Group for another five years.

Ottley said the decision reaffirms the confidence he placed in Gumbs when he supported his initial appointment in 2021 as a member of the Council of Ministers.

“When Alex Gumbs was appointed CEO of Port St. Maarten in 2021, I supported that appointment as a member of the Council of Ministers,” Ottley said. “At the time, I saw a young, ambitious and highly educated Sint Maartener who had pursued his studies abroad, returned home and had already gained valuable experience in the port and cruise industry.”

Ottley said Gumbs has demonstrated his ability to lead during his first five-year term and has earned recognition within the regional cruise industry.

“Five years later, I am pleased to see that confidence reaffirmed with another five-year appointment,” he said.

The MP added that there remains room for Port St. Maarten to expand its vision, upgrade its infrastructure and further improve the experience offered to cruise passengers.

“We should be creating more opportunities for visitors to experience our culture and connect with what makes Sint Maarten unique,” Ottley said. “The Port should not simply be a point of arrival and departure; it should be an extension of the Sint Maarten experience, with locally owned concessionaires.”

Ottley described Gumbs’ journey as an example of what can be achieved when qualified local professionals are given opportunities to develop and lead. Gumbs pursued his education abroad, gained international experience and returned home to apply that knowledge in service of Sint Maarten.

“This is the kind of success story we should celebrate,” Ottley said. “A young Sint Maartener pursued his education abroad, returned home, built his career and is now leading one of the most important institutions in our economy, while also being recognized beyond our shores.”

He emphasized that Port St. Maarten remains a critical pillar of the country’s tourism economy and said strong local leadership will be essential to its continued growth.

“I congratulate Alex on his five-year extension and wish him continued success,” Ottley concluded. “I look forward to seeing what he and his team will accomplish over the next five years and how that leadership will continue to contribute to the growth and development of Port St. Maarten and Sint Maarten.”

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Melissa Gumbs, will join families, young readers, educators, and community members for the Grand Celebration of the 2026 Early Learners BookStart Campaign on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Emilio Wilson Park from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Minister Gumbs recently registered as a Sint Maarten Library member and chose The Two Squabbling Squirrels for the celebration. Her participation adds to a day dedicated to encouraging young children to discover the joy of books, reading, and imagination.

The Grand Celebration will end the September Early Learners BookStart Campaign with a fun-filled program for children and families. Activities will include a Miniature Parade of Books, a meet-and-greet, poetry, storytelling, a puppet show, and capoeira, face painting, entertainment, and more.

Families and caregivers are invited to bring their little readers and join the celebration at Emilio Wilson Park. The day is an opportunity to make reading a joyful part of every child's journey while celebrating the imagination, curiosity, and possibilities that books can inspire. For more information, contact the Sint Maarten Library at +1 721-542-2970 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Early Learners BookStart Campaign promotes the importance of introducing children to books and reading from an early age. Throughout September, the campaign has connected young children with books, stories, community readers, educators, day-care centers, families, and community partners, and the Sint Maarten Library looks forward to welcoming the community to Emilio Wilson Park on Saturday, September 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., for a celebration of reading, imagination, and the joy of books.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (VSA), through Collective Prevention Services (CPS), wishes to reassure parents, educators, employers, employees, and the wider community that proactive measures are being taken to promote healthy environments and minimize the spread of respiratory illnesses.

Following recent reports of respiratory illnesses at Charlotte Brookson Academy for the Performance Arts, including a confirmed COVID-19 case and flu-like symptoms among students and teachers, the Ministry acknowledges the concerns expressed by parents and school personnel. The school's temporary closure to facilitate cleaning and sanitization reflects its precautionary approach.

CPS remains actively engaged in promoting preventive measures and public health awareness to protect the community.

The Ministry encourages schools, businesses, and other institutions to strengthen every day preventive practices, including regular handwashing, proper respiratory etiquette, adequate ventilation, and routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.

Employers are encouraged to support employees experiencing respiratory symptoms by allowing them to remain at home when ill and promoting workplace practices that reduce the risk of transmission. Students and staff who are unwell should also remain at home, consider wearing a well-fitting mask when around others, and seek medical attention when appropriate.

The Ministry emphasizes that the situation calls for awareness, cooperation, and responsible action to avoid unnecessary alarm. Schools, businesses, and the wider community all have an important role in limiting the spread of respiratory illnesses.

Staying up to date with recommended vaccinations helps to protect the community.  The Ministry encourages persons to engage with their house doctor or pharmacist to learn which vaccinations are available.

The Ministry of VSA remains committed to safeguarding public health and encourages everyone to remain vigilant and take the necessary preventive measures especially as we approach the respiratory illness season.

For further information or assistance, schools, businesses, and members of the public may contact Collective Prevention Services at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call          (721) 542-1570 or 914.