PHILIPSBURG:--- “No matter how powerful the prison, every prison has a door.” Author, resilience expert, speaker, and entrepreneur Shaka Senghor, a formerly incarcerated man, has transformed his life and now inspires others through his latest book, “How to Be Free: A Proven Guide to Escaping Life’s Hidden Prisons”.
In this deeply personal work, Senghor reflects on his journey, dedicating the book not only to the family and supporters who stood by him but also to every version of himself, from the boy nicknamed “Pumpkin,” to the teenager “Jay,” to nineteen-year-old James White, who entered prison, to the man who emerged into the light as Shaka Senghor.
The book aligns with the Art Saves Lives Foundation’s mission by empowering youth and community members to confront challenges and overcome life’s hidden prisons.” The Sint Maarten Library has gratefully received 24 donated copies from Art Saves Lives Foundation, and we are proud to include them in our collection for the benefit of the entire community.
“This book brought me joy. It helped me confront and uproot my own hidden prisons,” Senghor shares. “I have earned this joy. I have earned the right to thrive.” His story underscores themes of survival, growth, and reclaiming one’s life from trauma and adversity, inspiring readers to honor their own journeys.
About Shaka Senghor
Shaka Senghor is a bestselling author, activist, and educator who transforms his experiences with incarceration and personal struggle into lessons on leadership, resilience, and redemption.
By joining this initiative, the Sint Maarten Library invests in the community’s potential enriching resources, fostering empathy, sparking dialogue, and promoting personal and educational growth.
World Stray Animal Sunset Sail hosted on April 4th by Aqua Mania Adventures to Support St. Maarten’s Animal Welfare Organizations.
Simpson Bay:--- Animal lovers are invited to come together for a meaningful cause during the annual World Stray Animal Sunset Sail, taking place on Saturday, April 4th, 2026, hosted by Aqua Mania Adventures. The special event raises awareness and vital funds for the organizations working tirelessly to improve the lives of stray and abandoned animals across St. Maarten.
On an island where stray animals remain a visible challenge, a network of dedicated volunteers and foundations works year-round to rescue, rehabilitate, and care for animals in need. Among them is the St. Maarten Animal Welfare Foundation, which for decades has been at the forefront of promoting humane treatment of animals. Through education, rescue efforts, and extensive sterilization campaigns, the foundation has helped sponsor more than 15,000 spay and neuter procedures, addressing the root cause of animal overpopulation.
Alongside them, SXM Paws continues to make a difference through its rescue and adoption programs, providing medical care, foster homes, and ultimately loving families for animals that once lived on the streets. With its Adoption Center and network of volunteers, the organization has helped countless animals find a second chance at life.
More recently, the Island Cat Rescue Foundation, established in 2024, has taken on the growing challenge of the island’s stray and feral cat population. Through its Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) program, the organization works to humanely reduce cat populations while rescuing young kittens who can be socialized and placed into foster care until they find permanent homes.
Completing the group of organizations supported by this year’s sail is Animal Defenders, a volunteer-powered network known for responding to animals in distress across the island. From providing emergency care and shelter to ensuring animals receive proper nutrition and veterinary treatment, the group plays an essential role in addressing urgent welfare cases within the community.
The World Stray Animal Sunset Sail offers the public an opportunity to support these organizations while enjoying an unforgettable evening on the water. The event begins at 3:30 PM with a pre-sail gathering, where guests can meet the foundations, learn more about their work, and contribute through merchandise purchases, raffle tickets, and donations of pet food or supplies.
At 5:15 PM, guests will board Aqua Mania’s sailing catamaran for a 90-minute sunset cruise along St. Maarten’s coastline. The sail includes an open bar, snacks, and spectacular views, all while raising funds that will directly support the island’s ongoing animal rescue and sterilization efforts.
Tickets are $50 and include pre-mixer drinks, snacks, and open bar onboard during the sunset sail.
Even those who cannot attend the sail can still make a difference. Community members and visitors can support local animal welfare organizations by donating supplies, volunteering time, fostering animals, sponsoring sterilization procedures, or helping escort adopted animals to their new homes when traveling off-island.
Aqua Mania Adventures is proud to host this event once again, bringing the community together to support the organizations working every day to create a safer and more compassionate future for St. Maarten’s animals.
Parliament to Convene Public Meeting to Address U.S.–China Trade War Impacts, Larg Scale Tourism Events, and Marketplace Construction Delays.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on March 11, 2026.
The Public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 10.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT) will be in attendance.
The agenda points are:
1. The U.S.-China and related countries trade war and its broader economic implications
2. The role of large-scale events, such as Soul Beach Music Festival, in boosting tourism and business growth
3. The prolonged delay in the construction of the vendor marketplace, initially set to begin in August 2024, and its impact on small businesses (IS/ 768/2024-2025 dated March 26, 2025)
This meeting was requested by MP E.J. Doran, MP D.T.J. York, and MP A.M.R. Irion.
Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.
The House of Parliament is located across from the courthouse in Philipsburg.
The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org; www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx
Report “The Listening Eye”: better access to information and complaint procedures in Aruba needed.
ORANJESTAD, ARUBA:--- The Ombudsman of Aruba, Ms. Jurima Bryson, LL.M., has published the report “The Listening Eye.” This report presents the results of an investigation conducted by the Ombudsman’s Office between August and September 2025. The official name of the investigation is “Het Luisterend Oog”, as the investigation report is published in Dutch. The main objective of the investigation was to identify institutions that fall under the National Ombudsman Ordinance.
The investigation identified 564 institutions in Aruba. A large number of these institutions are private organizations that work with children and young people, such as schools, childcare centers, and healthcare institutions.
What are the findings in this investigation?
The investigation shows that important information at several institutions is outdated or missing, including contact numbers, directors' names, and information on complaint procedures. This makes it more difficult for citizens and parents to access information or submit a complaint.
In the childcare sector, the investigation found that fewer than half of the centers contacted have a clear and functioning complaints procedure.
In addition, the National Register of childcare centers is not always up to date. For example, some centers are still listed in the register even though they are no longer operational.
Why is this important?
If institutions are difficult to reach or lack a clear complaints procedure, citizens cannot exercise their rights properly. Good accessibility and clear information are important for protecting citizens, including children.
What does the Ombudsman recommend?
The Ombudsman makes several recommendations to the government, institutions, and supervisory authorities. Among other things, it is recommended to improve transparency, update public registers, and ensure that all institutions have a clear and accessible complaints procedure. This is important to strengthen the legal protection of citizens, particularly children and young people.
The report represents a first step toward improving accessibility, transparency, and the handling of complaints within institutions in Aruba.
Next steps
The Ombudsman will monitor the institutions’ progress in addressing these recommendations. The Ombudsman will also stay in contact with the responsible ministers, the relevant institutions, and supervisors.
The full report “The Listening Eye” is available on the Ombudsman's website, www.ombudsman.aw/en/publications/.
CPS Calls on Women to Sign-up for Free Breast Exam & Health Screening scheduled for 28 March.
PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- On Saturday, March 28, the American University of the Caribbean (AUC) will launch their annual free breast exam and health screening program for 2026. Women 18 years and older, and first-time participants, are encouraged to sign up.
This activity is aimed at educating and empowering women by increasing awareness of breast cancer risk factors while simultaneously collecting data for ongoing health research on breast abnormalities.
Women interested in the screening program should mark their calendars, especially those who have not previously participated in the breast abnormalities project.
Interested women are requested to make an appointment at least one week or up to three days before the event by calling: +1-721-545-2298 (ext. 404-2248) or
Emailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The screening will take place at CPS located at the Vineyard Office Park Building #33 W.G. Buncamper Road.
This initiative is being spearheaded by AUC, Collection Prevention Services (CPS), Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) in collaboration with the Positive Foundation.
Stakeholders encourage night shift workers, police officers, civil workers, store workers, and nurses who are 18 years and older to participate. First-time participants are especially welcome to join this year's AUC breast screenings.
While there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, it is the hope that through education and results from this research project, women can be empowered by knowledge resulting in earlier detection and treatment.
The breast exam is performed by a board-certified AUC physician. Free health screenings include Blood Sugar, Total Cholesterol, Waist Circumference, Blood Pressure, Height, Weight, BMI, and Vision.
This initiative’s target is to reach 1,000 women, has already collected data from over 660 women. Help the team to achieve its proposed target number. By participating, you contribute to a significant community health project and help us achieve our goal.
Reserve the date and at least two hours in your schedule and register to be part of an opportunity to receive health information and a free clinical breast exam.