PHILIPSBURG:---  Exciting news for young readers and educators alike! The Mystery of Turtle Island (L’Anse Kawet), the debut book in the thrilling new children’s adventure series The Lost Island of Laborie is making waves and is now available for purchase. This thrilling children’s fiction tale follows four best friends as they navigate the aftermath of a hurricane, searching for their families while uncovering hidden lessons about nature, friendship, perseverance, and courage.

Set on the enchanting islet of L’Anse Kawet, known only to village elders and the sea creatures of the Caribbean, the book blends adventure with cultural richness of the village. When not exploring the waters, the young heroes engage in traditional games passed down through generations, celebrating African, French, and indigenous influences that form the vibrant fabric of their community.

Writing under the pen name “Terre,” a cherished native name from his grandmother meaning “Earth,” Peterson honours his roots and pays tribute to the elders and cultural icons who helped shape his early life. He embraces his cultural heritage in this heartwarming adventure, and his storytelling pays homage to iconic figures from his childhood, sharing their wisdom and well-known adages with a new generation.

A Must-Read for Young Adventurers. Aimed at children aged 6 to 11, The Mystery of Turtle Island captivates with action-packed storytelling and vivid imagery. Readers are introduced to native Creole words through an engaging glossary with completed translation, making the book an excellent resource for educators celebrating Creole Heritage Day, Jounen Kweyol, and International Mother Tongue Day.

Meet the Author. Terre T. J. Peterson is a dynamic transformational leader, father, motivational speaker, and human rights advocate. Peterson holds multiple advanced degrees, including an LL.M, MBA, and M.Phil. His professional journey spans education, law, public service, and finance - where he has led with vision, passion, dedication, and a commitment to uplifting communities.

Praise for The Mystery of Turtle Island:

“An adventure like no other! Four best friends go on a wild journey filled with mystery and excitement. This story is eye-catching and keeps you on the edge of your seat!” – Tajah

“A page-turning mystery! Packed with action and surprises, the mix of words and fun pictures makes it even more exciting. We couldn’t stop reading!” – Regal

Where to Buy. The Mystery of Turtle Island (L’Anse Kawet) is available now at BookBaby, with wider release across major bookstores set for June 30, 2025.

Buy now at BookBaby: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/the-mystery-of-turtle-island

Available for preorders on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0ny4cVH

For more on the author, visit his LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/peterson-terry-769b47140

THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE):---  The Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten Drs. Gracita Arrindell represented the Kingdom of the Netherlands at the Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building (GC3B) with the theme “Cyber Resilience for Development.”

In the presence of policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society representatives, Minister Arrindell at the opening ceremony in her statement by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, “The digital revolution has transformed our world in unprecedented ways. It has connected us across continents, fueled economic growth, and empowered individuals. Yet, with these immense opportunities come equally significant challenges.

“Today, the digital domain is increasingly contested. We witness a concerning rise in cyber threats, digital oppression and attempts to fragment the global internet. The Kingdom of the Netherlands firmly believes that an open, free, and secure digital future is possible—but only through collaborative effort and shared responsibility.

“This is why cyber capacity building stands at the heart of our International Cyber Strategy and why we have proudly been the largest supporter to the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise over the past decade.”

Arrindell added: “The Kingdom of the Netherlands has endorsed the Accra call for cyber resilient development. We recognize how cyber capacity building is an integral part of sustainable development. That is also why we work together within the European Union with other partners to develop programmes with an integrated approach to digital transformation.”

Arrindell: “The complex challenges we face in cyberspace cannot be addressed by governments alone. A truly effective approach to cyber capacity building must embrace the multi-stakeholder model that has been the foundation of internet governance from its inception.

“In closing, the digital future we seek—open, free, and secure—does not exist by chance. It must be deliberately maintained through shared effort and mutual support. The Kingdom of the Netherlands stands ready to partner with you all in this vital work.”

During her closing remarks at the session on, “Towards a Cyber and Climate Resilient Digital Transition,” Minister Arrindell reflections were delivered on behalf of Sint Maarten.

“The path forward must be guided by two fundamental principles that emerged clearly from our discussions: First, integration is non-negotiable. Sustainability and security cannot operate in separate domains or follow disconnected road maps. Every digital solution deployed for climate resilience must undergo rigorous security evaluation from inception. Every renewable energy infrastructure project must incorporate cyber protection as a core design element. This isn't optional, it’s foundational to genuine resilience.

“Second, collaboration across traditional boundaries is essential. After all hurricanes do not stop at the border. The challenges of the twin transition transcend individual stakeholder capabilities. We need cooperation between technology developers and climate scientists, between security experts and sustainability practitioners, between public sector policymakers and private sector innovators and between developed nations and emerging economies.

“This important topic underscores the realities of the time we live in. Fragmentation is no longer an option. Fostering stronger partnerships increases global resilience. For Sint Maarten, follow up with concise steps forward from both public and private sectors is imperative for governments large or small in regard to identifying, and or updating existing rules and regulations thereby anchoring the relevant information in a transparent manner necessary to face these challenges head-on.

“Therefore, in the best interest of our community, sooner rather than later, we must decide on a coherent strategy for becoming a Cyber resilient nation similar to the manner in which Sint Maarten has an emergency response structure in place such as the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) where all entities are aware and familiar with each other’s actions in case of a calamity.

“After all, as I shared at the closing statement with the Conference, hurricanes do not stop at the border, neither does Cybercrime,” Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita Arrindell concluded.  

The GC3B took place in Geneva, Switzerland from May 13-14.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  Members of the Council of Ministers (CoM) as well as Emergency Support Function (ESF) coordinators were provided with a guided tour of the humanitarian vessel from Global Support Development (GSD) MV DAWN on May 13.  The vessel was visiting the country from May 12 – 14.

GSD maritime capabilities include the MV DAWN which is capable of a 21-day mission duration providing logistics coordination and support, water delivery, as well as bathymetric and population data collection capabilities.

There will be additional discussions between the Government of Sint Maarten and GSD with respect to future collaborations in disaster management and response as a result of the visit.

MV DAWN, operating since early 2023, is a key component of GSDs disaster response capabilities and enhances the organization’s capacity to support partners throughout the Caribbean.

GSD's objective is to work with local disaster professionals and entities to seek opportunities to amplify and augment existing disaster response efforts, fill gaps, share knowledge, and support locally led preparedness initiatives.

GSD is a US-based humanitarian organization that was founded in 2015 with the focus of working with local, national, and regional communities and disaster agencies to prepare before disaster strikes, support their immediate needs through rapid response, and engage with communities on climate adaptation to reduce the impact of disasters and the climate crisis.

GSD operates in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean, Central America, and the South Pacific. The aforementioned are in the most disaster-prone regions in the world and are at the forefront of the global climate change crisis.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Meet Greta Rodney-Thompson, a passionate St. Martin teacher, cultural preservationist, and aspiring social entrepreneur who has generously donated her newly published children’s book, The Johnny Cake Delivery, to the Sint Maarten Library and the wider community.

The Johnny Cake Delivery is a vibrant and engaging educational picture book that introduces young readers to the unique blend of French and Dutch cultures found on the island of St. Martin. Through colorful illustrations and an inspiring narrative, the story integrates important lessons in mathematics, language, and community values.

The concept of the book began as a tribute to Rodney-Thompson’s great-grandmother. However, it soon evolved into a heartwarming family project that celebrates legacy, heritage, and togetherness. The story opens with the familiar phrase, “Mama’s making Johnny Cakes,” a line that resonates deeply with many on the island. This nostalgic nod sets the stage for a delightful tale that highlights the importance of family, sharing, and social-emotional learning.

As the young protagonist delivers his favorite treat—johnnycakes—through his community, he engages in practical learning by practicing subtraction, using number words, and recognizing iconic landmarks that shape the geography and culture of St. Martin. The book is both educational and entertaining, offering early learners a rich experience that fosters cultural appreciation and academic development.

Rodney-Thompson dedicated her donated copy with the hope that her work will support the Sint Maarten Library’s mission to nurture a more literature-loving community.  S. Richardson gratefully accepted the donation on behalf of the Sint Maarten Library, which remains committed to promoting a love for reading and lifelong learning.

The book will soon be available to the public and represents a valuable addition to the library’s collection, particularly in the areas of education and cultural preservation. Through its diverse programming and inclusive initiatives, the library continues to be a cornerstone for education and cultural enrichment on the island.