WILLEMSTAD:--- On Wednesday, May 28, nine soldiers from Curaçao were officially sworn in after successfully finalizing the Elementary Military Training (EMF) (Elementaire Militaire Vorming (EMV).
The ceremony took place in the presence of the Acting Governor of Curaçao, the Minister of Justice Hato, and the Commander of the Navy in the Caribbean.

The nine soldiers were part of a group of fifteen candidates who graduated from the EMF Training.  Of this group, six were originating from Aruba and nine from Curaçao. The Aruban soldiers will be sworn in at a later date on the island of Aruba.

The training consisted of 26 weeks of intensive military training, in which physical and mental resilience were central.

After completing this period, the official ‘closing in with applause’ took place at Fort Amsterdam. The candidates then followed a 10-week B&B module (Guarding & Securing), in preparation for their position within Defence in the Caribbean.

After being sworn in, the soldiers were placed with the Curmil (Curaçao Military) and the Arumil (Aruban Military), where they are committed to peace and security in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.

PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten's students aiming to pursue education in the United States may face new challenges following a recent directive from the US Secretary of State. The announcement instructs US embassies to halt the scheduling of student visa interviews, citing plans to adopt a stricter approach toward reviewing visa applicants' social media activities.

This development has prompted a response from the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, Melissa Gumbs, including a public address aimed at students, parents, and guardians. The message underscores the potential impact on the aspirations of St. Maarten students and provides guidance on navigating this uncertain landscape.

A New Barrier for International Students

The directive outlines the intention to conduct deeper scrutiny of visa applicants' activity on platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, among others. While the move is part of a broader strategy to evaluate applicants' suitability, it raises significant concerns for thousands of international students, including those from St. Maarten.

Minister Gumbs have emphasized that the decision is out of St. Maarten's control, urging families to remain well-informed about developments. “While unfortunate, this is not a decision that we can influence or change as St. Maarten,” the statement noted, encouraging students to prepare for potential implications on their academic journeys.

The Importance of Online Responsibility

A key part of the announcement focused on the importance of maintaining a responsible online presence. Students were reminded that social media activities, even those thought to be private, could be subjected to governmental scrutiny.

“The internet is forever,” the statement warned, calling attention to the potential long-term consequences of posting controversial or harmful content. Instances of publicly shared school fights, verbal disputes, or other actions deemed inappropriate were highlighted as examples of material that could negatively affect visa applications.

Parents were also urged to have honest discussions with their students about their online behavior and its impact. By promoting awareness of what they share online, students can reduce the risk of complications when seeking international opportunities.

Ministry's Role and Ongoing Monitoring

While the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport cannot interfere with international policy decisions, it pledged to monitor the situation closely and provide general guidance when appropriate. Families were encouraged to stay informed by following updates on US student visa developments and taking proactive measures based on the evolving circumstances.

"We must monitor what is happening, take note of the decisions being made, and provide our students with the knowledge needed to take on the reality of the wider world," the statement advised, emphasizing preparation rather than panic during these uncertain geopolitical times.

Looking Ahead

The directive serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adapting to changing international policies. Students and families in St. Maarten have been urged to stay alert, make informed decisions, and be mindful of their digital footprints as they plan for their future.

While the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, the call to action focused on pragmatic solutions and a steady focus on long-term goals. For now, staying informed and cautious remains the most valuable tool for students looking toward opportunities abroad.

ORANJESTAD, St Eustatius:---  Governor Alida Francis of St Eustatius (Statia) is currently attending the Global Sustainable Island Summit in St. Kitts, a key three-day event taking place from 27-29 May 2025. This summit convenes global leaders, experts, and stakeholders to address critical issues facing island communities worldwide.

During her participation, Governor Francis delivered a compelling address that underscored Statia’s firm commitment and significant contributions to global sustainability and climate change mitigation. Her speech highlighted the island's unique experiences and progressive initiatives in building a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.

This year’s summit focuses on pressing challenges pertinent to island communities, including water sustainability, energy, agricultural resilience, climate adaptation, climate-health interactions, and geothermal energy.

The Global Sustainable Island Summit is a premier international forum dedicated to fostering collaboration and sharing innovative solutions for sustainable development and climate resilience among island nations.

In her remarks, Governor Francis stated, "I am honoured to be part of this event. At the centre of it all lies good governance. Good governance is fundamental to our progress. On a small island, trust between the government, the community, and stakeholders is essential for effective climate action. We work closely with local organisations, businesses, and residents to ensure that everyone has a voice in shaping our future. By fostering transparency, accountability, and community participation, we are building the trust needed to implement ambitious policies and to adapt to changing circumstances." She added, "We are committed to contributing to these vital conversations and working towards a resilient future for all island nations.”

The Global Sustainable Island Summit 2025 is proudly co-hosted by the Government of St Kitts and Nevis in collaboration with Island Innovation

PARIS:--- Senator Annick Pétrus of Saint-Martin found herself under scrutiny after customs officials at Roissy Airport detained her for attempting to bring 22 kilograms of undeclared tobacco into the country. The incident occurred on the morning of May 4, shortly after her arrival on an Air France flight from the Caribbean.

Customs agents discovered 110 cartons of cigarettes in her possession, valued at €14,250. The tobacco products were confiscated, and the senator was fined €4,900 as a penalty for failing to declare the goods in accordance with the law. The event highlights the stringent enforcement of customs regulations in France and raises questions about the responsibilities and transparency of public officials.

A Respected Political Figure Under Fire

Annick Pétrus, representing the Les Républicains party, has held her position as senator since 2020. Known for her dedication to social affairs and her advocacy for the interests of overseas territories, Pétrus splits her time between Paris and her constituency in Saint-Martin. She also serves as secretary of the Senate’s social affairs committee and vice president of its overseas territories delegation.

Despite her prominent political career, the recent incident has drawn significant attention and sparked discussions about the conduct and accountability of elected officials. This is particularly relevant given the expectations placed on public figures to serve as role models, both professionally and personally.

Customs Regulations and Their Implications

French customs laws require all travelers to declare goods exceeding specified thresholds upon entry to the country. Failure to comply can result in fines, confiscation of goods, and potential legal action. The confiscation of Pétrus’s tobacco products and the imposed fine underscore the seriousness with which France enforces these regulations.

Senator's Response

Following the incident, Senator Pétrus issued a formal statement addressing her constituents in Saint-Martin. She expressed transparency and regret over her actions, explaining the circumstances behind the transportation of the prohibited goods. According to Pétrus, she had agreed to carry a bag for an acquaintance as a favor, a practice she acknowledged is fairly routine within the community. However, she admitted that this decision was regrettable given the consequences.

“During a recent trip from Saint-Martin to Paris, I agreed to transport a piece of luggage for an acquaintance, as is a common practice within our community. However, in hindsight, I realize I should not have taken this action. This well-intentioned favor, though customary in our regions, was inappropriate under these specific circumstances,” Pétrus explained in her statement.

She further clarified that she immediately took responsibility for her actions, paying the fine imposed by customs using her personal funds. “I fully accepted the consequences of my mistake,” she added, emphasizing the personal impact the incident has had on her.

Commitment to Public Service

Despite the controversy, Senator Pétrus reaffirmed her dedication to her role and her commitment to the people of Saint-Martin. “This incident does not in any way diminish my unwavering commitment to serving you or the purpose of the mandate with which you have entrusted me,” she stated, assuring her constituents of her continued focus and responsibility.

Public Reaction and Next Steps

The revelation has drawn attention to the legal and ethical responsibilities of public officials, particularly in distinguishing personal actions from professional duties. While some have criticized her decision, others recognize her prompt acknowledgment of the error and her efforts to address the matter openly with her constituents.

For now, the incident serves as a reminder of the high standards to which public representatives are held, as well as the need for vigilance and caution in all dealings, whether personal or professional.