THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE):---  Recently, the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) held its annual Ministerial Conference in an online format. Minister Plenipotentiary Drs represented Sint Maarten. Gracita R. Arrindell and the Director of the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary, Carol Voges.

The Ministerial Conference is OCTA’s highest governing body, composed of the heads of government or designated representatives of each member territory. Its purpose is to define political direction, approve financial and policy frameworks, and appoint the chair and members of OCTA’s Executive Committee.

Eleven of the thirteen OCTA members participated in this year’s conference, during which both the 2024 financial accounts and the organisation’s 2025 budget were formally approved.

The 2025 budget has been further streamlined in order to increase OCTA’s operational efficiency for this year.

Looking ahead, the Ministerial Conference mandated the Executive Committee (ExCo) to begin drafting a joint OCT white paper. This document will serve as a shared contribution to the negotiations of the European Union’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the 2028-2034 period.

The MFF sets the EU’s long-term budget priorities and spending ceilings over a seven-year cycle. For the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), it determines the scope and scale of EU funding and cooperation mechanisms, including regional and thematic programs.

The MFF negotiations with the EU will be conducted by the member states France, the Netherlands, and Denmark on behalf of the OCTs. Among other matters, the allocation of financial contributions to each OCT will be defined during this process.

Simpson Bay:--- Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIAE), represented by Chairman Richard Gibson Jr., along with the Holding Company N.V. (PJIAH) Chairman Kelvin Bloyden, Managing Director Perry Wilson, and CEO Mr. Michael Cleaver, are pleased to announce the nomination of Michael Lake as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This historic milestone makes Ms. Lake the first woman to hold this executive position within the company.

Following a highly competitive recruitment process that attracted candidates from across the region and beyond, Ms. Lake emerged as the successful candidate among eight qualified applicants.

Ms. Lake has built an impressive career over the past 15 years with PJIAE N.V., having joined the company in 2009 as a Supervisor in the Accounting Department. She quickly advanced to Manager and in 2014, was promoted to Director of the Finance Division. Throughout her tenure, she has been instrumental in delivering consistent financial oversight, including the successful completion of 11 consecutive annual audits. She has earned a reputation for her integrity, commitment, and leadership.

CEO Mr. Michael Cleaver expressed his support and admiration for the new CFO:
"We are pleased to have Ms. Lake take on the role of CFO. Her passion, perseverance, and deep commitment to PJIAE have been clear throughout her career. We applaud her achievements and are confident she will continue to drive financial success and resilience for the airport. This milestone represents a proud moment for all of us."

Ms. Lake began her academic journey at the University of St. Martin, earning her Associate’s Degree in Accounting. She later completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting at the University of the Virgin Islands and graduated with honors with a Master’s Degree in Accounting Information Systems from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Ms. Lake will officially commence her full duties as CFO upon successful completion of the mandatory Type A screening process, as required for all executive positions at PJIAE N.V.

In expressing her excitement, Ms. Lake stated:
"I am very excited to take on this new responsibility and to continue contributing to the sustainable growth and financial integrity of PJIAE N.V."

Her nomination is not only a personal achievement but also a significant milestone for the company and the broader community, representing continued progress in female leadership, leadership diversity, and the advancement of local talent. PJIAE N.V. is proud to celebrate this moment in its history and looks forward to the positive impact Ms. Lake will bring in her new role.

~Four Registered Nurses now certified Pain Consultants~

CAY HILL:--- Since its establishment in September 2020, the Pain Management Clinic at St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), under the leadership of Dr. Karen Schmid, has made remarkable strides in improving both inpatient and outpatient pain care. With a strong focus on evidence-based, patient-centered treatment, the clinic has introduced several innovations that place SMMC at the forefront of pain management in the region.

One of the clinic’s major achievements is the successful implementation of a dedicated Acute Pain Service (APS), which has been seamlessly integrated into hospital operations. This service ensures timely and effective relief for patients suffering from acute and postoperative pain through interventions such as intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) pumps. These practices are now supported by hospital-wide guidelines, reflecting a commitment to standardized, high-quality, patient-centered care.

In a landmark educational initiative, four registered nurses, Gracia Sargeant-Davis, Jacyntha Sabajo, Kevina Lake, and Suella Sanderson, graduated in June 2025 as certified pain consultants. Their training began in November 2023 through a collaborative course organized by Hogeschool Arnhem Nijmegen (HAN), SMMC, and the White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF). These newly certified professionals are now pivotal members of the hospital’s pain management team, working closely with Dr. Schmid to deliver comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs.

Looking ahead, SMMC continues to expand its treatment offerings. In July 2025, the Pain Clinic will introduce Qutenza, a cutting-edge topical therapy designed to treat peripheral neuropathic pain, including conditions such as diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia. Administered by the clinic’s specialized pain consultants, Qutenza represents a significant advancement for patients living with chronic nerve pain.

The Pain Management Clinic accepts patients experiencing a variety of pain conditions, including chronic pain lasting more than three months, cancer-related pain, neck and back (spine-related) pain, neuropathic pain, myofascial pain, postherpetic neuralgia, painful diabetic neuropathy, facial pain, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and chronic postsurgical pain.

SMMC is proud to have a dedicated team of passionate and qualified professionals at its Pain Management Clinic and urges patients interested in a consultation to make an appointment by calling +1 (721) 543-1111 or 910 extension 1393 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Appointments can be made from Monday to Friday between 8:00am and 4:30pm. SZV patients are requested to obtain a referral letter from their House Doctor (GP) or another referring specialist.

These ongoing developments underscore SMMC’s unwavering dedication to compassionate, cutting-edge pain care. Through clinical innovation, professional education, and collaborative partnerships, SMMC continues to lead the way in pain management for the people of St. Maarten and the region.

PHILIPSBURG:--- This year, seven NV GEBE team members are being honored as Jubilees, with service ranging from 20 to an astounding 45 years. Their unwavering commitment, professionalism, and resilience represent the very heartbeat of the company and the community it serves.

The honorees are:

Maria de Weever – 45 years of service (Joined: January 1, 1980)

Brenda Richardson – 35 years of service (Joined: February 1, 1990)

Iris Arrindell – 35 years of service (Joined: February 1, 1990)

Randolph Bass – 20 years of service (Joined: February 1, 2005)

Marlon Rombley – 20 years of service (Joined: March 1, 2005)

Angelo Meyers – 20 years of service (Joined: April 1, 2005)

Reenis Hensley – 20 years of service (Joined: May 15, 2005)

The ceremony was opened with a warm welcome by Human Resource Manager Mr. Bares Kingsale, who expressed sincere gratitude to the honorees for their dedication and consistency over the years. “These employees represent the true heart of NV GEBE,” said Mr. Kingsale. “Their commitment has helped shape the company into what it is today, and we are deeply grateful for their years of faithful service.”

Each honoree received a certificate, a plaque, or a crystal award, based on the number of years they have served. Family members of the Jubilees were also invited to attend, making the celebration a meaningful and personal occasion for all.

Management was represented by Mr.  Wilco Seinen, incoming CFO, while also sending his words of encouragement. “It was a true honor to stand among these extraordinary individuals. Their careers span decades of change, growth, and service, and through it all, they have remained committed to NV GEBE’s mission. Their dedication not only strengthens the company but also inspires the next generation of employees who will carry the torch forward.”

Several Managers and Department heads also offered words of appreciation to their team members. Manager of Distribution, Mr. Patrick Drijvers, whose department includes three of the 20-year honorees, congratulated his staff and encouraged them to continue their path of excellence and professionalism. Ms. Deliece Parry, representing the Water Quality Control section, gave special thanks to her staff member, noting his steadfast support and commitment to the team over the years.

This event, initiated by our Transition Manager, Mr. Thomas Roggendorf, marked the first group of long-serving employees to be honored for the year, and NV GEBE has announced that additional Jubilees will be recognized in November 2025. The company is committed to continuing this tradition of appreciation and acknowledgment for the individuals whose daily efforts ensure the smooth operation of St. Maarten’s essential utilities.