POINTE BLANCHE:--- The Management Team of the Point Blanche Correctional Institution and the Miss Lalie Youth Detention Facility recently met with the Climb Foundation representatives, Dr. Yadira Boston and Dr. Pierre, whose long-standing service to the Institution came to an end.
Prison Director Mr. Steven Carty expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Boston and Dr. Pierre for their longstanding service to the Institution. Mr. Carty emphasized that literacy leads to job opportunities and more. “Literacy is not just about reading and writing. It is the foundation upon which confidence is built and opportunities unlocked. Within the correctional environment, the ability to read, understand instructions, and communicate effectively opens doors that were once closed. Additionally, it creates pathways to employment and meaningful reintegration into society. Most importantly, literacy empowers individuals to take control of their own lives, make informed decisions, and envision a future beyond their past”, Mr. Carty stated.
Head of Corrections, Henrietta Doran-York also addressed those in attendance. “For decades, Dr. Boston has walked through the prison gates with one main mission. That mission is to open doors of opportunity through education. Her long-standing commitment and dedication have shaped the lives of so many within the walls of the Institution over the years. Over the years, Dr. Boston was joined by Dr. Pierre, and together they executed their tasks with a level of quality and great structure within the Institution. Although the GED program had been the main focus, the educational team extended its reach beyond traditional curriculum requirements. Many inmates who did not yet meet GED criteria were still given the chance to enhance their basic skills. Very importantly, the instructors recognized that not everyone came with the same educational foundation; therefore, they created pathways for those who were not yet ready for the GED level. Through literacy classes and patient one-on-one guidance, they gave many inmates the chance to grow, which restored the confidence among those who participated”, Doran-York stated.
The highlight of the meeting was the delivery of an extensive presentation by the Climb Foundation's educational facilitators, as they guided those present through the scope and accomplishments of their work over the years. They also extended heartfelt gratitude to the team at Point Blanche Prison and House of Detention, as well as the dedicated team at the Miss Lalie Youth Detention Center, for their exceptional collaboration during their partnership.
“We would not have been able to do this without your steadfast support, which has been instrumental in our mission to provide essential care to the most vulnerable inmates. They thank the Management for recognizing the significant effort it takes to close literacy gaps, and extended appreciation for their understanding that this is a nuanced, time-intensive process that requires careful consideration. CLIMB Foundation urges the prison to continue to actively combat the stigma that often connects illiteracy with vocational training. It is vital to recognize that inmates can pursue both literacy and vocational skills simultaneously as they both are essential tools for personal growth and successful reintegration into society. They commended St. Maarten’s prison for its commitment to addressing this critical issue of prison literacy. By recognizing that reading is a fundamental human right, and working together, the societal barriers that inmates face upon reentry into the community can be dismantled. The CLIMB Foundation is confident that both the prison and its upcoming initiatives will be a success. This confidence stems from the remarkable achievements of the prison teams, who have successfully implemented impactful programs over the years despite operating with limited resources.
The representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Mr. Rafael Baretto Souza expressed his deep appreciation for the presentation delivered by Dr. Boston and Dr. Pierre regarding their long standing work in education at the Point Blanche Correctional Institution. He noted that he was very impressed with the depth of their experience and the dedication reflected in their teaching. Mr. Baretto Souza further stated that their insights provided him with a clearer and more meaningful understanding of the responsibilities and challenges associated with the mandate he has undertaken in relation to the prison system in Sint Maarten and it also sheds valuable light on both the progress achieved and the ongoing needs that must be addressed as part of the institution’s continuous development.
At the close of the meeting the Management Team wished Dr. Pierre and Dr. Boston and the entire team much success in all their future endeavors, and expressed to them that the seed that they have planted, whether through a passed GED exam, a first book ever read, or a sentence written without help, will forever continue to bear fruit.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Orco Bank proudly participated in Banking on St. Maarten, a public financial literacy event hosted by the St. Maarten Bankers Association in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance. The community conversation formed part of Financial Literacy Month, creating a space for residents to engage directly with banking leaders and ask practical questions about money, banking services, savings, and financing.
Orco Bank joined fellow banks in reinforcing a shared commitment to open dialogue, transparency, and empowering the Sint Maarten community through better financial understanding.
“Financial literacy builds confidence and helps families make stronger decisions for their future,” said Merle Richardson, representing Orco Bank. “We were grateful to connect with residents, listen to their concerns, and answer questions openly. Orco Bank remains closer to the community and Closer to Your Goals.”
Orco Bank thanks the organizers and everyone who attended and reaffirms its ongoing commitment to supporting financial education initiatives that strengthen households and contribute to a more resilient Sint Maarten economy.
For more information about Orco Bank, please visit https://www.orcobank.com. Stay connected and follow us for daily updates on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OrcoBank and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/orco-bank.

~Promoting Transparency and Stability~

Willemstad/Philipsburg:--- The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) announces the publication of its new fact sheets for the pension fund, life insurance, and non-life insurance sectors of the Monetary Union of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. These fact sheets accompany the 2025 Financial Stability Report (FSR), which was released on May 12, 2025.
The fact sheets provide an overview of the state of each sector, describing the structure and recent developments. The fact sheets are supported by our most recent Financial Soundness Indicators (FSIs). FSIs are aggregate statistical indicators that allow countries to assess the health of their financial institutions—such as banks, insurers, and pension funds.

These fact sheets serve two important purposes:

1. Bridging the data gap
In its Technical Assistance Mission Report of 2025, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommended reducing the previous time-lag in data reporting by insurance and pension funds, to make CBCS’s analytical work more up to date. As part of strengthening our financial stability monitoring and simultaneously bridging this data gap, the CBCS will issue fact sheets every year. This way, key sectoral information remains available in the period between FSR publications.

2. Introducing revised FSIs
Since the release of the last FSR, the CBCS has updated the FSIs for the pension fund and insurance sectors. These updated indicators are included in the new fact sheets and will also be featured in the 2026 FSR.
The fact sheets are now available on the CBCS website: Financial Stability Notes & Fact Sheets - Centrale Bank Curacao & Sint Maarten.

Willemstad, December 1, 2025
CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN

PHILIPSBURG:---  On Monday, December 1, 2025, Social & Health Insurances SZV launched its annual Customer Experience Survey, an initiative to understand its clients' needs better and improve overall service delivery.
Clients can participate online via: www.szv.sx/survey2025. The survey is anonymous and takes approximately 8–10 minutes to complete.
To ensure impartiality and confidentiality, SZV has engaged an independent third-party research company, Deep Dive Data, to execute the survey. A surveyor may also approach persons from this company at various locations in the community. Clients visiting SZV offices can also provide their feedback on the spot. The survey includes questions about clients’ interactions with SZV, communication, customer service experience, and overall satisfaction.

“The survey provides SZV clients and the Sint Maarten community with the opportunity to share feedback on their interactions. This feedback is essential for SZV to evaluate its processes and identify areas for improvement. While the survey does not promise immediate changes, it ensures that our clients' voices are heard and considered in decision-making. By listening to our clients, SZV aims to ensure that services remain accessible, efficient, and aligned with the expectations of the community,” explains Elton Felisie, Deputy Director at SZV.
SZV encourages all clients to participate and share their experiences. Morenika Arrindell, Manager Customer Care at SZV, adds: “Your voice matters in shaping the future of SZV’s services and ensuring that we continue to meet the needs of our community.”

For enquiries regarding SZV services and the survey, contact SZV by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone: +1 (721) 546-6782. General information, including the survey, can also be found on www.szv.sx and SZV's social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp Channel, and LinkedIn.