PHILIPSBURG:--- Milton Peters College (MPC) and Sundial School are pleased to announce the final examination results for the 2024–2025 academic year. These outcomes, following the completion of the second examination period, reflect measurable academic progress, as well as areas for continued focus and improvement. Milton Peters College The final results at Milton Peters College show a notable improvement compared to the earlier examination period: • Total Students: 186 • Pass Rate: 65% • Fail Rate: 32% • No Show/Sick: 3% This marks a significant increase from the first examination period, where the pass rate stood at 52%, the fail rate at 17.5%, and 26.5% of students were eligible for re-sits. The rise in pass rates underscores the positive impact of the school’s targeted support strategies and the perseverance of our motivated students. Sundial School Sundial School also demonstrated commendable progress in its final results: • Total Students: 50 • Pass Rate: 78% • Fail Rate: 22% • No Show/Sick: 0% These figures show improvement from the initial results of 72% pass, 10% fail, and 18% re-sit eligibility. The enhanced performance reflects the combined efforts of dedicated staff and motivated students. Best sector Awards & Valedictorians The following students have been recognized as our best-performing graduates and valedictorians for their outstanding academic achievements:

Looking Ahead: Commitment to Excellence

“As we reflect on this academic year, we are proud of our students’ accomplishments and recognize the ongoing need for growth,” stated Mr. Blomont, Education Director for SVOBE Schools. “Both Milton Peters College and Sundial School are committed to evaluating these results and implementing further strategies to strengthen academic outcomes in the years ahead.” The SVOBE Schools’ administration expresses sincere appreciation to the students, teachers, staff, and parents for their continued support and dedication. Together, we look forward to building on this year’s progress and further enhancing the quality of education in the coming academic year. Have a wonderful summer vacation!

Public office is supposed to be a sacred trust—a commitment to serve with humility, respect, and honesty. But in St. Maarten, it has become a playground for the arrogant, the greedy, and the self-serving. The very people elected to represent the public have turned their backs on their constituents, trading integrity for luxury and service for self-interest.

Over the years, we’ve seen a parade of politicians who enter office with one goal: to enrich themselves. Their selfishness and greed are so blatant that many of them eventually end up behind bars. But not before they’ve drained the public coffers, leaving the people to suffer the consequences of their corruption.

Elected to Serve, But Serving Themselves

The arrogance of these so-called leaders is staggering. During election season, they’re everywhere—knocking on doors, shaking hands, and making empty promises. But once they’re elected, they disappear. Constituents are ignored, their needs dismissed, and their voices silenced. These politicians only remember the people when it’s time to beg oh buy  votes again.

Recently, we’ve seen Ministers who openly flaunt their disdain for the very taxpayers who fund their extravagant lifestyles. These are the same taxpayers who pay for their $10,000 monthly salaries, $400 daily travel allowances, and hefty pensions. Yet, these politicians have the audacity to tell their constituents they have “nothing to say” to them because, hey, it’s not election time. This level of arrogance is not just insulting—it’s a slap in the face to every hardworking citizen.

15 Years of Failure

Since St. Maarten became a country within the Kingdom on October 10, 2010, what have the people gained? Absolutely nothing. In nearly 15 years, we’ve had six elections and 11 cabinets. The political merry-go-round has done nothing but enrich a select few while the rest of the country suffers. Many of these so-called leaders wouldn’t recognize their own names if they saw them on a sidewalk, yet they somehow end up in office. How? By exploiting a broken system where political slates are filled with names backed by business donations and vote-buying schemes.

Once in office, these politicians enjoy lavish perks while their friends and family members are handed high-paying positions they are completely unqualified for. Meanwhile, teachers and civil servants are left to scrape by on the crumbs that fall from the politicians’ tables. It’s a disgrace.

Government-Owned Companies: A Feeding Frenzy

The greed doesn’t stop at government offices. Almost every government-owned company is on the brink of bankruptcy, thanks to politicians who treat these entities as their personal piggy banks. They raid the coffers under the guise of “dividends,” leaving these companies saddled with massive loans and unable to function.

Take SZV, for example. The rush to appoint a politically connected director—someone who will do the bidding of Ministers—has left the organization in chaos. The OZR funds are empty, and bankruptcy is looming. When the inevitable collapse happens, the excuses will come pouring in: “Government didn’t pay its dues,” or “The NHI wasn’t implemented.” But the real reason is clear: constant political interference and cronyism.

The arrogance and greed of these politicians are an insult to every citizen of St. Maarten. They have forgotten that public office is a privilege, not a right. It’s time for the people to demand better. Demand leaders who are humble, respectful, and honest. Demand accountability for the corruption and mismanagement that have plagued our government for far too long.

The people of St. Maarten deserve leaders who serve, not exploit. Until we hold these arrogant politicians accountable, the cycle of greed and neglect will continue, and the people will continue to pay the price.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) informs the general public that as part of the ongoing Sidewalk Beautification Project, road works will commence on a section of Cannegieter Road starting Monday, July 14, 2025.

The work will take place between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., daily, and will involve a full road closure of part of Cannegieter Road, from the Manzanilla Steeg intersection to Percy Labega Street. This closure is necessary to facilitate infrastructure improvements being carried out by Windward Roads Infrastructure.

Traffic Reroute in Effect

During the closure, motorists are advised to use Manzanilla Steeg and Tamarinde Steeg as detour routes to access Walter A. Nisbeth Road. Clear signage and traffic control personnel will be present to guide road users safely along the route.

Key Details:

Start Date: Monday, July 14, 2025

Work Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

⁠Location: Section of Cannegieter Road

Contractor: Windward Roads Infrastructure

Impact: Full road closure during work hours

Traffic Reroute: Via Manzanilla Steeg → Tamarinde Steeg → Walter A. Nisbeth Road

Nighttime Access: Two-way traffic will resume outside of work hours

The Ministry urges all road users to proceed with caution, adhere to posted signs, and follow instructions from traffic controllers to ensure the safety of both workers and drivers.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank the public for their continued cooperation as we work to improve the road network in Philipsburg.

As of 1 September 2025, Stichting WeConnect will have a new Programme Manager. Pam Evertsz will succeed the current Programme Manager, Tanja Fraai. The board, Tanja Fraai, and the WeConnect team are very pleased with the outcome of the recruitment process, in which a number of excellent candidates came forward. “With the arrival of Pam Evertsz, the foundation once again gains a driven and connecting Programme Manager who will professionally take on the daily leadership of our team of talented young Caribbean professionals and all our well-known and trusted activities,” said Chair Gilbert Isabella. Pam Evertsz is no stranger to WeConnect and is currently involved in the foundation’s activities as the project leader of the aviation internship programme Cari-Aire. This pilot internship programme is being implemented by WeConnect in 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management. She has been highly proactive in launching and executing this project in a short timeframe. In the coming year, we will be able to share the first successes. Previously, Pam worked as Programme Manager of TOP Bonaire, and as Senior Advisor for Business Operations at the National Office for the Caribbean Netherlands on Bonaire. In these roles, she proved herself to be a strategic and tactical manager with a vision for developing, and capitalising on our Caribbean talent in the European Netherlands — stimulating local labour markets on the islands through this ‘brain gain’. Pam Evertsz: "WeConnect builds bridges by placing trust, connection, and talent development at its core – values that resonate deeply with me as a Caribbean public administrator, programme manager, and community builder. I look forward to continuing to build, together with the team, an organisation that supports, empowers, and gives visibility to Caribbean talent." Tanja Fraai is happy to pass the baton to Pam and has full confidence in a bright, healthy future for WeConnect: "Pam and WeConnect have been connected for years through our shared passion for bringing Caribbean talent back to the islands. In recent months, this collaboration has intensified and proved to be very successful. She knows her way both around the islands and within the ministries in The Hague, which form the (financial) foundation of our organisation. I am confident that under her leadership, WeConnect will take its next step forward." In the coming period, Tanja Fraai will ensure a warm and smooth transition of WeConnect responsibilities to Pam Evertsz.