PHILIPSBURG:--- “No matter how powerful the prison, every prison has a door.” Author, resilience expert, speaker, and entrepreneur Shaka Senghor, a formerly incarcerated man, has transformed his life and now inspires others through his latest book, “How to Be Free: A Proven Guide to Escaping Life’s Hidden Prisons”.
In this deeply personal work, Senghor reflects on his journey, dedicating the book not only to the family and supporters who stood by him but also to every version of himself, from the boy nicknamed “Pumpkin,” to the teenager “Jay,” to nineteen-year-old James White, who entered prison, to the man who emerged into the light as Shaka Senghor.
The book aligns with the Art Saves Lives Foundation’s mission by empowering youth and community members to confront challenges and overcome life’s hidden prisons.” The Sint Maarten Library has gratefully received 24 donated copies from Art Saves Lives Foundation, and we are proud to include them in our collection for the benefit of the entire community.
“This book brought me joy. It helped me confront and uproot my own hidden prisons,” Senghor shares. “I have earned this joy. I have earned the right to thrive.” His story underscores themes of survival, growth, and reclaiming one’s life from trauma and adversity, inspiring readers to honor their own journeys.
About Shaka Senghor
Shaka Senghor is a bestselling author, activist, and educator who transforms his experiences with incarceration and personal struggle into lessons on leadership, resilience, and redemption.
By joining this initiative, the Sint Maarten Library invests in the community’s potential enriching resources, fostering empathy, sparking dialogue, and promoting personal and educational growth.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) has opened the procurement process for the construction of a new mental health facility in Sint Maarten under the Trust Fund’s Improving Mental Health Services Project (MHP). The tender was published on March 5, 2026. The project supports the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) in strengthening mental health services in Sint Maarten.

Contractors and subcontractors are encouraged and invited to participate in this tender process for the Mental Health Building Infrastructure Works.

The new facility will be developed in St. Johns and provide a safe and welcoming care center for mental health services. It will support day treatment, crisis intervention, inpatient and outpatient care, and have office space for mental health professionals.

A total of $14 million has been secured for the development of the facility, supporting design, construction, landscaping, furniture, equipment, and project management. The Government of Sint Maarten has secured $8 million in counterpart funding to support construction, alongside $6 million allocated through the Mental Health Project under the Sint Maarten Trust Fund.

Contractors and subcontractors in Sint Maarten can participate in the bidding process independently or in collaboration with other local or international companies via joint ventures or subcontracting. The evaluation process considers both technical (55%) and prize factors (45%).

Interested bidders can take part in a site visit on Monday 30th, March at 9 AM. The next day, on Tuesday, March 31st at 10 AM, an online pre-bid meeting will take place for questions.  All submissions must be made electronically through the NRPB Bonfire procurement portal: https://nrpbsxm.bonfirehub.com. Deadline for bids is Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The bids will be opened on the same day at 11:00 AM during an online meeting. Late bids will not be considered.

Bidding documents, submission instructions, and details on required documentation are available through the Bonfire procurement portal https://nrpbsxm.bonfirehub.com The NRPB will continue to share updates on the procurement process through its official communication channels.

The Improving Mental Health Project is implemented by the National Recovery Program Bureau in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten. It is funded by the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, financed by the Government of the Netherlands, and managed by the World Bank.

Modernizing Care. Empowering Community

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a blistering address to Parliament, Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis has once again sounded the alarm over what is described as gross incompetence and a severe lack of attention from the Minister of VROMI. The MP’s pointed statements paint a grim picture of a department in disarray, with deteriorating infrastructure and mounting problems at the local dump taking center stage. The accusations highlight a troubling pattern of irresponsiveness and demand immediate accountability.

MP Lyndon Lewis did not mince words, following up on previous statements regarding the "unacceptable condition of our roads and a clear lack of development." The frustration was palpable as the MP described a government official seemingly asleep at the wheel while citizens suffer. "On a daily basis, I continue to receive overwhelming reports pertaining to the deteriorating state of our infrastructure," Lewis stated, channeling the growing public anger.

The criticism intensified, pointing directly to the Minister's perceived indifference. "What is even more troubling is the apparent lack of urgency and understanding," MP Lyndon Lewis declared, expressing disbelief that the Minister continues to operate without addressing these critical failures. This lack of action raises serious questions about the administration's priorities and its commitment to serving the public.

Beyond the crumbling roads, a significant part of the MP's condemnation focused on the mismanagement of the public dump. According to MP Lyndon Lewis, the situation has become dire, with reports of "a set of garbage and apparently equipment that was also requested to be serviced on time is not serviced." This operational failure points to potential contractual irregularities and a complete breakdown in oversight. "I would like to know who really got a contract to keep the dump in order," Lewis demanded, calling for transparency on who is being paid to manage the facility and why they are failing so spectacularly.

The core of the issue, as presented by MP Lyndon Lewis, is the Minister's persistent inattentiveness. The failure to maintain essential equipment and manage waste disposal effectively is a direct consequence of this neglect. MP Lyndon Lewis expressed a sentiment likely shared by many constituents, stating plainly, "I am tired and I'm sick of it and something needs to be done immediately pertaining to the lack of attention coming from the Minister of VROMI."

Adding to the list of grievances, the MP revealed that formal attempts to get answers have been ignored. "We also send questions. We're still waiting for answers from him as well," MP Lyndon Lewis told Parliament. This refusal to engage or provide information only deepens the suspicion of mismanagement and erodes public trust.

The impassioned statements from MP Lyndon Lewis serve as a powerful indictment of the current situation. They are not merely complaints but a desperate call for action. The public is left to wonder: with roads falling apart and garbage piling high, where is the leadership? Who is being held accountable for this systemic failure? The Minister of VROMI has been put on notice, and the public now waits to see if these scathing critiques will finally spur the government into action.

Simpson Bay:---  Animal lovers are invited to come together for a meaningful cause during the annual World Stray Animal Sunset Sail, taking place on Saturday, April 4th, 2026, hosted by Aqua Mania Adventures. The special event raises awareness and vital funds for the organizations working tirelessly to improve the lives of stray and abandoned animals across St. Maarten.

On an island where stray animals remain a visible challenge, a network of dedicated volunteers and foundations works year-round to rescue, rehabilitate, and care for animals in need. Among them is the St. Maarten Animal Welfare Foundation, which for decades has been at the forefront of promoting humane treatment of animals. Through education, rescue efforts, and extensive sterilization campaigns, the foundation has helped sponsor more than 15,000 spay and neuter procedures, addressing the root cause of animal overpopulation.

Alongside them, SXM Paws continues to make a difference through its rescue and adoption programs, providing medical care, foster homes, and ultimately loving families for animals that once lived on the streets. With its Adoption Center and network of volunteers, the organization has helped countless animals find a second chance at life.

More recently, the Island Cat Rescue Foundation, established in 2024, has taken on the growing challenge of the island’s stray and feral cat population. Through its Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) program, the organization works to humanely reduce cat populations while rescuing young kittens who can be socialized and placed into foster care until they find permanent homes.

Completing the group of organizations supported by this year’s sail is Animal Defenders, a volunteer-powered network known for responding to animals in distress across the island. From providing emergency care and shelter to ensuring animals receive proper nutrition and veterinary treatment, the group plays an essential role in addressing urgent welfare cases within the community.

The World Stray Animal Sunset Sail offers the public an opportunity to support these organizations while enjoying an unforgettable evening on the water. The event begins at 3:30 PM with a pre-sail gathering, where guests can meet the foundations, learn more about their work, and contribute through merchandise purchases, raffle tickets, and donations of pet food or supplies.

At 5:15 PM, guests will board Aqua Mania’s sailing catamaran for a 90-minute sunset cruise along St. Maarten’s coastline. The sail includes an open bar, snacks, and spectacular views, all while raising funds that will directly support the island’s ongoing animal rescue and sterilization efforts.

Tickets are $50 and include pre-mixer drinks, snacks, and open bar onboard during the sunset sail.  

Even those who cannot attend the sail can still make a difference. Community members and visitors can support local animal welfare organizations by donating supplies, volunteering time, fostering animals, sponsoring sterilization procedures, or helping escort adopted animals to their new homes when traveling off-island.

Aqua Mania Adventures is proud to host this event once again, bringing the community together to support the organizations working every day to create a safer and more compassionate future for St. Maarten’s animals.