PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Science Fair Foundation is pleased to announce the winner of its 2026 Poster Competition, held under the theme “Innovate for Wellbeing.” The poster competition forms part of Science Week 2026, which will take place from March 9 to March 13, 2026, and will conclude with an award ceremony on March 21, 2026.

This year’s competition invited students to explore how science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) can be leveraged to enhance physical, mental, social, and environmental well-being in their communities.

The winning poster was created by Fang Yu Cai, a grade 8 student from Learning Unlimited. The poster was recognized for its excellent concept, strong symbolism, and its strong alignment with the competition theme.

The design features an infinity symbol encircling the Earth, representing continuous innovation and the belief that improvement is always possible. DNA strands woven into the symbol, along with robotic and mechanical elements, highlight the role of science and technology in human progress. Silhouettes of people joined above the globe emphasize collaboration and community engagement, underscoring that well-being extends beyond physical health to include mental wellness, while promoting growth and transformation for St. Maarten.

Fang Yu, also known as Yuyu, said about her winning artwork: “As part of our Digital Art class assignment, we were given the opportunity to take part, and I decided to participate in creating a design. While working on it, I started thinking about innovation and well-being, and I connected those ideas to the brain and the world. I used my imagination to show how our thoughts and creativity can make a difference. When I found out I won, I was really surprised. It made me proud, but it also made me feel like I can push myself to do even better next time.”

The submissions were evaluated by a panel of judges consisting of Kadyjah Lake of Artisticfolio, Loic Bryan of Artistic Drive, and Fiel Efenio of Driven Media, who assessed the posters based on creativity, relevance to the theme, and overall impact.

Science Week 2026

The Poster Competition is one of several activities planned for Science Week 2026, which aims to inspire curiosity, innovation, and critical thinking among students and the wider community. Planned activities include:

• An Opening ceremony with a spotlight interview and panel discussion centered on the theme Innovate for Wellbeing
• Hands-on field trips to STEAM-related locations
• The annual Science Fair, showcasing student research projects and demonstrations from regional partners
• An award ceremony recognizing the achievements of participating students

The Sint Maarten Science Fair Foundation congratulates Fang Yu Cai, as well as all participating students, teachers, and schools, for their enthusiasm and commitment to science and innovation. The Foundation also extends its appreciation to its judges, partners, sponsors, and volunteers for their continued support.

The winning poster will be integrated as part of the official branding for 2026 Science Week.

PHILIPSBURG:--- “There’s something powerful about women shaping policy.” These were the words of Cassandra Richardson, Director of Victim Support Services (VSS), as her team welcomed members of the Women’s Caucus of Parliament to the VSS Headquarters for a private engagement focused on survivor protection, legislative reform, and strengthening national support systems.
Victim Support Services is a foundation funded mainly by the Ministry of Justice. The agency continues to play a critical role in advocacy, survivor care, and public awareness across Sint Maarten.
In attendance were Chairlady of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams, Members of Parliament Veronica Jansen-Webster, Sjamira Roseburg, and Ludmilla de Weever, who engaged directly with VSS leadership, staff, and invited clients to better understand the lived realities of survivors and the urgent need for policy advancement.
A highlight of the evening included a thought-provoking poetic presentation by Ramona Riley of Prominent Women, underscoring the importance of women legislators championing issues of abuse, inequality, and justice affecting all genders.
During the closed session, several VSS clients, described as “victors,” bravely shared personal testimonies involving workplace harassment, molestation of minors, and domestic violence. Particular concern was raised regarding situations in which immigration dependency is used as a tool of coercion, leaving victims fearful of reporting abuse due to threats of deportation or family separation.
Internal discussions cried out for the urgent need for:
•Stronger legislative protection for minors against sexual abuse and exploitation
•Safeguards for spouses facing control, and immigration-related threats of deportation, no alimony
•Workplace protections preventing continued harassment after formal complaints
•Better collaboration between law enforcement, court systems, SMMC, SZV, and Victim Support Services
• Added public awareness of survivor rights, financial restitution, and pathways to safety
Members of Parliament and the women’s caucus, MP Veronica Jansen-Webster and Sjamira Roseburg, graciously reflected on knowledge gained from recent regional parliamentary engagement in Trinidad and Tobago, where lawmakers exchanged strategies to combat technological abuse, support voiceless victims, and strengthen survivor-centered legislation.
Victim Support Services reaffirmed that healing begins when survivor stories are acknowledged as truthful and when our local systems respond with dignity, care, protection, and empowerment. The VSS called for continued legislative partnership to ensure that women, men, and children living in fear of partner abuse and control, and persons harassed in the work environment, are protected and supported through meaningful, enforceable policy. VSS encouraged the caucus of women to utilize the important information, knowledge, and skills that the agency, along with their survivor partners, can share in order to lend advice throughout the potential draft legislative framework process, given the loopholes that the survivors encounter when they should be simply focusing on receiving assistance in a caring manner.
The Women’s Caucus is committed to carefully reviewing the concerns presented and advancing legislative measures that restore safety, justice, and dignity for all survivors across Sint Maarten.
Victim Support Services is dedicated to providing confidential assistance, advocacy, and guidance to individuals affected by crime, abuse, major accidents and violence. Through counseling, referrals, and community engagement, VSS works to ensure survivors are protected, informed of their rights, and supported on their path to healing.

PHILIPSBURG:--- With strong community interest and teams continuing to sign up, organizers of the Impact Quest Scavenger Hunt have officially extended the registration deadline to February 22, 2026. The event will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the SXM Padel Club (PDP Court), as part of Sint Maarten’s kickoff celebration of the United Nations-declared International Year of Volunteers 2026.

The extension offers one final opportunity for teams to register for what is shaping up to be one of the island’s most dynamic volunteer-driven events of the year. Organized by Volunteer.sx in partnership with the St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF), Foresee Foundation (4C), and the SXM Padel Club, Impact Quest invites the entire community to join in a day of connection, creativity, and collective impact, while placing a special focus on empowering youth through volunteerism. Teams of four to five participants will complete mini-missions inspired by real acts of service across St. Maarten, blending teamwork, creativity, and community impact.

This is not your average scavenger hunt. Teams will use a dedicated event app to access their missions, upload photos of completed challenges, answer impact-based questions, and earn points directly on a digital, interactive platform. The app adds strategy, accountability, and a competitive edge to every task while keeping the experience organized and engaging. To ensure full participation, teams will receive day-specific data so they can stay connected, access the app seamlessly, and focus entirely on completing their missions and making an impact.

Thanks to the generous support of event sponsors, youth teams can participate free of charge.
A limited number of teams with at least two participants under 25 also qualify for full sponsorship coverage. This ensures that financial barriers do not prevent young people from engaging in volunteerism and nation-building. Spots are limited and will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The standard team registration fee remains USD 250, which supports event logistics, materials, safety coordination, and overall execution.

Impact Quest is more than a race for points and prizes. It is a platform for youth leadership, civic pride, and collective action. Teams will engage directly with local NGOs and community initiatives through creative and hands-on service challenges, demonstrating that volunteerism can be both meaningful and energizing.
The event will conclude with a celebratory Social Mixer at SXM Padel Club’s Port de Plaisance location, featuring music, games, prizes, and recognition of top-performing teams.

Registration closes February 22, 2026. Teams are encouraged to secure their spot immediately, especially those seeking sponsored youth participation. Register now at: bit.ly/impactquest

As Sint Maarten embraces the International Year of Volunteers, Impact Quest sets the tone for a year centered on collaboration, community engagement, and youth-driven impact. Youth engagement is not charity. It is nation-building in action.
To register or learn more, visit Volunteer.sx, sign up directly at bit.ly/impactques, or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ORANJESTAD, ARUBA:--- Oranjestad, Aruba – The Ombudsman of Aruba, Ms. Jurima Bryson, LL.M., has been elected Regional Director for the Caribbean & Latin American Region of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI).

In June 2025, the Office of the Ombudsman announced that the Ombudsman of Aruba was admitted as a member of the IOI after extensive screening. The IOI is an international organization. It brings together more than 200 Ombudsman institutes from more than 100 countries. Its goal is to support cooperation, good governance, transparency, and the protection of human rights.

As Regional Director, Ms. Bryson represents the Caribbean and Latin American region within the IOI. In this capacity, she promotes and facilitates the exchange of knowledge among member countries.

Her election reflects the international recognition of the work of the Ombudsman of Aruba and further strengthens Aruba’s position within the global network of Ombudsman institutions.

Ms. Bryson expressed her sincere appreciation for this unique opportunity: “I am deeply honored to receive this positive news, not only personally but also on behalf of my country, Aruba. With the support of my team, we have built an impartial, independent, and professional institute on our small island. It is truly encouraging to see that, even in its early stages, our work has already attracted international recognition. This development gives Aruba access to a broader network and affirms the international standing of our Ombudsman Institute. Just as I serve with dedication in my role as Defensor di Pueblo, Defender of the People, I will carry out my new role as Regional Director for the Caribbean and Latin America with the same commitment, dedication, and sense of responsibility.”