Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS:---  A significant dialogue on reparatory justice and international accountability is set to take place in Amsterdam this month, as the Federatie Afro Diaspora Netwerk (FADN) convenes a Pan-African Roundtable on April 11, 2026. The event will bring together key voices from the Afro-diaspora, civil society, and policy circles to examine the implications of the Netherlands’ recent stance on a United Nations resolution addressing the legacy of transatlantic slavery.

The roundtable, hosted at NoLimit in Amsterdam, centers on the theme: “Reparatory Justice: the ‘comma’ examined – from declaration and promise to responsibility and implementation.” Organizers aim to move beyond symbolic gestures toward concrete policy actions and sustained commitments.

Background: UN Resolution Sparks Debate

The dialogue follows the Netherlands’ decision to abstain from voting on UN resolution A/80/L.48, which formally recognizes the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity.” The abstention has prompted renewed scrutiny of the Dutch government’s position, especially in light of its earlier formal apologies for its role in slavery.

According to FADN, this development raises critical questions about the consistency between past acknowledgments and present policy decisions. The organization sees the moment as a turning point that demands reflection, accountability, and actionable steps toward justice.

Focus on Action and Accountability

The roundtable will serve as a platform for in-depth discussion on the meaning of reparatory justice in contemporary society. Participants will explore how symbolic recognition can translate into tangible measures, including the potential development of a National Reparations Plan.

Among the key speakers is Dr. Barryl A. Biekman, chair of the National Platform on the History of Slavery and an associated member of the CARICOM Reparations Commission. Additional contributions will come from Mrs. Modi Ntambwe, an expert in human rights and development, and Ms. J.M. Nunnely, a Rotterdam city council member and entrepreneur.

A Broader Movement

The event reflects a growing international movement advocating for reparatory justice, particularly among descendants of enslaved peoples and communities affected by colonial histories. Organizers emphasize that discussions like this are essential for shaping inclusive policies that address historical injustices and their ongoing social and economic consequences.

FADN has announced that it will issue an official statement following the dialogue, outlining its position and recommendations for future action.

Open Invitation to Public and Media

The roundtable will take place on Saturday, April 11, from 13:30 to 17:00, and is open to the public without prior registration. Media representatives are encouraged to attend and report on the discussions, highlighting the broader societal relevance of the issues at hand.

As debates around reparations continue to gain momentum globally, the Amsterdam dialogue is expected to contribute meaningfully to ongoing conversations about justice, responsibility, and the legacy of slavery in modern Europe.

POND ISLAND, St. Maarten:---  Fuel prices on St. Maarten are regulated through a transparent mechanism designed to reflect global market movements while safeguarding fairness at the local level,” Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten said in response to queries about how the prices are managed.

“Families and businesses are feeling the impact of rising global fuel prices, and we understand the pressure this creates,” the Minister said.

Fuel prices on St. Maarten are regulated through a structured mechanism that adjusts in line with global postings. The most increases reflect higher international oil prices driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions. As a small and highly import-dependent economy, St. Maarten remains directly exposed to these external price shifts, which are largely beyond local control.

“Our focus is to ensure that the system remains fair, that changes are justified, and that the burden on our community is not compounded unnecessarily,” the Minister added.

At the same time, she noted that any meaningful broad relief measures would cost millions and will carry direct consequences. Any subsidy, tax reduction, or price cap would have to be funded from the national budget, either increasing government debt or redirecting funds away from essential services such as healthcare, education, and public safety. Within our current financial framework, these are not measures we can apply at scale without jeopardizing long-term stability.

“We fully understand the call for relief, and we take those concerns seriously. At the same time, we have a responsibility to act in a way that protects the country not just today, but in the months and years ahead.”

“For St. Maarten, these are not theoretical trade-offs. Unlike some countries in the region, we do not have the fiscal space or external financial buffers to absorb these increases. Within our current financial framework and obligations, these are not measures we can apply at scale without real consequences.”

The Minister said that St. Maarten operates within a constitutional and financial framework that further limits the extent to which the government can absorb external price shocks.

“That reality requires us to act carefully and responsibly. Our approach is to avoid measures that provide short-term relief at the expense of long-term stability and instead focus on solutions that are both responsible and sustainable.”

She stressed, however, that this does not mean inaction.

“In the short term, we are examining targeted and responsible measures that can help ease pressure where it is most needed, while maintaining fiscal stability. At the same time, we are strengthening our monitoring of the supply chain and market developments to ensure transparency and prevent any unfair practices.”

In addition, the Minister and the Ministry of TEATT are maintaining active dialogue with fuel wholesalers, distributors, and other key stakeholders to ensure that pricing remains consistent with international benchmarks and that any adjustments are justified and proportionate. This ongoing engagement allows the Government to closely monitor developments across the supply chain, identify any irregularities early, and ensure that consumers are treated fairly throughout the process.

Looking ahead, the Minister pointed to the need for a stronger, more resilient St. Maarten.

“This moment reinforces the urgency of reducing our vulnerability to external shocks. That includes advancing energy efficiency, exploring alternative energy solutions, strengthening food security, and pursuing broader fiscal and economic reforms.”

She also expressed support for the proposal by the President of Parliament, Sarah Wescot-Williams, to establish a national task force to strengthen the country’s resilience.

“This is not a challenge we can address overnight, but it is one we must address together, with a clear and realistic long-term strategy.”

The Minister concluded by reaffirming the Government’s commitment to balancing immediate realities with long-term responsibility.

“Our approach is guided by one principle: to act in the best interest of St. Maarten, not only for today, but for the future.”

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Tuesday, April 7, 2026, marks World Health Day (WHD) under the theme “Together for health. Stand with science.”

The Collective Prevention Service (CPS) says the theme is about celebrating the power of scientific collaboration to protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the planet. CPS wishes everybody in the Sint Maarten community a happy World Health Day.

This year the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) spotlight scientific achievements, One Health, and the multilateral cooperation needed to turn evidence into action.

Governments, scientists, health workers, partners, and the public are being called upon to stand with science to protect lives, rebuild trust, and secure a healthier future for all.

Science serves everyone, and everywhere. WHO and its partners work around the clock to generate scientific knowledge on key health priorities from healthy diets to water, sanitation, vaccines and medicines, infections, chronic conditions, and mental health, sharing evidence, strengthening countries’ research capacities and systems for more equitable access to health care.

According to the WHO, global health has improved substantially over the past 100 years – thanks to scientific innovations. The future will be shaped based on how we develop and practice science-led approaches for the health of all – not only humans, but also animals, plants, ecosystems, and the entire planet – through the One Health approach.

Choose evidence. Trust facts. Support science-led health, for people, animals, and the planet.

To commemorate WHD, CPS has organized “The Lifestyle Shift Campaign,” which will take place on Tuesday, April 7, and the public is invited to attend this free event.

It will be a healthy and engaging afternoon of group fitness activities starting at 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Vineyard Office Building, W.G. Buncamper Rd. #33 parking lot at the head of town. A number of vendors will also be on-site with wellness information/lifestyle tips, products, services, healthy snacks and hydration.

Participants can get additional information by emailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call +1 721 542-1570.

Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in a free health screening session that covers glucose, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.

Be there to experience the shift you've always wanted. Gain firsthand exercise tips and health information that you can apply to your daily routine.

#KnowYourNumbers #yourhealthmatters #YourHealthIsOurPriority #WHD2026

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Shop Stewards of the Windward Islands Civil Servants Union – Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU), on behalf of the members of the Ambulance Department of Sint Maarten, wish to extend sincere appreciation to the Honorable Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Mr. Brug, as well as to their Union, WICSU-PSU, for the significant milestones that have recently been achieved.

These accomplishments mark a meaningful step forward for the Ambulance Department and reflect what can be realized through cooperation, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to progress.

For many years, ambulance personnel have continued to serve under challenging circumstances, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the people of Sint Maarten. The progress now being realized is the direct result of ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the Minister, the Union, and the workers themselves.

The Shop Stewards take this opportunity to recognize and commend:

• The Honorable Minister Brug for his willingness to engage, listen, and take concrete steps toward addressing longstanding concerns
• The Union WICSU-PSU for its continued advocacy, representation, and support of its members
• The members of the Ambulance Department for their unity, resilience, and commitment to the process

In particular, the Shop Stewards wish to extend special appreciation to Stichting Overheids Gebouwen (SOG) for their collaboration and support in the realization of the Ambulance Unit at the Jocelyne Arndell Festival Village.

This achievement represents a historic milestone for the Ambulance Department, as it strengthens emergency preparedness and ensures a higher level of service delivery during major national events. The Shop Stewards once again express their gratitude to Minister Brug for standing with the workers and seeing this initiative through to reality.

Furthermore, the cooperation formalized with the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) is recognized as both significant and long overdue, and the Shop Stewards, along with the Union and members, look forward to building on this partnership in the years ahead.

The achievements realized thus far, including improved resources, structured dialogue, and strengthened cooperation, are a testament to what can be accomplished when all parties work together toward a common goal.

While there is still work to be done, the Shop Stewards acknowledge that a solid foundation has now been established, and they remain committed, alongside the Union and the Ministry, to continuing this path of constructive engagement and progress.

This moment stands as a clear example of the power of collaboration in advancing both worker welfare and national service delivery.

On behalf of the Shop Stewards and Members of the Ambulance Department of
Windward Island Civil Servants Union -Private Sector Union

Mr. Jean Illidge               Mr. Alvin Daniel          Mr. Antonio Hughes