PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Entrepreneurship Development Center (SEDC) has officially inaugurated the Advanced Education Program on November 12, 2025. This advanced business training initiative is designed to enhance the capabilities of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within Sint Maarten. The program aims to expand entrepreneurs’ access to knowledge and skills, while also fostering economic development and growth for Sint Maarten MSMEs. It is incorporated within the Country package theme E6, Economic Development. Funded by the Temporary Work Organization (TWO), the program is executed by SEDC, supported by Trade Advisers of Ireland, with coordination from the Department of Economy, Transportation, and Telecommunication (ETT), the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation, and Telecommunication, and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

The Advanced Education Program aims to enhance entrepreneurial skills, bolster resilience, and promote innovation in Sint Maarten’s business sector. Using practical training, digital tools, innovative methods, and targeted sector guidance, it prepares MSMEs to remain competitive and advance their businesses strategically. The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation, and Telecommunication offers a program that extends beyond basic planning and business writing, providing entrepreneurs with the skills needed for successful small business management. Consequently, the Department of ETT within the Ministry regards these principles as essential components of the Advanced Education Program.

The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation, and Telecommunication, in her initial address, articulated robust support for the initiative, emphasizing the government's dedication to cultivating a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. She remarked, “The government recognizes the critical role MSMEs play in our economic development, and this program is part of our broader effort to ensure they have the tools, knowledge, and resources to thrive.”
The Acting Head of Department ETT, Shervin Frederick, emphasized that, “The Advanced Education Program demonstrates government’s commitment to ensuring our business owners have access to the education and tools they need to thrive in a modern, competitive environment.”

The Liaison of the Temporary Work Organization (TWO), Ms. Leona Romeo, expressed confidence in the strategic direction pursued by the Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication in implementing the Advanced Education Program under the country package. "By equipping participants with essential tools knowledge, they are establishing a foundation for enduring economic development in Sint Maarten.”
The program focuses on, amongst others, financial management, digital project management and transformation, artificial intelligence integration, sustainable and resilient business practices, and energy efficiency management. It presents modern business practices and strategies to help achieve a competitive edge both locally and regionally. Additionally, it offers specialized support for specific sectors, including, but not limited to, the creative industries, fisheries, poultry, short-term rentals, and other small energy-intensive enterprises.
The President of SEDC, Pearl Hendrickson, stated, "The Advanced Education Program is aimed at transforming the mindset of our local MSMEs to develop their businesses using innovative 21st-century and beyond practices and tools,” thereby underscoring the initiative's commitment to fostering innovative business development among local MSMEs.

During the launch event, over forty (40) participants attended an informative session to gain a better understanding of what will be offered in the coming months. Bernise Stoffer from RVO, the Program Manager of the Dutch Caribbean Partnership Program and a key figure in managing the overall E6 Economic Development Country package, highlighted the importance of local governments, especially the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication, and the Department of ETT, taking a leading role in supporting MSMEs in Sint Maarten. “This is a critical step,” she said, “because it clearly demonstrates that the government believes in the potential of MSMEs to drive economic growth in Sint Maarten. It also signals to all stakeholders that the government is fully committed to supporting these businesses in their growth and success.”

She further observed, “that a strong element of this program is that MSMEs that Advanced Education Program is accessible to MSMEs not only for those with available financial resources, but also for individuals whose loan or subsidy applications might have been denied, as it provides these entrepreneurs with the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and succeed today’s competitive business environment ”
Subsequent to the Launch, the registration for the initial workshop on Financial Literacy is open which will take place on November 19 to 21, 2025. SEDC invites all existing MSMEs across all sectors to participate in this first program under the Advanced Education Program.

For more information about the Advanced Education Program, eligibility requirements, and to apply, visit www.sedc.sx or contact SEDC at +1721-556-5653 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Photo Caption - Pearl Hendrickson, President of the St. Maarten Entrepreneurship Development Center (SEDC), Shervin Frederick, Acting Department Head of Economic Transportation & Telecommunications, Leona Romeo, Temporary Work Organization Liaison, Sint Maarten, Honorable Minister of TEATT, Grisha Heyliger- Marten, Bernese Stoffers, Program Manager E6 economic development, Sint Maarten & Program Manager, Dutch Caribbean Partnership Program,and Avril Isaac, Vice President of the St. Maarten Entrepreneurship Development Center (SEDC).

~“The country is suffering while leaders hide behind excuses.”~

PHILIPSBURG:--- In one of the most forceful parliamentary interventions of the year,  MP Darryl York delivered a blistering address on Monday, accusing Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercellina and his government of failing the nation’s frontline emergency workers and allowing a two-decade-old crisis to spiral into a national emergency.

Speaking during a public meeting on the ongoing Fire and Ambulance Department go-slow, York eviscerated the Prime Minister’s presentation, describing it as “seven excuses wrapped in administrative language” rather than a meaningful attempt to resolve a worsening public safety threat.

“This is not about what you inherited—this is about what you failed to understand.”

York flatly rejected the Prime Minister’s repeated claim that he “inherited” the current situation.

“Prime Minister, with all due respect: you did not inherit a crisis of paperwork. You inherited—and ignored—a crisis of trust.”

York argued that while the Prime Minister listed procedures, committees, and pending approvals, he completely missed the reason emergency workers are in revolt: decades of broken promises and mounting disrespect.

A Letter Meant to Solve the Crisis Has Now Become Part of It

At the center of the clash is the Prime Minister’s November 5, 2025, letter to the union. York acknowledged that the letter appeared thorough—addressing commitments, placement, retroactive payments, and the function book—but said it ultimately failed in its single most important purpose.

“If everything was handled, Prime Minister, we would not be here today. Your letter didn’t calm the situation—it deepened it.”

York said emergency workers have been given “beautifully written promises that vanish the moment leaders change”, and that the Prime Minister’s letter was viewed as just another entry in a 20-year pattern of non-binding commitments.

York Reveals 2003 Government Letter: “History is repeating itself—again.”

In a dramatic moment, York produced a 2003 government memorandum—complete with stamps, seal, and signature—containing commitments strikingly similar to those in the Prime Minister’s recent letter.

“These letters all look official. They all sound official. And every one of them meant nothing when leadership shifted.”

He then revealed that when the union submitted the 2003 letter earlier this year, they were told: “We’re not honoring that.”

York used this to hammer home his main point: this is why the union demands a legally binding commitment letter, not more political correspondence.

“Frontline workers didn’t complain about delays. They complained about you disrespecting them.”

York insisted the Prime Minister fundamentally misread the mood of the Fire and Ambulance staff.

“When they stormed Parliament, they did not talk about policy. They talked about disrespect. And if the Prime Minister was truly listening, he would have known that.”

York accused the Prime Minister of governing from behind email chains and formal memos rather than through direct engagement with the people risking their lives for the country.

Critical Information Wasn’t Even Communicated to Those Affected

York stunned the chamber by noting that some of the “major updates” the Prime Minister proudly presented—including progress on the Landsverordening and placement processes—were news even to the union.

“How can procedures be moving while the very people concerned are left completely in the dark? This is leadership by assumption—while the country burns.”

“The country is suffering. People may not get help today.”

Perhaps his harshest warning came near the end.

“This is bigger than political pride. Right now, if someone calls for help, they may not get it. That is the reality while we debate paperwork.”

York said that the Prime Minister’s approach—focusing on technicalities while ignoring the collapse of trust—was endangering public safety and risking a national emergency.

A Demanding Call for Immediate Action

York closed by pressing the Prime Minister for immediate, concrete action:

“What will be done today—not next week—to ensure these men and women walk out of here motivated, respected, and ready to end the go-slow?”

He warned that unless the Prime Minister abandons political defensiveness and confronts the trust crisis head-on, the situation will continue to deteriorate.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A heated exchange unfolded in Parliament on Monday as Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis delivered a forceful critique of Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, accusing him of chronic inaction, micromanagement across ministries, and repeated failure to resolve long-standing issues within the Fire Department, Ambulance Department, and broader Justice Ministry.

Speaking during the continuation of a meeting centered on staffing, safety, and organizational matters in the emergency services, MP Lewis said he was “tired of beautiful presentations and beautiful excuses,” declaring that the country’s execution branch “has executed nothing” for the workers who risk their lives daily.

“Stop playing games with the people.”

Lewis, who previously served as Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, accused the Prime Minister of inserting himself into the affairs of other ministries while neglecting the pressing issues in his own.

“The Honorable Prime Minister has a reputation of meddling in everyone’s ministry,” Lewis said. “He is superhuman — he can get everything done everywhere else — but we still cannot get the Fire Department in order.”

The MP emphasized that the government will soon mark one year in office, yet the issues plaguing the emergency services remain unresolved.

Function Book Controversy

A central point of contention was the long-delayed Fire Department Function Book, a document that determines job descriptions, responsibilities, and salary scales. Lewis claimed that the draft was prepared “without the knowledge or input of the Fire Chief” and allegedly without proper consultation with firefighters.

Through the Chair, he pressed the Prime Minister to clarify:

• Whether the Fire Chief had reviewed the draft;
• Who exactly worked on it during 2021–2024?
• Why were rank-and-file firefighters not involved?

Interruption Highlights Need for Procedural Clarity

MP Roseburg intervened, requesting the Prime Minister explain how the function-book process works typically, including whether it legally requires involvement from the Fire Chief or the unions. The Prime Minister took note of the question.

Criticism of the Justice Minister’s Absence

Lewis also criticized the absence of the Minister of Justice, calling it “a blatant disrespect” to civil servants and the unions who, he said, are united in their push for better working conditions.

“Where is the solidarity from the cabinet of Mercelina Two?” Lewis asked. “Where is the solidarity with the Minister of Justice when it’s clear that not much is happening to ensure public safety and improve the departments under the ministry?”

A Personal Stake

Lewis reminded the chamber that he is still a civil servant on leave of absence. If not re-elected, he would have to return to “the mess that is continuously being created,” he said — giving him a direct personal stake in the issues being debated.

Call for Increased Pressure on Government

The MP concluded with a direct appeal:

“We must put pressure on this government to start executing on the people’s behalf.”

The parliamentary exchange underscores growing frustrations among MPs, unions, and emergency service workers over delays in implementing long-promised reforms. As tensions mount, the public now awaits the Prime Minister’s official response to the points raised during the meeting.

PHILIPSBURG---  Move over red carpet, make way for emerald green! This Saturday November 22nd at 9:30 AM sharp—yes, morning people, this is your moment—DJ, founder and managing director of the FREEGAN Food Foundation, will once again celebrate his birthday in what has now become an annual cinematic tradition. For the fifth glorious year, DJ is inviting everyone to join him at Caribbean Cinemas for a morning of laughter, friendship, free popcorn, and sodas—because nothing says “community” like making a responsible breakfast out of movie snacks.

In true theatrical fashion, this year’s theme is WICKED—and attendees are encouraged to turn up in full costume. Whether you arrive pink and bubbly like Glinda, mysteriously green and misunderstood like Elphaba, or just confused but fabulous, prizes await the best dressed! Think magic, think sparkle, think “Defy Gravity” but make it tropical.

“Every year I try to celebrate with as many people as possible,” DJ said while possibly humming Popular under his breath. “Why keep joy small when you can supersize it—just like the popcorn?”

This event is free of charge—yes, really. Free movie, free popcorn, free sodas, free good vibes. All you need to do is RSVP via WhatsApp at +1 (721) 580-7174 (messages only, because we’re modern like that).

So whether you’ve known DJ for years, met him once, follow him on social media, heard about him through a cousin, or simply enjoy forming lifelong bonds over cinema snacks—don’t be shy, just text and say you’re coming. Because if there’s one thing the FREEGAN founder stands for, it’s sharing—food, joy, and apparently movie theaters.

Event Details

📍 Caribbean Cinemas, St. Maarten
📅 This Saturday
⏰ 9:30 AM (Yes, that’s morning. Coffee optional; popcorn mandatory.)
🎭 Theme: WICKED – Come in costume for a chance to win enchanting prizes
🎁 Free movie, free popcorn, free sodas
📱 RSVP via WhatsApp only: +1 (721) 580-7174

Join us for a morning that promises to be unusually magical, inexplicably early, and undeniably fun. After all, five years in, it’s officially a tradition.