PHILIPSBURG:--- With the surfacing of yet another case of alleged sexual abuse of minors, MP Claudius “Toontje” Buncamper of the USP faction in parliament expresses his concerns with the unwarranted incident.
“What is frightening is that people in whom parents place their trust with their children are often the ones suspected of these crimes” MP Buncamper noted. The penalty for those found guilty of such heinous crimes is often found to be too lenient to society, considering that their victim(s) is/are scarred for life. Buncamper insists that: “Stiffer penalties must be applied to those convicted of rape, child abuse, making and distribution of child pornography. The possibility exists that pedophiles maybe walking around us in our midst, holding jobs that require them to interact with children.” MP Buncamper says that he will support a screening method to determine if an applicant applying for a job that involves interaction with children has a record of abusing children. He disclosed that former Member of Parliament (MP) Tamara Leonard started the process to amend the laws regarding child abuse and rape. The former MP proposed an increase of the maximum sentence for persons found guilty of child abuse and/or rape from 15 years to 24 years. The former MP also proposed to establish a database of persons convicted of rape and/or child abuse during the past number of years, which will be available to the general public. This will alleviate the possibility of placing former offenders in the circle of vulnerable children. MP Leonard had also proposed permitting abortion of an unborn child conceived by rape if the mother chooses to do so.
MP Buncamper said that the amendments to the laws proposed by former MP Leonard should be tabled again. “I will ensure that the initiative is completed, and the laws are amended and supplemented where necessary to make this type of crime heavier qua penalty and expose those invoked for at least 10 years once convicted.” Buncamper went on to say that “We must make our society safe from pedophiles and those persons engaging in child pornography.” At the same time, the MP advised parents to speak to their children about these subjects to ensure that they know what to do in the event they become targets of child molesters and other pornographic material. Adequate aftercare and counseling must be made available for rape victims who are left to deal with the ordeal on their own.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Soualiga Capoeira group were the founders of the Soualiga Mokos Jumbies, a local stilt-walking group that existed in the early 2000s has donated their costumes to Funtopia Youth Initiative Foundation the founders of the Soualigan Giants Moko Jumbies. “This is a significant moment for the culture of Moko Jumbies on the island, says president Lucinda Audain. “I see it has passed on the baton for the culture to continue to thrive. More collaboration is needed between cultural organizations in order for them to survive these current world changes.” 
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Government of Sint Maarten made contact with Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves on April 8, 2021, regarding the possible approaching emergency; the eruption of La Soufriere Volcano in Northern Saint Vincent. Reports at the time mentioned that the Volcano was expected to erupt within hours or days. For this reason, the Government of St. Maarten has reached out to Prime Minister Gonsalves to show solidarity and offer support if the need arises. During the conversation, Prime Minister Gonsalves conveyed that he had indeed just ordered the evacuation of the red zone as more activity had been noted. Residents are being evacuated to shelters in safe zones and off-island via boat to neighboring islands.
PHILIPSBURG:--- La Soufriere volcano in St. Vincent has erupted and displaced thousands of people, which Member of Parliament for the United People's (UP) Party Omar Ottley says "it’s a sad turn of events for the entire Caribbean." 
Episode 6 of the BackBox Series curated by Naomi Janelle “Open you Heart, Open youth Mouth” was a mesmerizing evening of song co-featuring Faith Peterson, Tyreke Arrindell, and Troy Florent. Young artists ranging from 18-21 years brimming with talent stretching from dance to drama to song. Since their eye, hearth –and mouth opening experience in the musical “Hamilton” (NIA’s abridged version)they have embarked on a singing journey coached by DJ Jansen de Jong which will leave a lasting impact on the artistic cultural scene of St. Maarten, as witnessed by Diva La-Vaune Hodge-Henry, in her own words: “I was very impressed with the young performing artists at the Black box series on Saturday, March 27th at NIA. They were so brave, so creative, so talented! They explored the world of song attempting such difficult pieces. They were brilliant. I was so inspired and left the hall with much enthusiasm. I am really looking forward to seeing more shows from this group of budding and promising artists.” 
