PHILIPSBURG:--- A regional webinar and networking session held on March 25, 2026, at the Foresee Foundation office brought together youth and nonprofit organizations from across the Caribbean to explore practical strategies for strengthening youth engagement in community initiatives. The event, part of a broader inter-island effort supported by Oranje Fonds and Stichting Kinderpostzegels, combined virtual knowledge-sharing with in-person dialogue to bridge ideas and action.

Following the inter-island webinar entitled Engaging Youth in NGOs: Why, What and How, an in-person local follow-up session was organized to translate the shared insights into the local St. Maarten context. The session brought together a mixed group of youth (under 29) and representatives from NGOs and community organizations, with the majority of participants attending in an organizational capacity. The overall aim was to facilitate dialogue between youth and organizations, reflect on the relevance of the webinar content, identify barriers to youth engagement, and explore opportunities for collaboration and follow-up actions.

Through interactive discussions and activities, the participants discussed key topics under the theme of youth volunteerism. For the evening's core activity, youth and organizations were divided into groups to discuss barriers to youth volunteerism. From the youth's perspective, they highlighted practical and motivational challenges, including long hours, lack of recognition, limited structure, transportation issues, and conflicts with school schedules. These insights underscored the need for flexible, meaningful, and well-organized volunteer opportunities.

Organizations, on the other hand, reflected on internal constraints such as limited capacity, lack of trained staff, unclear structures, and difficulty understanding youth needs. They recognized that improving youth engagement requires stronger internal systems and better support mechanisms.

When both groups reconvened, shared challenges emerged, including limited access to schools, ineffective outreach channels, and barriers to participation, such as financial pressures, transportation, and competing responsibilities. Participants suggested alternative strategies, such as peer outreach, influencer outreach, and school-based programs, to better connect with youth.

The final activity was a “marketplace” exercise that allowed youth and organizations to exchange skills, needs, and opportunities using a structured matching activity. This resulted in active networking and the formation of potential partnerships.

This webinar and networking session represent an important step toward facilitating dialogue between youth and civil society, fostering meaningful connections and paving the way for a more engaged and empowered generation of young changemakers.

ORANJESTAD, ARUBA:--- The Ombudsman of Aruba, Ms. Jurima Bryson LL.M. has published the report “Het Luisterend Oog, In kader brengen van instellingen” (Dutch for “The Listening Eye”) on March 9^th, 2026. In this report, 564 institutions on Aruba that fall under the National Ombudsman Ordinance have been identified.

The four utility companies are NV Elmar, Setar N.V., Web Aruba N.V. and Serlimar Sui Generis. These were also part of the group that was identified. Because these companies offer essential services and citizens depend on these essential services, it is very important that these companies provide careful and transparent service, including complaint handling.

This report, “Het Luisterend Oog,” concerns an investigation conducted by the Office of the Ombudsman in the third quarter of 2025. The main objective of the investigation was to identify institutions that fall under the National Ombudsman Ordinance.

The research shows that all utility companies offer general contact options and customer service, but that a clearly defined and publicly known complaints procedure is missing.

For citizens, it is essential that it is clear how a complaint can be submitted, how it is handled, and within what time frame a response can be expected. Such a procedure contributes to trust, legal certainty, and quality of service.

The Ombudsman has sent a letter about this to all utility companies and the ministers involved, and calls upon them to introduce and publish a clear and accessible complaints procedure in the short term.

“A good complaints procedure is not a formality, but an essential part of reliable service to citizens”, said the Ombudsman.

In addition to the general recommendations in the report, the Ombudsman advised the utility companies to take a number of steps in the short term:

• Define and publish a clear and accessible complaints procedure (for example, via the website or customer portal);
• Outline the steps, such as deadlines, registration, responsibilities and feedback;
• Choose one clear contact person or place for customers.
• Describe what customers can do if they are not satisfied with how their complaint has been handled and within the processing time frame.
• If applicable, define and publish the general terms and conditions, keep them up to date and easy to find.
• Ensure internal awareness and monitoring of complaints, following the recommendations in the report.

Also, there should be greater clarity about how the organizations operate and which laws they follow, so people can better understand how they function and who is responsible.

Also, there should be more clarity about the structure of organizations and which laws are applicable, so people can better understand how they function and who is responsible. These are concerns which the Ombudsman already raised in her letter of concern sent to Prime Minister Mike Eman in February of 2026.

The full report “The Listening Eye” (“Het Luisterend Oog – in kader brengen van instellingen”) and the letter of concern are available on the Ombudsman’s website, www.ombudsman.aw/en/publications/ .

The Ombudsman will continue to monitor and do follow-ups on these recommendations.

Stay informed about the latest developments

PHILIPSBURG:---  The SXM DOET organizing team is pleased to announce that volunteer registration for SXM DOET 2026 is now officially open via www.sxmdoet.com, and the community is encouraged to sign up and be part of one of the island’s largest community service events.

Set to take place on May 15 and 16, 2026, under the theme “From Jump Up to Step Up for a Brighter Sint Maarten,” SXM DOET continues to be a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when the community comes together in the spirit of volunteerism. With more than 80 community projects registered, volunteers are essential to bringing these initiatives to life. This year, the SXM DOET team is aiming to mobilize between 1,200 and 1,500 volunteers across the two-day event, and is calling on the community to help make this goal a reality.

From painting and small repairs to community outreach, environmental clean ups, and social activities, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved whether individually, with friends and family, or as part of a company or organization.

“NGO’s and volunteers are the heartbeat of SXM DOET,” the Project Management Team shared. “The organizations have done their part, now it’s the volunteers’ turn. Each person who signs up contributes directly to the development and upliftment of our communities. Whether you can give a few hours or a full day, your time makes a real impact.”

“Now is the time for the community to step forward,” the team added. “We have the projects. What we need now are the hands and hearts to help execute them. Every volunteer makes a difference.” SXM DOET continues to serve as a platform to stimulate volunteerism and unity, allowing residents from all walks of life to actively contribute while spending quality time and building new connections during May 15 and 16.

As an extra added incentive, for the third consecutive year, the SXM DOET team has secured early DOETie items, some from local vendors, which will be distributed to the first 10 organizations that completed their registration correctly. These items will then be given to the first (10) volunteers of those respective projects.

The SXM DOET team is encouraging persons not to wait until the last minute to register, as projects will begin filling up based on volunteer interest and availability.

Individuals and groups can sign up by visiting www.sxmdoet.com. For more information and updates, follow SXM DOET on social media or contact the team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Let’s come together, step up, and make SXM DOET 2026 a true reflection of the oneness and comradery of Sint Maarten.

PARAMARIBO:--- Former Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi has died at the age of 67 following a sudden medical emergency at his home earlier on Monday.

According to reports from Suriname, an ambulance was dispatched to Santokhi’s residence after he fell ill. He was subsequently rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Santokhi, who served as the ninth president of Suriname from 2020 to 2025, was a prominent political figure and leader of the Progressive Reform Party. His death was confirmed by officials and has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the region.

Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali described Santokhi as “a fine statesman,” praising his years of public service and dedication to regional cooperation, according to reports.

Current Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons also paid tribute, noting that Santokhi’s contributions to public life would be remembered for years to come.

Born on February 3, 1959, in Lelydorp, Santokhi began his career in law enforcement, rising to become a police commissioner before entering politics. He later served as Minister of Justice and Police from 2005 to 2010 before assuming the presidency in 2020.

During his tenure as president, Santokhi focused on economic reform and international cooperation, guiding Suriname through a challenging period marked by fiscal restructuring and social unrest.

His passing marks the end of a decades-long career in public service that spanned policing, governance, and regional leadership, including a term as Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Funeral arrangements and further official statements are expected to be announced in the coming days.