~Catastrophic Impact Underway~

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:---  A storm of unprecedented strength has struck Jamaica. Hurricane Melissa made landfall near New Hope in Westmoreland Parish on Tuesday afternoon as a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (295 km/h), according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Shortly after landfall, the storm weakened slightly to Category 4 at around 150 mph (241 km/h) as it moved across northwestern Jamaica.

What’s happening on the ground

• The NHC characterized the situation as: “This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation”, and emphasized that catastrophic winds, flash flooding, and storm surge are underway in Jamaica.
• Reports across the island describe roofs torn off, flooding in low-lying areas, blocked roads in mountain regions and major power outages.
• Some estimates suggest over one-third of power customers in Jamaica lost electricity, and numerous structural damages (including hospitals) have been reported.
• Storm surge of up to 4 metres (≈13 feet) is expected along the south coast, and rainfall totals of up to 30 inches (≈760 mm) or more are being forecast for some interior areas.

The forecast & concerns

• Melissa is moving slowly, which heightens the rainfall and flooding risk across Jamaica’s mountainous terrain.
• After crossing Jamaica, the storm is projected to head toward eastern Cuba and potentially the Bahamas, still as a major hurricane. Jamaican officials say full damage assessment will take time, and aid efforts are being mobilized.
• Jamaican authorities and regional partners describe this event as possibly the worst natural disaster in the island’s history given the intensity and expected scope of impact.

Government & emergency response

• The Jamaican government declared a state of emergency and activated emergency shelters nationwide.
• Mandatory evacuations were ordered in especially vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas. Despite that, some communities reportedly opted to remain in place.
• International humanitarian and relief agencies are already preparing to deliver assistance post-storm.
• Key take-aways

• Intensity: Hurricane Melissa was among the strongest Atlantic landfalls ever recorded when it struck Jamaica.
• Duration & Risk: Slow forward speed + mountainous terrain = enhanced risk of floods, landslides and prolonged disruption.
• Recovery: Significant disruption to power, infrastructure, transport and housing is expected; the full scope of damage will become clearer in the coming days and weeks.
• Advice: Residents should stay sheltered, avoid travel, keep away from flood zones, and await official clearance before venturing out.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ombudsman of Sint Maarten, Gwendolien Mossel, recently participated in a high-level international conference held in Malta from October 16-17, 2025. The conference, themed “Upholding Good Governance in Challenging Times: The Role of the Ombudsman,” brought together Ombudsmen, human rights defenders, and representatives from constitutional and accountability bodies across Europe and beyond.

The conference served as a platform for engaging discussions on critical topics, including the importance of trust and participation, the protection of vulnerable persons, ethical governance, and the impact of digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) on Ombudsman institutions. Discussions reaffirmed the enduring role of the Ombudsman as a vital pillar of democracy, integrity, and justice.

Key highlights of the conference included:

• Presentations and discussions on the evolving role of Ombudsman institutions in safeguarding citizens' rights and promoting fairness, accountability, and trust in public administration.
• Emphasis on the importance of ethical governance, requiring values and courage to challenge power structures.
• Recognition of the need for cross-border collaboration among Ombudsmen and National Human Rights Institutions to strengthen the global defense of rights and justice.

During the conference, participants emphasized that good governance is not merely a managerial principle but a fundamental right. Discussions also reinforced the idea that Ombudsman institutions must adapt and innovate to remain effective in a rapidly changing world.

The conference provided a valuable opportunity to learn from international best practices and strengthen collaborative efforts to promote good governance.

“This conference was an important opportunity to engage with colleagues from around the world on the critical role of the Ombudsman in upholding good governance,” said Ms. Mossel. “The discussions reaffirmed our shared commitment to ensuring that justice remains a living promise for all citizens.”

PHILIPSBURG:---  Orco Bank proudly supported the St. Maarten Netball Association’s “Battle of the Saints 2025” tournament, held from October 22 to 26, 2025. The event brought together teams from across the Caribbean — including St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, and the UK — to compete in a celebration of athleticism, teamwork, and community.

As part of its ongoing commitment to community development and youth empowerment, Orco Bank proudly extended its support to the St. Maarten Netball Association, helping make the tournament a success and reinforcing the Bank’s dedication to local sports and positive community impact.

“At Orco Bank, we believe in uplifting our communities through meaningful initiatives that encourage growth, connection, and empowerment,” said Mrs. Judy King-Richardson, Country Manager for Orco Bank St. Maarten. “The ‘Battle of the Saints’ tournament perfectly reflects the spirit of teamwork and resilience we value at Orco Bank.”

The tournament was a tremendous success, showcasing the dedication and talent of athletes across the region and reinforcing Orco Bank’s commitment to supporting local sports and community initiatives. 

PHILIPSBURG:--- The White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF) proudly celebrated International Day of Older Persons on October 4 with its annual festive gathering at the St. Martin’s Home. The event, held in the Home’s renovated dining room, brought together clients and their families for an afternoon filled with music, laughter, and quality time.

This annual celebration honours the wisdom, life experience, and lasting contributions of Sint Maarten’s older persons community. The atmosphere was vibrant, with live performances by The Control Band, The Harmonic, and captivating steel pan music setting the tone for a joyful occasion. Guests also enjoyed energetic dance performances, which added extra flair to the festivities.

Laughter filled the room as families and clients danced, sang along, and shared cherished moments together. Refreshments and drinks were available for sale, and of course, the Ponche Cuba flowed freely, adding to the celebration.

“The celebrated International Day of Older Persons is one of our favourite events of the year,” said Laurencia Marlin, the main organizer of this event. “It’s wonderful to see our clients and their families enjoying themselves, connecting through music and dance, and celebrating life together.”

The WYCCF extends heartfelt thanks to Red Alert, who sponsored the beautiful T-shirts, as well as Office World, Kadaster, and Kreative Juices for their generous support.
A special thank you also goes out to all the staff, volunteers, musicians, and families who made this day such a success. Viola Stevens.

We especially thank the nursing staff, domestic workers, and kitchen team for the delicious food that was so thoughtfully prepared. Appreciation also goes to the main organizers of the event, Mrs. Laurencia Marlin and Mrs. Annick Hughes. But also to Mrs. Macfolda, Nurse Mildred, and the Social Committee members for their contributions, and to Mrs. Irene for arranging the sponsorship of our T-shirts through Red Alert. Our gratitude extends to the maintenance and laundry teams, and to the Nursing Home and Elderly Care clients who helped create the beautiful table centerpieces.

The event also featured wonderful performances by the Charlotte Brookson Academy, Jolly Dancer Ingrid Hermance, and her granddaughter Makiya Marlin, as well as a heartfelt poem by Tamara Groenveldt. Thanks to Nurse Nikita, Nurse Maxwell, and all the client families who helped on the day of the event. Special appreciation to the Methodist Reverend for opening the program in prayer, and to our M.C. Nkosasana.

Events like these highlight the Foundation’s commitment to providing not only quality care but also joy, connection, and community for the elderly of Sint Maarten.