PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Richinel Brug recently held an introductory meeting with Mr. Erno Labega, the newly appointed Chair of the Board of the Social & Health Insurances SZV (SZV). The meeting was constructive and focused on establishing a clear, strategic path forward for the organization.
Discussions focused on strengthening the Board’s governance role, continuing cost-containment efforts, and improving operational efficiency at SZV. Particular emphasis was placed on enhancing the organization's overall image and rebuilding public trust.

A key priority identified by both the Minister and the Board Chair is to address the Government's outstanding financial obligations to SZV. Both parties underscored the importance of settling this debt and establishing a structured, sustainable repayment plan to safeguard the long-term financial stability of the national health insurance system.

“SZV plays a critical role in our national health insurance system. It is essential that we continue to strengthen the institution, ensure financial sustainability, and reinforce public confidence,” Minister Brug stated. “I look forward to working closely with Mr. Labega and the Board to advance these priorities.”
Mr. Labega expressed his commitment to collaborative leadership and to working closely with the rest of the board and the Ministry to ensure that SZV remains transparent, accountable, and focused on delivering quality service to the people of Sint Maarten.
The Ministry remains committed to supporting good governance, fiscal responsibility, and continuous improvement within SZV.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, January 24, 2026, the staff of the White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF) came together at Emilio’s Restaurant for an enjoyable evening of appreciation, laughter, and dancing. The event began at 6:30 PM and continued well after midnight, bringing colleagues from across the organization together to reflect on a wonderful year and celebrate the people behind WYCCF’s daily work.
The evening had a festive, elegant atmosphere from the start, with staff arriving in dashing attire, dressed to impress. Guests were welcomed with a 360-degree camera experience that captured fun moments as everyone entered and kicked off the night. Emilio’s served a wonderful selection of food throughout the evening, which was enjoyed by all and contributed to the warm, celebratory setting.
Entertainment stayed front and center: DJ Kilo kept the energy high on the dancefloor, while the Control Band delivered a lively live performance. Adding even more joy to the evening, Suppa Kid served as MC and kept the crowd laughing with great humour and crowd interaction.
A special moment of the evening was the speech by WYCCF Director Bregje Boetekees, who thanked staff for their dedication and hard work and highlighted key accomplishments achieved throughout 2025. Her words reflected the organization’s deep appreciation for the commitment and teamwork shown across departments every day.
Another highlight was the raffle, which featured many attractive prizes made possible by the generosity of community partners and sponsors. WYCCF extends sincere thanks to the following sponsors for their valued contributions:
Princess Juliana International Airport; Grant Thornton; Baratié; SAGE Jewelers; Focused Fitness; Inglot; Polo Ralph Lauren; Amsterdam Cheese & Liquor Store; Caribbean Gems; Zhaveri Luxury Jewelers; Boolchand's; Intermar; Bobby’s Marina; Divi Little Bay Beach Resort; Simpson Bay Resort; The JW Marriott Beach Resort; Oyster Bay Beach Resort; The Greenhouse; Coffee Lounge; Chesterfields Restaurant & Bar; Looking Good; Nobles Clothing & Souvenirs; Klass Electronics; Cabana Beach Bar & Restaurant; Basket Boutique.
WYCCF also thanks the organizing committee for their hard work and dedication in coordinating the event and ensuring everything ran smoothly.
The WYCCF Staff Party was a well-deserved celebration and recognition of the individuals who provide trusted, quality care to our clients throughout the year.

Pond Island:---  Telem has taken note of recent articles published by SMN News on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 and again on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in which public statements related to our organization were issued by the SMCU union. While the company respects the right of individuals and representative bodies to express their views, management firmly rebuts the interpretation of recent developments as presented in both instances.

Telem is at a critical stage of a carefully structured transformation aimed at restoring financial stability, modernizing operations, and securing its long-term future in an increasingly competitive telecommunications market. Public commentary that mischaracterizes this process creates unnecessary uncertainty amongst employees, customers, and the wider community.

It is important to recall that several years ago, SMCU publicly called for a forensic audit of the company. In response to those concerns, an independent operational audit was conducted by SOAB at the order of the sitting government. That review found no justification for a full forensic investigation. The findings were clear and independent. Despite this, the union's current narrative appears to revisit insinuations that have already been objectively addressed, adding new “rumours”.

Telem challenges SMCU to present concrete, substantiated facts to support its claims rather than rely on vague allegations or rumours. Serious accusations require serious evidence. Management remains fully confident in the governance framework under which the company operates and in the Supervisory Board's oversight.

Two major restructurings undertaken in recent years were fully compliant with the law and executed in agreement with SMCU. The great majority of employees who left the company did so voluntarily and accepted a voluntary leave package that continues to include medical insurance coverage. These were difficult but necessary measures in response to global shifts in the telecommunications industry and intense local competition on both the Dutch and

Frenchsides of the island. These are hardly the actions of a caring and responsible management team.

The challenges of the past three years have required discipline, decisive leadership, and cooperation at every level of the organization. During this process, the Telem team has also invested significant effort in expanding the broadband footprint across the island and implementing several network upgrades that have improved reliability for all our customers.

Those efforts are now beginning to yield results, highlighted by our 2025 Ookla Speed test Award for the fastest internet on the island. Early internal reviews indicate the strongest and most encouraging signs of financial improvement Telem has seen in many years. Halting or de-stabilizing this positive trajectory, especially with a disruptive forensic audit at such a pivotal moment, would itself be irresponsible.

Telem remains open to constructive dialogue. Management invites representatives of the SMCU to meet, review the facts, and engage in a transparent discussion of the company’s progress and future direction.

The company’s focus remains clear: protect jobs where possible, strengthen operations, serve customers reliably, and ensure Telem’s long-term sustainability for St. Maarten.

Editor’s Note:
An operational audit and a forensic audit serve distinct purposes in organizational evaluation and accountability. While an operational audit assesses the efficiency, effectiveness, and economy of business processes to drive performance improvements, a forensic audit is investigative, aimed at uncovering financial irregularities, fraud, or legal violations. The former is preventive and improvement-oriented, is often conducted periodically, and yields recommendations to improve performance.
In contrast, the latter is reactive, triggered by suspicions or allegations, and involves the collection of detailed evidence for potential legal proceedings. Both audits play critical roles in ensuring organizational integrity, with operational audits enhancing internal processes and forensic audits safeguarding against misconduct.
In hindsight, the SMUC made several allegations based on information received from its members. It would be in everyone’s best interest to conduct the forensic audit and to set the records straight. After all, it is the people's patrimony.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Caribbean lifestyle and empowerment platform Kerai Kreative Style, founded by creative leader and brand strategist Kenty Lichtenberg, proudly celebrates its 10-year anniversary this month. What began as a personal style blog has evolved into a movement that empowers women, celebrates Caribbean identity, and fosters confidence, authenticity, and cultural pride across the region and beyond.
Over the past decade, Kerai Kreative Style has become a trusted voice and safe space where women feel seen, represented, and inspired to embrace their individuality. Through storytelling, cultural advocacy, and community engagement, the platform has amplified Caribbean creativity while encouraging women everywhere to walk boldly in their purpose.
To commemorate this milestone, a month-long series of reflective and celebratory experiences was curated to honor the journey, the community, and the women who have been part of its evolution.
The celebration began on February 7th with the online premiere of “10 Years, One Journey — Seen Through Her Eyes,” a reflective look at the platform’s growth and the impact it has created through storytelling and representation.
The first in-person gathering took place on February 14th with Sip & Stretch: A Sunrise Reflection, an intimate and soulful experience held along the Philipsburg Boardwalk. As the sun rose over the Caribbean Sea, women gathered in a sacred space of stillness, gratitude, and connection. More than a wellness moment, it was a heartfelt celebration — by women, for women — created to thank them for walking this journey together over the past decade. Through reflection, breath, and shared presence, attendees honored healing, self-love, and the strength found in community.
On February 16th, supporters from near and far can join a virtual live toast, raising their glasses to celebrate ten years of impact and connection across borders.
The celebration will continue on February 21st with Zumba with Soultry Dance, an energizing community session at the Belair Community Center that will bring movement, joy, and togetherness to the anniversary festivities.
The month will concludes on February 28th with the Mini Styling & Image Coaching Pop-Up at T’s Closet in Philipsburg, offering women an empowering finale focused on confidence, personal branding, and self-presentation.
“Kerai Kreative Style was born from a desire to create space for women to feel confident, valued, and represented,” said founder Kenty Lichtenberg. “This celebration is not just about ten years of work — it is about ten years of shared stories, growth, resilience, and the incredible women who continue to inspire this journey.”
Throughout its evolution, Kerai Kreative Style has championed body positivity, highlighted Caribbean fashion and culture, collaborated with regional and international partners, and created empowering experiences that extend beyond style into confidence building and identity affirmation.
As the platform steps into its next decade, its mission remains rooted in community, cultural pride, and empowering women to embrace their authentic selves.
“This milestone belongs to every woman who has supported, shared, and believed in this vision,” Lichtenberg added. “Together, we continue to celebrate our stories, our strength, and our collective power.”