The Sint Maarten Science Fair Foundation (SMSFF) recently held a successful and productive meeting with the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport (ECYS), Melissa D. Gumbs. The meeting served to introduce the SMSFF to the minister formally, explore potential avenues for collaboration to enhance scientific education and innovation in Sint Maarten, and provide details of the 2025 Science Week, themed “Change and Adapt with AI.”
PHILIPSBURG:---During the meeting, Dr. Rolinda Carter, President of SMSFF, provided an overview of the foundation’s mission, its current efforts to promote scientific knowledge and innovation among students, and a five-year plan to expand the foundation’s impact beyond the annual national science fair. The minister, who recalled attending the fair in the past, expressed her strong support for the foundation’s initiative and emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of science and technology in schools.
Dr. Delroy Pierre, Education Programme Coordinator (Secondary and Higher Education), presented the newly revamped categories for the Science Fair: Natural Sciences; Computer, Software, and Robotics; Earth and Environmental Science; and Social and Behavioural Science. He also shared insights from a recent survey highlighting the need for the foundation's work in the schools. The minister was also informed of the mentoring programme for participants of the upcoming Science Fair, sponsored by the American University of the Caribbean.
Minister Gumbs expressed her support by officially recognizing the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation as the host of the National Science Fair of Sint Maarten. She also shared her passion for STEAM and her commitment to developing an AI policy for schools to ensure that Sint Maarten keeps pace with technological advancements.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to continue discussions and work towards a formal partnership that will benefit the students and the broader community of Sint Maarten.
Honourable Minister Melissa D. Gumbs: "The Sint Maarten Science Fair Foundation's dedication to fostering scientific education and innovation is truly inspiring. Investing in science and technology is investing in our future. I am committed to strengthening this collaboration to equip our students with the skills and opportunities they need to excel. Together, we are building a generation of critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators who will drive progress in our community for years to come."
"We are excited about the positive response received from the Minister and the prospect of collaborating to foster a culture of innovation and inquiry in STEAM. The support from the Ministry will be instrumental in expanding our initiatives and reaching more students, inspiring them to pursue careers in STEAM", said Dr. Carter.
This year's Science Week, themed "Change and Adapt with AI," will be held from March 31, 2025, to April 4, 2025, with its award ceremony on April 12, 2025. Planned activities for the week include a lecture and panel discussion on AI in education, hands-on field trips to STEAM-related locations, the annual Science Fair that showcases student projects and features STEAM demonstrations, and an award ceremony to recognize the participants' achievements.
Sint Maarten Library MPC HAVO Social Students Interns Hosted An Exciting Black History Month Trivia at Sint Maarten Library.
PHILIPSBURG:--- A sensational Black History Month trivia was held as part of the Sint Maarten Library’s ongoing Black History Month celebrations, which recognize Black heroes and trailblazers under the annual theme, "Passing on Our Legacy." This particular segment was designed to engage and inspire the youth. The Sint Maarten Library’s MPC- HAVO Social Students Interns’ vibrant celebration at the Sint Maarten Library was a resounding success.
Roeniel Sarabdjitsingh, Per’yzia Baly, Alberto Matos, and Leila Euton-Lambert—students from the Milton Peters College HAVO department currently interning at the Sint Maarten Library—organized a thrilling trivia event in honor of Black History Month. Utilizing Kahoot!, a game-based learning platform, they engaged participants in an interactive and educational experience celebrating Black culture and achievements. This initiative is part of the Youth Literary Engagement for Black History Month 2025.
A dynamic group of teenage participants (ages 13-17) actively took part in the trivia session, which was not only a fun competition but also an enlightening discussion. The event provided valuable insights into the history and significance of Black History Month, honoring the trailblazers who fought for equality and freedom.
Two winners emerged from the Sint Maarten Library Kahoot for Black History Month, each receiving books written by Black authors:
• Where the Rhythm Takes You by Trinidadian author Sarah Dass
• King and the Dragonflies by Saint Thomian author Kacen Callender (from Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands)
In addition to the trivia event, the four young interns also participated in a special virtual storytime program in celebration of Black History Month. They lent their voices to a captivating read-aloud session featuring selected excerpts from Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, a recipient of the 2015 Newbery Honor, the Coretta Scott King Award, and the National Book Award. This storytelling session is available on the Sint Maarten Library’s official Facebook page.
The Sint Maarten Library continues to celebrate and honor Black history through various events and initiatives, fostering awareness, education, and appreciation of Black heritage among the youth.
Stay tuned for more upcoming events in the 2025 Black History Celebration. For more information, visit the Sint Maarten Library’s website or follow them on social media.
BREAKING NEWS: Four Persons Shot in Dutch Quarter - Police Investigating Incident.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force is investigating a shooting incident that occurred in Nick Springs Drive, Dutch Quarter, where four persons were injured.
Just after 5:00 PM on Tuesday, February 18th, 2025, police received multiple reports of several shots fired and individuals injured in the Dutch Quarter area. Several officers were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers encountered three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. The victims were provided with first aid by paramedics, who responded promptly to the scene. The injured individuals were then rushed to the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for further treatment. Police later learned that a fourth victim had driven himself to the SMMC seeking medical attention.
At this time, details surrounding the shooting remain unclear. Police detectives and forensic teams are currently on-site to gather evidence and continue their investigation.
The Sint Maarten Police Force is urging anyone with information about this incident to come forward. Those with information are asked to contact the Philipsburg Police Station at 542-2222 or the anonymous tip line at 9300.
KPSM Press Release.
Sint Maarten Library Hosts Youth Literary Engagement for Black History Month at ASA No Kidding With Our Kids Afterschool Program.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Library continues to celebrate and honor Black History through various events and initiatives, fostering awareness, education, and appreciation of Black heritage among the youth. As part of the 2025 Black History Month Youth Literary Engagement under the annual theme "Passing on Our Legacy," the Sint Maarten Library conducted an outreach program on Monday, February 17, 2025. This initiative featured a "Book Talk" session with a dynamic group of youngsters aged 8 to 12 at the After School Activities (ASA) - No Kidding with Our Kids Foundation.
The session featured selected excerpts from Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, a recipient of the 2015 Newbery Honor, the Coretta Scott King Award, and the National Book Award, as part of our themed book selection. Through an engaging and interactive discussion, the young participants explored the history of the African Diaspora, recognizing Black achievements, struggles, and the contributions of heroes and trailblazers throughout history.
Given that Brown Girl Dreaming is written in a poetic Haiku format, the youngsters were also introduced to the Diamante poetry form: This is a 7 line poem about opposites, which forms the shape of a diamond. They actively participated in writing their own poems, painting, and engaging in meaningful discussions about the importance of Black History Month. The session was designed to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation of Black heritage.
The Sint Maarten Library remains committed to celebrating and promoting Black History through various educational programs and community initiatives. Stay tuned for more events as part of the 2025 Black History Celebration. For more information, visit the Sint Maarten Library’s website or follow them on social media.
Public meeting of Parliament regarding deliberations with the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) regarding the status of the draft policy on land issuance.
PHILIPSBURG:---The House of Parliament will sit in a public meeting on February 19, 2025.
The Public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 11.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning Environment, and Infrastructure will be in attendance.
The agenda point is:
Deliberations with the Minister of VROMI regarding the status of the draft policy on land issuance
Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.
The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.
The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament