SIMPSON BAY:--- Preparations for the 49th annual Caribbean Studies Association (CSA) conference in St. Martin, themed “Reparations: Resistance, Resilience, Reproduction, and Rehabilitation” (June 1–7, 2025), are gaining momentum. CSA President Dr. Rhoda Arrindell (L) and Program Committee Chair Meagan Sylvester (R), visiting from New York for stakeholder meetings early this week, relaxed post-business with St. Martin author Lasana M. Sekou (center) at Nowhere Special bar (11/19/24). CSA Vice President Dr. Donna Hope was also on-island, visiting from UWI, Jamaica, for the pre-conference site visits.
“We visited with stakeholders and media to work out logistics and build awareness for the conference,” said Arrindell, a noted St. Martin educator currently lecturing at Howard University, Washington, D.C. The conference will feature scholarly panels, public events, an exhibition of new books by CSA members, a Literary Salon spotlighting St. Martin authors, an awards ceremony, and a closing gala.
The 1,100-member-strong CSA is the primary association for scholars and practitioners working on the Caribbean region (including Central America and the Caribbean coast of South America). Its members hail from the Caribbean, North America, South America, Central America, Africa, Europe, and beyond. SIMPSON BAY, St. Martin—Preparations for the 49th annual Caribbean Studies Association (CSA) conference in St. Martin, themed “Reparations: Resistance, Resilience, Reproduction, and Rehabilitation” (June 1–7, 2025), are gaining momentum. CSA President Dr. Rhoda Arrindell (L) and Program Committee Chair Meagan Sylvester (R), visiting from New York for stakeholder meetings early this week, relaxed post-business with St. Martin author Lasana M. Sekou (center) at Nowhere Special bar (11/19/24). CSA Vice President Dr. Donna Hope was also on-island, visiting from UWI, Jamaica, for the pre-conference site visits.
“We visited with stakeholders and media to work out logistics and build awareness for the conference,” said Arrindell, a noted St. Martin educator currently lecturing at Howard University, Washington, D.C. The conference will feature scholarly panels, public events, an exhibition of new books by CSA members, a Literary Salon spotlighting St. Martin authors, an awards ceremony, and a closing gala.
The 1,100-member-strong CSA is the primary association for scholars and practitioners working on the Caribbean region (including Central America and the Caribbean coast of South America). Its members hail from the Caribbean, North America, South America, Central America, Africa, Europe, and beyond.

PHILIPSBURG:--- “Recent observations highlight the invaluable support provided by several organizations in St. Maarten that offer meals to individuals, particularly our senior population. I have witnessed firsthand the immense gratitude and relief our seniors express when receiving this assistance.” These are the sentiments of MP Wescot–Williams, an active contributor to these initiatives.
The MP explained that “the need for robust food programs is more pressing than ever, and strengthening our support systems is essential for the continued well-being of our senior citizens, who often rely on community assistance during challenging times. This is especially true considering the impending changes in funding for social initiatives supported by the Netherlands. I urge the Minister to take decisive action to reinforce these food programs and foster collaboration among stakeholders to ensure no one in our community is left behind.”
Furthermore, Wescot-Williams voiced her serious concern regarding the setbacks faced by the Social Registry Project, which is crucial for identifying and addressing the needs of our community.
The MP presented critical questions for the consideration and response of the Minister of VSA.
1) Does the Minister concur that these food programs must be strengthened to ensure support for our vulnerable populations? 2) Is the Minister in favor of implementing a One-Meal-A-Day program specifically for seniors, ensuring they receive at least one nutritious meal daily? 3) Is the Minister prepared to urgently organize a stakeholders’ consultation to achieve these objectives, potentially starting with a one-year pilot program? 4) Can the Minister commit to providing the outcomes of these consultations to Parliament within the next 30 days? Additionally, how does the Minister propose to address the current shortcomings related to the Social Registry?
I expect that there will be feedback from the Minister in time to have a discussion on this project during the 2025 budget debate, the MP concluded.

CAY HILL:--- St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) wishes to address recent claims regarding conditions at our facility and provide accurate information to our patients, staff, and the wider community.
The recent heavy rainfall has caused some drainage issues at our facility, resulting in water backup from regular drainage pipes. We want to clearly state that at no point was there sewage water in the Sterilization Department, contrary to recent reports.
SMMC management has been actively addressing this situation:
• Multiple meetings were held with department supervisors earlier this week to address and resolve the drainage issues.
• A requested union meeting on Wednesday could not proceed due to a previously scheduled essential meeting with BES healthcare stakeholders in St. Eustatius.
• Management met with union leadership Thursday morning to discuss their concerns and update on the mitigating actions taken by SMMC’s Facilities & Maintenance Department in the meantime. Management also informed them that the Inspectorate of Health was on site and was satisfied with the mitigating measures taken.
While we respect our staff's right to voice concerns, today's protest activities have unfortunately impacted our operations for patients and visitors. We sincerely apologize to anyone who has experienced delays in receiving care or accessing our facilities.
We want to assure the public that the quality of care has remained uncompromised throughout this period. SMMC maintains strict adherence to all quality and safety protocols, with regular reporting to the Inspectorate of Health and in accordance with all prevailing regulations and laws.
SMMC remains committed to maintaining an open dialogue with our staff and union representatives while ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services to our community.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In today's fast-paced world, children and adolescents face immense pressures that can lead to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts and, regrettably, suicide. As educators, parents, counselors, and mental health professionals, we hold the key to making a significant difference in their lives. Consequently, Victorious Living Foundation, in collaboration with Grace Hill Bible University, St. Maarten Campus, is currently enrolling degree and non-degree-seeking students in the course "Effective Counseling Techniques for Transforming the Lives of Children & Young People."

Master therapist of over 21 years, Dr. N. Erna Mae Francis Cotton, the developer of the course and the Master’s Degree counseling program, states: “This online course provides essential tools and insights a caregiver, counselor or anyone who loves young people, need to support our youth towards a brighter future. Moreover, it is delivered virtually, so participants may enroll from anywhere in the world.”

Why This Course Is Essential

The mental health of young people is a topic that's close to many of our hearts. Research indicates that early intervention and the right support can prevent the escalation of mental health disorders and promote a healthier, happier youth. With this course, students will gain a deeper understanding of both the challenges and transformative solutions that can alleviate these issues.

Discover Key Strategies and Techniques such as:

“Understanding the Whole Brain Child”:

Learn how understanding neurological development can guide you in nurturing balanced, mentally healthy children.

“Delivering Our Children from the Evil One”:

Explore strategies to protect and heal young minds from negative influences and thoughts that contribute to mental distress.

“Transforming Troubled Teens and their Families”:

Delve into techniques that effectively engage teenagers and support them alongside their families for lasting change.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for a broad range of individuals dedicated to making an impactful change:

• Teachers who wish to create supportive learning environments.
• Counselors and Aspiring Counselors seeking new tools and methodologies.
• Parents and Guardians who aim to foster a nurturing home atmosphere.
• Mental Health Professionals expanding their therapeutic repertoire.
• Pastors and Community Leaders committed to guiding their communities.
• Open to Degree and Non-Degree Seeking Students

Whether you're pursuing a degree or seeking non-degree professional development, this course is structured to meet your needs.

What You'll Gain

Participants will walk away with practical skills and strategies designed to:

• Build trust and rapport with young people.
• Implement effective communication and counseling techniques.
• Support the holistic development of children and teens.
• Work collaboratively with families and support networks.

Join Us in Making a Difference!

Now is the time to equip yourself with the skills necessary to make a positive impact. Enroll in our course and join a community of like-minded individuals driven by the shared goal of transforming young lives. Let's work together to ensure every child knows they are not alone and that a supportive world awaits them.

For more information or to enroll, contact us at +1-721-524-8731 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Important Dates:

Early Bird Discount Ends: December 5th, 2024

Registration Deadline: January 9th, 2025

Course Starts: February 10th, 2025

Call 1-721-524-8731 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to secure your spot today. Let’s embark on this journey of transformation and empowerment and proactively help to heal and transform our children and young people’s lives!