PHILIPSBURG:--- After twenty-five years of living and operating a business in Sint Maarten, I experienced something this past Friday night in Maho that I never imagined possible—a gun was placed to my head during an attempted robbery.

While I was fortunate to walk away physically unharmed, this incident highlights a growing and deeply troubling reality: the surge in crime across Sint Maarten has reached a level that threatens both residents and the tourism industry on which our economy depends.

At present, there is insufficient police presence on the streets and limited resources available to deter or respond to criminal activity. Additionally, our open and uncontrolled borders allow individuals to commit crimes and cross between the Dutch and French sides within minutes, often without consequence. This creates an environment where criminals feel empowered, and victims feel unprotected.

As a long-time resident and business owner, I am urgently calling on the Government of Sint Maarten to take immediate and decisive action to restore safety on the island. The implementation of 24/7 border controls, increased police presence, and coordinated cross-border security measures are no longer optional—they are essential.

These are practical, common-sense steps that can significantly reduce crime and reinforce the safety of our community. We should not have to wait for a tragic event to force change. The people of Sint Maarten, and the tourists who choose our island, deserve to feel safe.

I have never once felt unsafe in the 25 years I’ve lived here. Today, I am concerned not only for myself, but for every business owner, employee, resident, and visitor. Without swift response and stronger security measures, St. Maarten risks losing the trust and confidence of the very people who keep this island thriving.

I urge our leaders to prioritize public safety and take the actions necessary to protect our community

From: Manny Almirakis, Owner of Lotus Nightclub

PHILIPSBURG:---  Member of Parliament Omar Ottley has expressed deep concern regarding the Government's current approach to the GEBE relief measures, which could have already been implemented but are seemingly being offered only as a "dangling carrot" to the people of St. Maarten.
In his recent statements, Ottley emphasized that the Government has all the necessary tools to implement meaningful changes that would ensure the long term sustainability of GEBE and benefit the community as a whole.

In early November, MP Ottley submitted a ministerial regulation to the government, which aims to empower the relevant Minister to establish a maximum tariff for fuels imported specifically for electricity generation and to adopt a structured approach to calculating the electricity tariff. This critical regulation is will create a clear and transparent billing system for SOL, potentially saving GEBE millions of dollars in operational costs.
Ottley further expressed his discontent with the recent announcement from the chair of Parliament regarding a question hour on GEBE matters. He views this initiative as another political gimmick, especially given that the public meeting on GEBE's operations has yet to reconvene and that the Parliament recently had two closed door meetings with the Prime Minister and GEBE’s Management teams.
The Chair of Parliament went on to state that she is bringing an "amendment that would establish a structural, legal basis for social tariffs." MP Ottley is deeply concerned by this statement because the legal basis for structuring such is already in the law and it is to be further detailed by lbham. However, based on current existing legislation entitled the “Price Ordinance” the Minister of TEATT may regulate prices in the public's interest if deemed necessary via Ministerial Regulation. This method is used in Curacao and Aruba to establish the electricity tariff prices and categories.

“Based on extensive research and confirmed by the recent BTP/RAC report, there is no existing LBHAM regulating electricity tariffs,” MP Ottley states. “This makes the MR the most immediate and effective tool available to bring relief and transparency to consumers.”

MP Ottley questions why Parliamentary time will be used for question hour while we have already been granted ample opportunities to ask questions directly to GEBE management and Government, with a continuation scheduled. Ottley characterizes this as a misplaced prioritization at a time when residents and businesses are demanding solutions.

“We cannot continue to engage in superficial discussions while the real issues remain unaddressed," Ottley remarked. "The people of St. Maarten deserve a comprehensive and transparent approach to their energy needs. It is both the Government and Parliament’s responsibility to ensure that we prioritize the long term sustainability of GEBE ."
MP Ottley ended by saying light shows and lights on poles are nice but there are people in our country that are without lights for months. Let us prioritize the people first and take a page from Curacao who once reconnected every household for the holiday season.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Bank (WIB) presented DeAngelo Duzanson with a significant donation here in December 3rd toward an upcoming government studies book, said Jacqueline Sample, president of House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP).
“SIMART’N History and Culture: Election Map of Activities, Results and More,” compiled by Louis L. Duzanson, is the manuscript submitted a few months ago to HNP for publication as a book by project principals Oretha Duzanson and DeAngelo Duzanson.
As part of its 65th anniversary, the bank is honoring “the island’s heritage … reaffirming its commitment to community development through a special contribution toward realizing the publication of the book,” WIB said in a release last Thursday.
The compilation by Duzanson, who passed away in 2020 at age 71, focuses on voting and electoral processes, forms of government, leadership commentary, national ordinances, and constitutional matters from 2000 to 2016, said HNP. It includes a “roll call of elected leaders” covering 1951–2016; very brief references on the beginnings of Dutch colonialism relative to St. Martin in 1630; and developments in the Dutch colonies in the Caribbean from 1936 to 1954.
Another section traces the 1950s–1986 calls for structural changes in the six Netherlands territories, culminating in the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles. Throughout, HNP noted, Duzanson’s lively, informed, and questioning voice makes the manuscript an original work that, when published, will serve both popular readers and government studies.
In the Thursday news article, Daisy Tyrol-Carolus, Country Head of Windward Islands Bank, repeated her encouragement “for other organizations and institutions to get on board and support this initiative when approached. Those interested in learning more about the publication … may contact the coordinator directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +1 (721) 553-8488.
“Endeavors like these enrich cultural awareness, protect valued narratives, and contribute to a more informed and connected society.”

DeAngelo and Oretha Duzanson Continue their Late Father and
Husband’s Vision with WIB Support

“What is also admirable is that the widow, Oretha, has remained faithful to her late husband’s wishes to have his book published, and the couple’s son, DeAngelo, has been a strong support for his mom,” said Sample.
During the presentation, in conversation with WIB officers and the HNP representative, DeAngelo said he was “proud” of the book project so far and thanked the bank for its generous contribution, as bringing the project to fruition was “one of the last wishes” his father had “stressed before he passed — that this book has to happen.”
HNP representative Nzinga Lake said that the book project is in its editing and early design stage, with research assistance and fundraising still ongoing. She said on Sunday that HNP’s focus on delivering quality editing and design was emphasized at the presentation rather than a publication date, because “books are legacies that last for generations.”
WIB officers Rolando Tobias and Emilia Thomas-Connor told DeAngelo that they, respectively, knew his father and had worked with him. The WIB news release noted that the contribution to the book project was also a way of paying “tribute to the late Louis L. Duzanson, a respected civil servant whose decades of service strengthened public administration and shaped institutional development in St. Maarten.”
Duzanson’s first book, An Introduction to Government: Island Territory St. Maarten, was published by HNP in 2000 and reprinted in 2003, said Sample.
“In the late 1990s, Duzanson headed the territory’s General Affairs Department and was well known for leading commissions and advising successive governments in Great Bay.
“Between 1975 and 1991, he headed the Legal Affairs and Archives Departments and served as island secretary and acting island secretary. He was widely regarded as a St. Martin (South) election and government administration expert and was often sought out by media, scholars, government leaders, and political parties of all stripes,” according to HNP.
The Windward Islands Bank is not new to contributing to publications in St. Martin over its 65-year history, said Sample, whose HNP is also celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2025.
WIB is itself to be commemorated, said Sample, as reported last week for its “long-standing commitment” to educational and cultural projects, which it has said “represents more than sponsorship. It is an investment” in the St. Martin community that—according to Country Head Tyrol-Carolus at the presentation—has also given so much to the Windward Islands Bank.

Cupecoy:---  The Bridge to Bold Sint Maarten Foundation successfully hosted Master Class 2025 on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in Cupecoy. Students from St. Dominic High School, Milton Peters College, and Charlotte Brookson Academy for the Performing Arts gathered for a transformative afternoon centered on creativity, motivation, discipline, and personal development under the theme “Dream Big, Shine Bright.”

This year’s Master Class included a special recorded message from legendary icon Dionne Warwick, who offered encouragement and insight for students pursuing excellence in the arts. The program continued with a distinguished live panel led by Sandi M. Logan, Principal of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Isaac Daniel, Assistant Principal for the Performing Arts at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Dr. Lynne Long, Director of Field Experiences for Teaching, Learning and Professional Development at Bowie State University, Dr. Tasheka L. Green, President, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of To Everything There Is a Season Learning Academy and Consultants LLC, and Executive Producer, producer and writer Guy Draper. The discussion was hosted and moderated by Anna E. Richardson, Board Member of the Bridge to Bold Sint Maarten Foundation.

The afternoon began with a musical performance by the AUC Choir, setting a warm and uplifting tone for what became an impactful educational experience. Students were then presented with an impressive informational video about the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. The promotional feature highlighted several well-known actors and singers who graduated from the school and have gone on to achieve notable international success. The video immediately captured the students’ attention, sparking genuine curiosity and fueling a flood of thoughtful and insightful questions directed to the panelists.

During the interactive question and answer session, students explored topics related to artistic discipline, academic excellence, creative expression, resilience, leadership, performance preparation, and the importance of cultivating a strong personal mindset. The engagement demonstrated their hunger for knowledge and their desire to better understand the pathways available in the arts and beyond.

The Master Class concluded with closing reflections and a group photo that captured the unity and shared purpose of the day. Students, panelists and distinguished guests also participated in a brief networking moment, which provided the opportunity for personal encouragement, connection and further guidance.

Appreciation to the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine

Bridge to Bold extends its heartfelt appreciation to the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine for hosting and supporting Master Class 2025. The University’s commitment to community engagement and youth development played a meaningful role in creating a memorable, inspiring, and seamless event for all attendees.

Special acknowledgment is extended to Dr. Natalie Humphrey, Assistant Dean of Community Engagement, Shirley Serbony, Director of the Standardized Patient Program and Manager of the Clinical Skills Simulation Center, and Gerard Lake, Administrator of Campus Operations for STM Medical Administration. Their coordination, hospitality, and leadership ensured a smooth and welcoming experience from start to finish.

Dr. Natalie Humphrey shared, “The Bridge to Bold Master Class not only empowered students with essential skills and knowledge, it also fostered a culture of innovation and community engagement. The program inspired youth through its focus on academic excellence, talent development, and the belief in endless possibilities. The American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine is proud to have been part of an initiative that helps shape a brighter future for St. Maarten in the arts.”

Dr. Lynne Long of Bowie State University added, “It was an absolute honor to participate in the Dionne Warwick platform, alongside the Bridge to Bold Foundation, and to engage with such extraordinary young people from the three high schools in St. Maarten. The students’ questions were nothing short of amazing, thought provoking, insightful, and filled with possibility. Their curiosity shows that with hard work and dedication, they can go anywhere their dreams lead them, whether in the arts or beyond. Being part of their journey was truly inspiring.”

A Shared Vision for Youth Advancement

Bridge to Bold expresses deep gratitude to the participating schools, families, community partners, distinguished guests and most importantly the students whose energy, passion and engagement made Master Class 2025 a significant and inspiring milestone for the island’s youth.

Looking ahead, the Bridge to Bold Sint Maarten Foundation intends to expand and elevate the Master Class annually, welcoming additional schools and offering even greater access to artistic, academic and leadership development opportunities. The Foundation continues to strengthen its relationships with institutions such as the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Bowie State University, both of which offer important pathways for students interested in careers and advanced study in the arts. Bridge to Bold also aims to develop scholarship opportunities for Sint Maarten students seeking to pursue higher education at Bowie State University.