PHILIPSBURG:--- On July 2, 2025, the Minister of Finance, Ms. Marinka Gumbs, was formally presented with the audited 2024 Annual Report of the General Pension Fund of Sint Maarten (APS). The presentation was made by APS Director Mr. Oscar Williams, accompanied by Board Member Mr. Emilio Kalmera.

The presentation included not only the 2024 financial results but also the actuals up to the first quarter of 2025. APS closed the year 2024 on a strong note, achieving a net year-end return of 6,72% on its total investment portfolio. The total financial result for 2024 amounted to XCG 43 million. The coverage ratio at year-end stood at 114.13%, well above the minimum required funding ratio of 105%. Notably, a clean audit opinion was issued on the 2024 annual report, reflecting the fund's commitment to transparency, accountability, and sound financial reporting.

Thanks to these positive results, APS will implement a pension indexation of 3.61%, applied retroactively as of January 1, 2025. Indexed pension payments are expected to be disbursed in July 2025. This marks the second consecutive year in which APS has been able to grant indexation, demonstrating prudent financial management and a solid investment strategy.

The Minister of Finance commended both the Director and the Board of APS for their continued dedication and effective stewardship of the pension fund.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Parliament of Sint Maarten under the leadership of President of Parliament, the Hon. Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, hosted a Celebratory Evening in commemoration of the International Day of Parliamentarism, on Monday, June 30, 2025, for all current Members of Parliament, all former Members of Parliament, several dignitaries including the Governor, the President of the Collectivity of Saint-Martin, the Presidents of the Parliaments of Aruba and Curacao, and representatives of the High Councils. 

The evening commenced with the Sint Maarten Song performed by Elysian, followed by the opening prayer by Apostle Orlando Wilson. 

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Mr. Rolando Tobias, then invited Ms. Tamara Groenveldt to perform her poem titled: the Parliament Pelican, composed specially for this event. This was followed by the Address of the President of Parliament, Mrs. Wescot-Williams, who acknowledged the strides Sint Maarten's Parliament has made since 2010 but also pointed candidly to the challenges that continue to undermine public trust. She urged Members of Parliament and the wider public to focus on building systems that protect the voice of the people and support long-term national development.

The President's Address was followed by a presentation by two Group 5 students, Letha Lucas and Jonathan Lake, of the Methodist Agogic Center - John A. Gumbs Campus, who presented their papers on "How can we fix education in Sint Maarten?" They then presented all papers from their classmates to the President of Parliament. 

The Keynote Address of the evening was presented by Attorney at Law and former Chairman of the Central Voting Bureau, Mr. Jason Rogers, LL.M, who asked to commit ourselves to a path of inclusivity, stability, reform, modernization, and cooperation, ensuring that our parliamentary democracy not only endures but thrives, ultimately serving the best interests of the people of Sint Maarten.

Mr. Rogers recommended that we promote diversity by actively seeking to include all Sint Maarteners in our political discourse and representation. We invest in education by developing programs that educate citizens about parliamentary democracy and encourage civic engagement from a young age. We embrace Technological Advancements by implementing digital solutions that enhance transparency, foster public engagement, and streamline parliamentary processes. We encourage Open Dialogue to facilitate discussions on the effectiveness of our parliamentary system and consider reforms that reflect our unique societal needs.

Attendees were also entertained by the reigning Junior Calypso King, King Jojo, which was followed by a Toast by the President of Parliament in honor of the 2025 International Day of Parliamentarism. 

Thereafter, the Presidium of Parliament, consisting of the President of Parliament, 1st Vice President, the Hon. Sjamira D.M. Roseburg, and 2nd Vice President, the Hon. Ludmila N.L. de Weever, honored three persons and two institutions as "The Bearers of Our Democratic State".  These persons or institutions have or continue to advance democracy, education, and civic awareness in service to the people of Sint Maarten. 

The late Mr. Louis L. Duzanson was honored for his life of service, passion, and purpose. His quiet strength, institutional wisdom, and unwavering integrity made him a cornerstone of public life in Sint Maarten for over four decades; a living archive of our island's political and administrative evolution.

Drs. Eugene B. Holiday was honored for his constitutional stewardship, principled leadership, and his unwavering devotion to public service. As the first Governor of the country, Sint Maarten, he guided our nation through its formative years. 

In retirement, he turned his insights into a written legacy, publishing Nation Building: Our Challenges, Resilience, and Responsibility in 2023.

Dr. Julio R. Romney was honored for his deep commitment to civic education, institutional integrity, and informed democratic participation. He continues to propose electoral reform measures grounded in democratic fairness, transparency, and accountability. 

The University of St. Martin was honored for its role as an institution that places knowledge at the service of the binational community and the region, contributing to the island's socio-economic development and sustainable living. The University does this, inter alia, as our foundation for thinking, history, and academics, with its course: St. Martin History and Cultural Heritage.

The St. Maarten Youth Council Association was honored for its decades of service and continuing to influence, teach, and guide our youth to eventually be able to take up (political) positions here in Sint Maarten.

The evening culminated with a social during which former and current Members of the Parliament of Sint Maarten, along with parliamentary staff, other dignitaries, and guests, took the opportunity to socialize, and in some cases, reconnect. 

This was the first event/ project of Parliament leading up to the 15th Anniversary of Country Sint Maarten and the 15 years of existence of the Parliament of Sint Maarten. 

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  With schools now closed and the summer holiday season well underway, the Collective Prevention Service (CPS) would like to offer some safety wellness tips to ensure a safe and healthy beach or pool day.

Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water.  Apply sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher every two hours to protect your skin from damage.  

Prevent accidental drowning by not being caught off guard by being mindful of swimming safety measures.  One of the biggest risks is when people become too relaxed or get distracted.

CPS Section Youth Health Care from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA) is calling on parents, guardians and all others who plan to visit our beaches, and those making use of swimming pools, to remain vigilant for the summer holiday season as potential hazards are entirely preventable.

Globally, the highest drowning rates occur among children aged 1-4 years, followed by children aged 5-9 years.

Always ensure children are constantly supervised by a responsible adult when around water: whether near a beach, swimming pool or bathtub, adult supervision is necessary to ensure that children can enjoy water safely. It is critical for supervising adults to remain vigilant and avoid distractions so that they can respond quickly if a child needs help.

The six interventions are: train bystanders in safe rescue and resuscitation; install barriers controlling access to water; provide safe places away from water for pre-school children with capable childcare; and teach school-age children basic swimming, water safety and safe rescue skills.

Learning basic swimming and water safety skills greatly reduces the risk of drowning. This is particularly important for children aged six (6) years and above. Not only is swimming a skill for life, but it is also a great way to stay fit and active. 

It is important to drink water regularly even when not feeling thirsty. Drink water throughout the day to prevent dehydration.

As mentioned before, use sunscreen with a high SPF. You can also wear protective clothing such as hats and Ultraviolet (UV) protective clothing which offers additional protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

Seek shade and take breaks from direct sunlight. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that block UV rays. Use lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from sunburn.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  With the second named storm Barry of the hurricane season already behind us, the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) is advising boat owners/mariners to review their hurricane preparatory plans, so they can be ready to take action in the event of a storm/hurricane threat to the country during the upcoming peak months of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season which is from mid-August to mid-October.

ODM is requesting mariners to make special preparations to stay with friends or in a hotel and not to remain on their vessel during the passing of a hurricane while moored in the Simpson Bay Lagoon or Oyster Pond.

ODM is also calling on the marine community and service providers who have a direct relationship with mariners to also remind their clients about seeking safe shelter/mooring in the event of a storm/hurricane strike.

The community is urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and resources you need on how to prepare your family, home, or business for a storm/hurricane strike by visiting the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.” The information here is also valuable for new residents.

Listen to the Government Radio station SXMGOV – 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. You can also follow weather related news and information as well as national addresses by the Prime Minister, chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by going to @SXMGOV Facebook Page.

For official weather-related information, check out the website of the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/