CAY HILL:---  The Mental Health Foundation is hosting a Mental Health Awareness March on November 13th, the International Day of Kindness.

The International Day of Kindness serves as a powerful reminder that kindness begins with us by caring for our mental health and seeking support when needed. This message aligns with the theme of this march, “End the Silence. Break the Stigma,” which promotes open conversations about mental health, self-compassion and a culture of care and solidarity.

We invite participants to wear green, the internationally recognized color for mental health awareness. The event aims to highlight mental health issues, reduce stigma and foster understanding, support and advocacy within the community. By bringing together diverse voices, the march encourages open dialogue and builds a culture of compassion and inclusion.

The march will begin at the Midtown Hotel parking lot on Front Street, proceed through Front Street and conclude at the head of town (Diamond Casino), followed by a closing speech on the boardwalk near Greenhouse. The event will take place from 5:00 p.m. sharp to 7:00 p.m.

Join us on November 13th and take a stand for mental health. Bring your voice, your support and your presence to help create a stronger, more compassionate community. Together, we can break down stigma and move toward a future where mental well-being is a shared priority. Let us all walk side by side in solidarity for a healthier, more supportive society.

For more information about the march, please contact the MHF Faraja Day Center at (721) 542-1677 ext. 507 or 721-585-8409, 721-585-5557.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Last Sunday at 4 am (before the start of a regular day at the airport), Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) transformed its runway into a glowing path of pink for the first-ever annual Breast Cancer Awareness Princess Walk.

The special walk welcomed approximately 400 participants, each dressed in a pink T-shirt purchased in support of Elektralyets Foundation and Positive Foundation, helping to fund research, support services, and awareness initiatives across the region.

Through the pink illumination of PJIA’s buildings, the roundabout, and the runway, the message of awareness extends far beyond our shores, reminding both locals and visitors alike that breast cancer can affect anyone, at any time, stated Mercedes "Elektra" van der Waals-Wyatt president of the Elektralyets Foundation. “Although I wasn’t physically present, I experienced every moment of the Princess Walk through live calls, photos, and videos shared by so many participants. It was truly moving to witness the strength and joy that radiated from everyone involved. We are stronger together, and the heart of all these wonderful pink events is one clear call to action, GET CHECKED! Early detection can save your life.”

Shelly Alphonso of the Positive Foundation also shared her excitement and gratitude after participating in the walk. “Being part of this historic event was truly unforgettable. As the sun rose over Simpson Bay, I looked around and say hundreds of people, families, survivors, supporters – all walking together with purpose, unity, and hope.  It was more than just a walk; it was a powerful statement of love and solidarity.  The energy was electric and the turnout showed just how deeply our island community cares about breast cancer awareness and supporting those affected. I am incredibly proud to have been part of this moment and grateful to everyone who make it possible,” said Shelly.

Step together, and check together

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the dedicated staff of Princess Juliana International Airport for their ongoing commitment, compassion, and support toward this important cause. Together, we continue to walk and check in solidarity, because awareness, unity, and early detection truly make a difference in our community. Proceeds from these initiatives directly support the Positive and Elektralyets Foundations, helping to provide educational materials, develop innovative outreach projects, fund mammograms for uninsured women, and assist the Breast Cancer Support Group of St. Maarten in hosting vital information sessions.

Princess Juliana International Airport is proud to support this vital cause and encourages all travelers and community members to participate in awareness activities and take proactive steps in safeguarding their health.

~Catastrophic Impact Underway~

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:---  A storm of unprecedented strength has struck Jamaica. Hurricane Melissa made landfall near New Hope in Westmoreland Parish on Tuesday afternoon as a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (295 km/h), according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Shortly after landfall, the storm weakened slightly to Category 4 at around 150 mph (241 km/h) as it moved across northwestern Jamaica.

What’s happening on the ground

• The NHC characterized the situation as: “This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation”, and emphasized that catastrophic winds, flash flooding, and storm surge are underway in Jamaica.
• Reports across the island describe roofs torn off, flooding in low-lying areas, blocked roads in mountain regions and major power outages.
• Some estimates suggest over one-third of power customers in Jamaica lost electricity, and numerous structural damages (including hospitals) have been reported.
• Storm surge of up to 4 metres (≈13 feet) is expected along the south coast, and rainfall totals of up to 30 inches (≈760 mm) or more are being forecast for some interior areas.

The forecast & concerns

• Melissa is moving slowly, which heightens the rainfall and flooding risk across Jamaica’s mountainous terrain.
• After crossing Jamaica, the storm is projected to head toward eastern Cuba and potentially the Bahamas, still as a major hurricane. Jamaican officials say full damage assessment will take time, and aid efforts are being mobilized.
• Jamaican authorities and regional partners describe this event as possibly the worst natural disaster in the island’s history given the intensity and expected scope of impact.

Government & emergency response

• The Jamaican government declared a state of emergency and activated emergency shelters nationwide.
• Mandatory evacuations were ordered in especially vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas. Despite that, some communities reportedly opted to remain in place.
• International humanitarian and relief agencies are already preparing to deliver assistance post-storm.
• Key take-aways

• Intensity: Hurricane Melissa was among the strongest Atlantic landfalls ever recorded when it struck Jamaica.
• Duration & Risk: Slow forward speed + mountainous terrain = enhanced risk of floods, landslides and prolonged disruption.
• Recovery: Significant disruption to power, infrastructure, transport and housing is expected; the full scope of damage will become clearer in the coming days and weeks.
• Advice: Residents should stay sheltered, avoid travel, keep away from flood zones, and await official clearance before venturing out.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ombudsman of Sint Maarten, Gwendolien Mossel, recently participated in a high-level international conference held in Malta from October 16-17, 2025. The conference, themed “Upholding Good Governance in Challenging Times: The Role of the Ombudsman,” brought together Ombudsmen, human rights defenders, and representatives from constitutional and accountability bodies across Europe and beyond.

The conference served as a platform for engaging discussions on critical topics, including the importance of trust and participation, the protection of vulnerable persons, ethical governance, and the impact of digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) on Ombudsman institutions. Discussions reaffirmed the enduring role of the Ombudsman as a vital pillar of democracy, integrity, and justice.

Key highlights of the conference included:

• Presentations and discussions on the evolving role of Ombudsman institutions in safeguarding citizens' rights and promoting fairness, accountability, and trust in public administration.
• Emphasis on the importance of ethical governance, requiring values and courage to challenge power structures.
• Recognition of the need for cross-border collaboration among Ombudsmen and National Human Rights Institutions to strengthen the global defense of rights and justice.

During the conference, participants emphasized that good governance is not merely a managerial principle but a fundamental right. Discussions also reinforced the idea that Ombudsman institutions must adapt and innovate to remain effective in a rapidly changing world.

The conference provided a valuable opportunity to learn from international best practices and strengthen collaborative efforts to promote good governance.

“This conference was an important opportunity to engage with colleagues from around the world on the critical role of the Ombudsman in upholding good governance,” said Ms. Mossel. “The discussions reaffirmed our shared commitment to ensuring that justice remains a living promise for all citizens.”