The 17th Edition of the MEDays Forum, held from November 26–29, 2025, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, convened world leaders at a critical moment of geopolitical uncertainty. Organised under the theme “Fractures and Polarization: Reinventing the Global Equation,” the Forum featured a distinguished delegation from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), including Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, The Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, and The Honourable Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada. Their participation was partly facilitated by the Embassies of the Eastern Caribbean States in the Kingdom of Morocco, reflecting a growing commitment to deepening cooperation with the African continent.
The MEDays Forum is widely recognised as one of Africa’s leading policy platforms, particularly as Morocco advances major initiatives such as the Atlantic Initiative and broader development strategies across the continent. This year’s theme resonated strongly with current global dynamics defined by fractured multilateralism, rising polarization, economic headwinds, and accelerating climate impacts. For the Caribbean delegation, these issues are deeply relevant, as small island developing states remain highly vulnerable to systemic global disruptions.
Prime Minister Mitchell, speaking at the opening ceremony and later on the Africa–Atlantic Cooperation panel, emphasised that for small island states the impacts of climate change and global instability are not abstractions but lived experiences that repeatedly disrupt development. He urged a revitalised multilateral system and noted that the historic Africa–Atlantic–Caribbean trade route, once defined by the trauma of the transatlantic slave trade, should now be reimagined as a modern pathway of partnership, purpose, and shared opportunity.
In the closing ceremony, President Burton and Prime Minister Browne delivered complementary reflections grounded in their national experiences. President Burton drew on Dominica’s Kalinago heritage to highlight the wisdom of indigenous knowledge and the importance of mutual respect and cultural understanding in solving today’s challenges, stressing the need for coordinated action and accessible finance for vulnerable states. Prime Minister Browne spoke candidly about the mounting “poly-crisis” constraining small islands, calling for urgent financial reform, vulnerability-based metrics, and the meaningful inclusion of small states in decisions on climate, trade, technology, and security. Together, their interventions expressed a distinctly Caribbean call for global solidarity, equity, and a more responsive and resilient global order.
His Excellency Ian M. Queeley, Ambassador of the Embassies of the Eastern Caribbean States in Rabat, expressed satisfaction with the strong OECS showing at MEDays 2025. He noted that the participation of high-level Caribbean officials demonstrates the region’s recognition of Africa as a strategic partner and added that the Forum provided a valuable opportunity for OECS leaders to engage Moroccan officials and explore new avenues of cooperation. He reaffirmed the Embassies’ commitment to continued collaboration with MEDays organisers to ensure sustained and high-quality OECS participation.
The contributions of the OECS delegation underscored the critical role small states must play in shaping global transformation. Their presence reaffirmed the Caribbean’s commitment to strengthening Africa–Caribbean cooperation and contributing to a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient global order.
Medwork B.V. Hosts First Re-integration Workshop
PHILIPSBURG:--- Medwork B.V. hosted its first Reintegration Workshop on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the University of St. Martin. The afternoon event was well attended, drawing more than 40 Human Resource practitioners who are often responsible for ensuring the successful reintegration of staff members returning from medical leave. Jeffrey "Dr. Soc" Sochrin of Island 92 (91.9) FM served as the event's moderator.
Dr. Joanne Siebel, the workshop organizer, brought together a full team that understands the importance of successful, holistic employee reintegration. Speakers included Attorney Jojanneke Deelstra, Dr. Joanne Siebel, Human Resource Professional Adelena Chandler, and Reintegration Coach Lenneke Sandkuijl. Each addressed the seminar attendees on their respective areas of expertise as they relate to effective employee reintegration. The team also introduced the first “Guideline for Reintegration,” designed to help Human Resource professionals and managers achieve successful reintegration. This guideline outlines the reintegration process for employees returning to work after illness or injury, in accordance with Sint Maarten’s labor laws. It provides employers, employees, and advisors with a clear approach to reintegration, emphasizing mutual responsibilities, legal obligations, and structured interventions. Key topics include the reintegration process, the employer's and the employee's obligations, exceptional circumstances, and practical guidelines for compliance with reintegration duties. This guideline was provided to all attendees.
Dr. Siebel stated, “We are quite pleased with the turnout for this first session on reintegration, and we look forward to delivering other seminars in the future to promote occupational health and well-being on Sint Maarten”.
“Empowering seniors through Technology: Our Cyber-Seniors Program 2025.
PHILIPSBURG:--- At the Sint Maarten Library, we are proud to celebrate the success of our 2025 Senior Technology Program, which has helped older adults across the island to navigate the digital world more confidently. The program concluded with a closing ceremony on November 28, honoring our graduating seniors' achievements.
This year, our Cyber-Seniors participants received certifications reflecting their accomplishments: beginners earned Foundational Technology Certificates, while those who completed the advanced curriculum earned Advanced Technology Certificates, marking their mastery of digital skills. Inspiring speeches from participants and library staff highlighted how the program has enriched lives, strengthened confidence, and fostered community connections.
We extend our gratitude to our dedicated team and partners, including SZV Social & Health Insurances, Windward Island Bank (WIB), and the Tax Administration Sint Maarten, for their invaluable support.
Since February, the program has offered free classes on email, smartphone basics, online banking, internet safety, tax filing, e-books, and more. Seniors reported that the program not only enhanced their technical skills but also kept their minds active and encouraged social engagement.
Despite the space limits of ten participants per session, we converted library corners into classrooms, creating a welcoming and close-knit learning environment. The high demand demonstrates our seniors’ eagerness to learn and grow in the digital world.
“The Cyber-Seniors program not only taught seniors how to use technology but also strengthened their confidence and connection to the wider community,” said program lead Ms. F. Housen.
The Sint Maarten Library remains committed to digital inclusion and lifelong learning. Registration for future sessions begins in February 2026. For details, visit www.library.sx or call 542-2970.
Algemeen Pensioenfonds Sint Maarten’s Walkathon: “Walking Towards a Healthy Future- 2nd edition” Exceeds Expectations.
Cole Bay:--- Algemeen Pensioenfonds Sint Maarten (APS) proudly hosted its 2nd edition of the APS Walkathon on Saturday, November 29th, 2025, and it was a tremendous success! With 300 enthusiastic participants, this year’s event more than doubled last year’s turnout and exceeded all expectations.
“We are thrilled by the incredible response from the community,” said Managing Director Oscar Williams. “The level of participation this year shows that our message of promoting health, wellness, and community spirit is truly resonating. We are grateful for the overwhelming support from people of all ages.”
The walkathon’s goal remains the same: to encourage a healthy lifestyle, highlight the benefits of walking and staying active, and strengthen community bonds. The impressive turnout demonstrates that Sint Maarten is committed to embracing healthier habits and fostering a positive, active community spirit.
This year, APS introduced special incentives to make the event even more memorable:
-Every participant received a remembrance participation token, creating a fun tradition for walkers to collect tokens each year.
-Medals were awarded to the top three finishers in three categories: Regular Participants, Pensioners, and Children, celebrating achievements across all age groups.
The event began with an energizing warm-up session and concluded with a lively cooldown Zumba session. Participants were treated to a delicious breakfast and received goodie bags as tokens of appreciation for their support.
APS extends heartfelt thanks to all participants, volunteers, and supporters who made this event possible. “We could not have achieved this without you,” said Mr. Williams. “We look forward to welcoming even more participants next year as we continue building on this momentum.”
Mr. Williams reaffirmed that the APS Walkathon will remain an annual event, taking place every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, further promoting health and wellness across the island.
Stay tuned for details on next year’s walkathon and in the meantime, keep walking towards that healthy future!
Honeymoon Horror: Guests at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort in Sint Maarten Fall Victim to Robberies Amid Security Concerns.
PHILIPSBURG:--- What should have been a dream honeymoon for a newlywed couple at the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort in Sint Maarten has turned into a nightmare after a series of break-ins and robberies left them and other guests shaken, cashless, and frustrated with the resort's response.
On the night of November 30, seven guest rooms, including the honeymoon suite of an Ontario couple, were broken into. The thieves made off with valuables, including $850 USD in cash, credit cards, and personal identification such as an Ontario Driver's License and Health Card. While the couple’s passports and an emptied purse were later recovered by other guests, the emotional and financial toll has been devastating.
“We came here to celebrate our honeymoon, but instead, we’ve been left without cash, credit cards, and peace of mind,” the couple shared. “We’ve had to cancel all our plans for dinners and activities across the island because we have no access to money. It’s been so upsetting for what should have been a memorable and exciting week.”
Lack of Security and Accountability
The couple and other affected guests have raised serious concerns about the lack of security at the resort. Despite the break-ins, the resort’s response has been underwhelming. The general manager offered the couple a small food voucher and advised them to contact the resort’s legal department for any claims. Immediate assistance, such as financial support or enhanced security measures, has not been provided.
Adding to the frustration, the resort no longer has an on-site ATM, leaving the couple reliant on the resort to transport them to an off-site ATM—a service that has yet to materialize. Meanwhile, the police report, which is critical for filing claims and recovering losses, has been delayed. Promised first thing in the morning, then by 3 PM, the report has still not been delivered, leaving both the couple and the resort in limbo.
Silencing the Victims
In a shocking turn of events, the resort has reportedly sent security personnel to the couple’s room, instructing them to stop discussing the incident with other guests. “We’ve been talking to other guests to help ensure they stay safe and vigilant,” the couple explained. “But the resort doesn’t want people to know what happened.”
This attempt to suppress information has only added to the couple’s distress. “People have a right to know what’s happening so they can protect themselves,” they said.
A Call for Transparency and Action
The couple’s experience highlights a troubling lack of preparedness and accountability at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. Guests expect not only a safe environment but also a swift and compassionate response when incidents occur. Instead, this couple and others have been left to navigate the aftermath of the robberies with minimal support.
As the couple continues to grapple with the fallout of the incident, they are urging the resort to take immediate action to improve security, provide adequate support to affected guests, and ensure transparency about the situation.
For now, what should have been a joyous honeymoon has been overshadowed by fear, frustration, and disappointment. The couple hopes their story will serve as a warning to others and a wake-up call to the resort to prioritize guest safety and well-being.