PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed the extension of pretrial detention for Aartwich Bell, a former prison official and gym trainer, to 60 days as they prepare to take the case to court. This decision underscores the gravity of the allegations and the ongoing investigation into the case.
Bell was arrested earlier this month by the Landsrecherche, the national detective agency, following serious allegations of sexual misconduct involving a minor. The arrest has sent shockwaves through the community, given Bell’s prominent role as a public servant and his active involvement in local athletics.
The investigation has revealed that the alleged victim was known to Bell, raising concerns about a significant breach of trust. Sources close to the case suggest that Bell, in his capacity as a trusted adult, may have exploited his position, leading to the current charges.
The Prosecutor’s Office has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the case, citing the sensitive nature of the allegations and the need to protect the victim’s identity. In a statement, they emphasized that no further details would be disclosed at this stage to ensure the integrity of the investigation.
Bell, who is well-known in the community for his dual roles as a prison official and a gym trainer, is currently in custody and being questioned by law enforcement. The extension of his detention indicates that authorities are building a robust case as they move closer to formal court proceedings.
The case has sparked widespread discussion on the island, with many expressing shock and concern over the allegations. As the investigation continues, the community awaits further updates on the legal proceedings and the potential implications for those involved.

Cole Bay:--- In an atmosphere of fellowship, pride, and a deep commitment to Rotary’s humanistic values, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset hosted its 2026 Professional Service Awards Evening at Carl’s N Son in Cole Bay. The event brought together Rotarians, local leaders, partners, and guests for a heartfelt celebration of professional excellence, service to others, and a shared responsibility to build a brighter future for the island’s youth.

More than a traditional awards ceremony, the evening highlighted the essential role professionals play in shaping a more compassionate and inclusive society. Guided by Rotary’s motto Service Above Self, the event emphasized the importance of viewing one’s career not only as a livelihood, but also as a platform for positive contribution, especially in the lives of young people.

Professional Service, one of Rotary International’s core areas of focus, calls on individuals to lead with integrity, uphold high ethical standards, and use their expertise for the greater good. For the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset, this commitment extends beyond the workplace to mentorship, youth development, and the creation of opportunities that empower the next generation to thrive.

The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Peggy Ann Dros, Head of the Department of Labor and Social Affairs in Sint Maarten, who emphasized that a vocation should be more than a job and that it should reflect one’s personal mission. She encouraged professionals to see their careers as vehicles for positive impact, capable of inspiring, uplifting, and guiding young people toward a promising future.

“Professional Service is at the heart of who we are as Rotarians,” said club president Alex PIERRE. “It means using our professions as a force for good, leading with integrity, and making a real and lasting difference in the lives of others, especially the youth who will shape tomorrow.”

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2026 Professional Service Awards, honoring six individuals whose careers exemplify excellence, ethical leadership, and a sincere commitment to service.

This year’s honorees were Guillaume Gorlier, Leonardo Richardson, Jacques Hamlet, Alberto Brooks, Michael Granger, and Luciana Raspail.

Each recipient was recognized not only for professional achievements but also for the way they dedicate their skills, influence, and time to serving others. Several honorees are actively involved in youth mentorship, support of educational initiatives, and guiding young professionals toward meaningful career paths. Their stories reflect the belief that true success is measured not only by accomplishments but by the positive impact left on others.

“Each of our honorees represents the very best of the values we strive to uphold,” added President Alex Pierre. “Their leadership reminds us that service does not end when the workday does. It lives in how we show up for others and how we invest in our youth.”

Throughout the evening, warm exchanges among guests reinforced the spirit of connection and fellowship that defines Rotary. The event served both as a celebration and a call to action, reminding all present that every profession holds the power to inspire, mentor, and uplift.

The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset remains a driving force on the island through service projects, strong partnerships, and initiatives aimed at creating lasting impact. Central to its mission is youth empowerment, including support for educational programs and the development of leadership opportunities that help young people build confidence, skills, and a lifelong commitment to service.

The evening concluded with heartfelt thanks to the members, partners, and supporters who made the event possible. By celebrating professional excellence, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a more ethical, caring, and service-driven society, one that places youth at the center of its vision.

Those interested in learning more about the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset and its initiatives, particularly those focused on youth, are encouraged to contact the club and explore ways to get involved.

The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month at Carl N Sons Unique Inn and Conference Facilities in Colebay at 7:30 pm. The club can be contacted via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via the official Facebook page at facebook.com/rotarysxmsunset.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Opposition Members of Parliament expressed deep concern and demanded urgent reform following a presentation by the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport (ECYS), Melissa Gumbs. The presentation, which laid out data regarding the current state of the country's educational system, prompted reactions ranging from shock to demands for immediate strategic planning.

The gravity of the situation was highlighted by a former Minister of Education, now sitting as an MP, Lyndon Lewis, who suggested the data was so "troubling" that the meeting perhaps should have been held behind closed doors.

“I believe this meeting should have been a closed-door meeting,” the MP stated, addressing Minister Gumbs directly. “Especially with the results and the data that I’ve gotten today... Minister, I feel your pain.”

The former Minister emphasized that while socioeconomic factors like parents working two jobs are valid challenges, they cannot become excuses for a failing system. Drawing a comparison to the northern side of the island, the MP questioned why students there seem to master languages effectively while the local system struggles. The MP also raised concerns about teacher motivation, suggesting that feedback from parents indicates some educators are merely "working for a salary" rather than investing in student success.

Demands for a Concrete Plan

The discussion on the floor quickly turned to fiscal responsibility and strategy. MP Francisco Lacroes issued a stern warning regarding the education budget, demanding a clear roadmap before any funds are approved.

“The previous speaker took the words right out of my mouth, but I want to go a step further,” MP Lacroes told the Parliament. “If we are to see an increase in the ECYS budget, we need a clear plan from the Minister on where and how these funds will be spent.”

MP Lacroes was emphatic that budget cuts were not an option he would entertain, urging the Minister of Finance to collaborate closely with Minister Gumbs to find revenue-generating measures. “Don’t even whisper that to me,” he said regarding potential cuts. “If the minister has a plan, please bring that plan to Parliament... because this is unacceptable.”

Calls for Diversification

MP Omar Ottley focused his critique on the rigid structure of the current educational system, arguing that it fails to account for the diverse talents of the youth. He expressed embarrassment over previous statistics regarding illiteracy rates cited by the Prime Minister and called for a shift in perspective.

“We are judging each and every child with the same performance stick and that should never be,” Ottley argued. “While systematic education is important, building our community is more important.”

Ottley pushed for a stronger emphasis on vocational training, citing the National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA) as a vital asset. He warned against a "one-track mind" that prioritizes traditional academic paths like law or medicine over essential trades such as carpentry, mechanics, and masonry.

To illustrate his point, Ottley shared an anecdote about a student labeled as "autistic" by the school system who possessed "borderline genius" mathematical abilities but was at risk of falling through the cracks because he did not fit the standard academic mold.

“If we go on the school system with blinders on, you’re going to take this kid... and the child gets lost on the wayside,” Ottley cautioned. He urged the Ministry to adopt a philosophy of diversification to ensure students who are not academically inclined but are gifted in other areas can still contribute to "country building."

Willingness to Collaborate

Despite the sharp criticisms, the opposition members expressed a willingness to work across the aisle to solve the crisis. The former Minister of Education offered to participate in committees or caucuses to develop initiatives that would make "education attractive again."

“I come here to step on nobody’s toes, but the reality is the reality,” the MP concluded. “Everybody has to put in their work to make sure that our leaders of tomorrow are brought up to par.”

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Collective Prevention Service (CPS) says up to four in 10 cancer cases worldwide could be prevented, according to a new global analysis from the World Health Organization (WHO) and its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

The study examines 30 preventable causes, including tobacco, alcohol, high body mass index, physical inactivity, air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, and, for the first time, nine cancer-causing infections.
The analysis estimates that 37% of all new cancer cases in 2022, around 7.1 million cases, were linked to preventable causes. The findings highlight the enormous potential of prevention in reducing the global cancer burden.
Drawing on data from 185 countries and 36 cancer types, the study identifies tobacco as the leading preventable cause of cancer, globally responsible for 15% of all new cancer cases, followed by infections (10%) and alcohol consumption (3%).
Three cancer types – lung, stomach and cervical cancer – accounted for nearly half of all preventable cancer cases in both men and women, globally.
Lung cancer was primarily linked to smoking and air pollution, stomach cancer was largely attributable to Helicobacter pylori infection, and cervical cancer was overwhelmingly caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

According to the WHO, this is the first global analysis to show how much cancer risk comes from causes we can prevent.
The burden of preventable cancer based on the global study was substantially higher in men than in women, with 45% of new cancer cases in men compared with 30% in women.
The study revealed that in men, smoking accounted for an estimated 23% of all new cancer cases, followed by infections at 9% and alcohol at 4%.
Among women globally, infections accounted for 11% of all new cancer cases, followed by smoking at 6% and high body mass index at 3%.
CPS advises members of the community to consult with their physician to determine prevention strategies. Cancer mortality is reduced when cases are detected and treated early. There are two components of early detection: early diagnosis and screening.