CURAÇAO:--- From October 16–18, 2025, JCI SXM A.C.T.I.O.N proudly represented St. Maarten at the highly anticipated JCI Dutch Caribbean National Convention, a landmark event uniting chapters from across the Dutch Caribbean in celebration of leadership, impact, and collaboration.
The seven-member delegation was joined by five special guests, including the 1st runner-up of JCI SXM A.C.T.I.O.N’s 2025 Interscholastic Speech Competition, Jada Smith and her coach for the competition Mrs. Cheryl Dangleben-York from Caribbean Pearls Toastmasters Club. This annual convention saw participants engage in strategic meetings, national public speaking and debate competitions, and immersive training sessions designed to prepare the region’s next generation of changemakers. The convention also served as a celebration of the accomplishments of local JCI organizations throughout the Dutch Caribbean and an opportunity to build momentum heading into the new year.
This year proved to be especially historic for JCI SXM A.C.T.I.O.N. The chapter secured a total of eight awards for its outstanding contributions to community development and youth empowerment. In addition, Ms. Anjeanee Mathew was elected as the 2026 JCI Dutch Caribbean National President, and Ms. Christine Regis will be joining her board as the National Secretary, further cementing St. Maarten’s leadership presence at the regional level..
Among the highlights was the chapter’s win for Best Inter-Organization Collaboration Project for their impactful “Cover Your Lover” Safe Sex Campaign. This initiative brought together several local partners, including the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation, Collective Prevention Services (CPS), Kalaboom, Dirty Dawgs, and various Carnival booth owners. The campaign promoted sexual health awareness in an engaging, culturally relevant way during Carnival 2025.
JCI SXM A.C.T.I.O.N also celebrated a strong showing in the national public speaking competitions. One Local Vice President Aisha-Jamila Mussington took home the Public Speaking Award Advanced Level, while another, Delano Samuel who only joined the organization in January, received the Public Speaking Award Rookie Level. The Youth Public Speaking Award was proudly claimed by the young delegate representing the Interscholastic Speech Competition, who had impressed judges with her poise, clarity, and message.
Delano Samuel who received the Rookie Award was further honoured as the Most Outstanding New Member, recognizing his remarkable commitment and impact within less than a year of joining the organization.
A moving moment during the convention was the Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) Awards Ceremony, where three inspiring individuals from St. Maarten were recognized for their achievements. Awards were presented in the fields of Medical Innovation to Ms. Rolinda Carter, Business and Economic Accomplishment to Mr. Louinel “Skelet” Telisma who was accompanied by his wife Melissa Boasman, and Personal Improvement and Development to Ms. Dannah Abraham. Two of the recipients were present to accept their awards and delivered powerful remarks, while the third was represented by the chapter’s Local President.
The JCI SXM A.C.T.I.O.N delegation expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the recognition received and emphasized that the achievements reflect the collective effort of the chapter’s members, partners, and supporters. They credited the island’s spirit of community and collaboration as the driving force behind their success.
As the organization looks ahead to 2026, its members remain committed to creating positive change through leadership, service, and unity, reaffirming that “Opportunities Never End”, and that together, they are truly O.N.E.
For more information on JCI SXM A.C.T.I.O.N’s achievements and upcoming activities, please follow our Facebook and Instagram pages at JCI SXM Action.