PHILIPSBURG:--- The Student Support Services Division (SSSD) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport launched its Schools Earthquake Campaign in January 2023, which culminated in a National Schools Earthquake Drill in November 2023 and an Elementary Schools Earthquake Awareness Poster Competition. The competition aimed to raise awareness about earthquake safety measures and encourage creativity among students in depicting this important message.

Representatives from the SSSD visited Sister Borgia Primary School, St. Joseph Primary School, and Hillside Christian Schools Helmich Snijders Campus to present awards to students who placed in the top three. The event was marked with enthusiasm and appreciation for the students' efforts in creating impactful drawings. The students knew prior to the visit that they had placed in the top three but did not know their position.

Ms. Kharjenai Joseph from St. Joseph Primary School claimed the first position with her striking artwork. "I felt very special when the school discovered I was placed in the top 3! It was like a dream come true! I worked really hard on my drawing, so knowing that it stood out among all the other amazing entries was just incredible! I was shocked and surprised when the presenter said that I actually won first place. So, being prepared for earthquakes is super important. It's not just about knowing what to do during one, but also being ready before it even happens. Practice earthquake drills with your family and schoolmates so you know exactly what to do when the ground starts shaking! I'm so excited that my drawing will be part of SSSD's awareness campaign! It's like my art is going to help keep people safe, which is so cool! I hope it reminds everyone to be prepared and stay safe during earthquakes. It is so proud to know that my drawing will make a difference!", said Ms. Kharjenai Joseph.

Second place was awarded to Ms. Eranuska Guy from Sister Borgia Primary School. "I felt good about being placed. Always remember the steps of earthquake preparation to avoid getting hurt,” expressed Ms. Eranuska Guy.

Ms. Hind Meziani from Hillside Christian Schools Helmich Snijders Campus placed in third place. "I was very happy and grateful to be placed in the top 3 of this competition. I would like the other students to continue paying attention during the earthquake drills at their schools so that they will know what to do in the event an earthquake comes," Hind Meziani stated.

I commend each student who took part in this competition for their creativity, passion, and dedication to promoting earthquake awareness through art. I encourage them to continue spreading the message of safety at school, at home, and in their community,” Olga Mussington-Service, Manager of SSSD, stated.

Mrs. Olga Mussington-Service also informed the schools that the winning artwork will be made into a poster and will be distributed during School Safety Week in October 2024. We look forward to presenting Ms. Joseph with the first poster at that time prior to distribution, Mussington-Service added.

In addition to the top three placements, certificates of participation were awarded to all other students who took part in the competition, recognizing their valuable contributions. SSSD is responsible for coordinating and implementation of school safety initiatives on St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has embarked on a pioneering initiative to formalize Sint Maarten's formation process, marking a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability in governance.

In his inaugural address as Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Dr. Mercelina underscored the need to address longstanding concerns surrounding the legality and transparency of the formation process. With a steadfast commitment to reform, Dr. Mercelina pledged to regulate the formation process through a national ordinance within his term.

To kickstart this transformative journey, Dr. Mercelina has submitted a comprehensive request to the Department of Legal Affairs. This pivotal step signals the beginning of a rigorous process aimed at formalizing the entire formation process, encompassing not only the screening process but the formation process in its entirety.

Acknowledging the importance of transparency, Dr. Mercelina expressed his willingness to share key concerns with the public. One such concern is the appointment and role of an informateur, which lacks clear regulation. Dr. Mercelina has tasked the Department of Legal Affairs with providing guidance on how to regulate the tasks and responsibilities of the informateur, ensuring transparency in the process.

Addressing another critical issue, Dr. Mercelina highlighted the prolonged duration of the screening process, which often results in a governance gap. He emphasized the need to mitigate this gap and streamline the formation process to minimize disruptions to governance.

Furthermore, Dr. Mercelina stressed the imperative of formalizing the screening process, which currently relies on unwritten constitutional norms. He has called upon the Department of Legal Affairs to advise on the best approach to regulate the screening process, whether through a separate national ordinance or incorporation into existing legislation.

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina reiterated his commitment to keeping the public informed throughout this transformative process. As Sint Maarten embarks on this journey towards reform, Dr. Mercelina pledged to provide regular updates on the progress of formalizing the formation process.

St. Lucia:---  The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) is thrilled to unveil the Blue Economy Finance (BluEFin) Project, an innovative initiative dedicated to bolstering conservation financing throughout the Caribbean region. This pioneering project receives substantial backing from the Global Environment Facility and operates under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme, with execution by the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund.

Project Inception and Stakeholder Engagement

The BluEFin Project kicked off with a dynamic two-day hybrid event on April 23 and 24, 2024, in St. Lucia, connecting a broad array of stakeholders from The Bahamas, The Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This format promoted extensive participation from government officials and was instrumental in engaging representatives from the partner CBF National Conservation Trust Funds. This collective participation established a solid platform for open dialogue and cooperative efforts, which is essential for the project's success.

The first day of the launch event spotlighted the introduction of ground-breaking financial models and governance frameworks to drive sustainable financing across the Caribbean. Discussions centered on pivotal elements like Blue Carbon Sequestration Schemes and the creation of a Sustainable Blue Finance Knowledge Sharing Hub. These initiatives are designed to enhance regional collaboration and deliver vital local support.

Formation of the Project Steering Committee

The subsequent day witnessed the official formation of the Project Steering Committee, which will play a crucial role in directing the project. This committee is tasked with ensuring the successful delivery of the project’s objectives by providing strategic guidelines and decision-making for the project's execution.

A Milestone for Regional Development

Tadzio Bervoets, Technical Officer for the BluEFin Project at the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, highlighted, "The BluEFin Project marks a significant breakthrough in our efforts to synchronize the conservation of vital Caribbean coastal ecosystems with the sustainable economic growth of our member states. By leveraging novel financial strategies and fostering regional collaboration, we are set to safeguard our precious marine resources while simultaneously boosting the region's economic vitality".

The BluEFin Project is poised to become a keystone in the nexus between environmental conservation and sustainable economic advancement in the Caribbean, promoting the well-being of both its ecosystems and its people through innovative and sustainable financial approaches. The project is funded by the Global Environmental Facility for a total of USD 6 million, with a timeline until 2028. Some key results that will be achieved include the establishment of at least five sustainable finance mechanisms, enhancement of marine protected area management effectiveness in at least ten sites, and significant advancement in regional blue carbon initiatives."

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a proactive demonstration of its commitment to safety, NV GEBE swiftly implemented an evacuation protocol today, April 16, 2024, at 10:05 am, ensuring the protection and well-being of its staff and clients.
Prompted by the detection of smoke and the subsequent activation of fire alarms, NV GEBE efficiently mobilized its team, swiftly relocating all personnel and customers to designated evacuation points. Additionally, some staff gathered near the Kadaster Building on Cannegieter Street, ensuring a comprehensive response.
The local Fire Department was immediately notified and promptly responded, arriving at the scene by 10:25 am to assess the situation and identify the source of the smoke. As a precautionary measure and in alignment with our unwavering commitment to safety, all staff members were safely sent home, with their well-being prioritized above all else.
In the interest of the safety and convenience of both our staff and valued clients, NV GEBE's Main Office in Philipsburg has been temporarily closed to the public. However, our Simpson Bay branch remains operational until 3:00 pm, ensuring continued accessibility for bill payments and addressing inquiries with the utmost care and efficiency.
Mr. Troy Washington, Special Representative/Interim Manager, expressed gratitude for the swift response of all staff and underscored the company's unwavering commitment to safety, stating, "At NV GEBE, the safety and well-being of our staff and clients are paramount. Today's evacuation exemplified our preparedness and the effectiveness of our safety protocols. We are thankful for the safety of everyone and the swift response of our team and local authorities. We remain resolute in our dedication to maintaining a safe working environment for all”.