PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Bank (WIB) presented DeAngelo Duzanson with a significant donation here in December 3rd toward an upcoming government studies book, said Jacqueline Sample, president of House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP).
“SIMART’N History and Culture: Election Map of Activities, Results and More,” compiled by Louis L. Duzanson, is the manuscript submitted a few months ago to HNP for publication as a book by project principals Oretha Duzanson and DeAngelo Duzanson.
As part of its 65th anniversary, the bank is honoring “the island’s heritage … reaffirming its commitment to community development through a special contribution toward realizing the publication of the book,” WIB said in a release last Thursday.
The compilation by Duzanson, who passed away in 2020 at age 71, focuses on voting and electoral processes, forms of government, leadership commentary, national ordinances, and constitutional matters from 2000 to 2016, said HNP. It includes a “roll call of elected leaders” covering 1951–2016; very brief references on the beginnings of Dutch colonialism relative to St. Martin in 1630; and developments in the Dutch colonies in the Caribbean from 1936 to 1954.
Another section traces the 1950s–1986 calls for structural changes in the six Netherlands territories, culminating in the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles. Throughout, HNP noted, Duzanson’s lively, informed, and questioning voice makes the manuscript an original work that, when published, will serve both popular readers and government studies.
In the Thursday news article, Daisy Tyrol-Carolus, Country Head of Windward Islands Bank, repeated her encouragement “for other organizations and institutions to get on board and support this initiative when approached. Those interested in learning more about the publication … may contact the coordinator directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +1 (721) 553-8488.
“Endeavors like these enrich cultural awareness, protect valued narratives, and contribute to a more informed and connected society.”

DeAngelo and Oretha Duzanson Continue their Late Father and
Husband’s Vision with WIB Support

“What is also admirable is that the widow, Oretha, has remained faithful to her late husband’s wishes to have his book published, and the couple’s son, DeAngelo, has been a strong support for his mom,” said Sample.
During the presentation, in conversation with WIB officers and the HNP representative, DeAngelo said he was “proud” of the book project so far and thanked the bank for its generous contribution, as bringing the project to fruition was “one of the last wishes” his father had “stressed before he passed — that this book has to happen.”
HNP representative Nzinga Lake said that the book project is in its editing and early design stage, with research assistance and fundraising still ongoing. She said on Sunday that HNP’s focus on delivering quality editing and design was emphasized at the presentation rather than a publication date, because “books are legacies that last for generations.”
WIB officers Rolando Tobias and Emilia Thomas-Connor told DeAngelo that they, respectively, knew his father and had worked with him. The WIB news release noted that the contribution to the book project was also a way of paying “tribute to the late Louis L. Duzanson, a respected civil servant whose decades of service strengthened public administration and shaped institutional development in St. Maarten.”
Duzanson’s first book, An Introduction to Government: Island Territory St. Maarten, was published by HNP in 2000 and reprinted in 2003, said Sample.
“In the late 1990s, Duzanson headed the territory’s General Affairs Department and was well known for leading commissions and advising successive governments in Great Bay.
“Between 1975 and 1991, he headed the Legal Affairs and Archives Departments and served as island secretary and acting island secretary. He was widely regarded as a St. Martin (South) election and government administration expert and was often sought out by media, scholars, government leaders, and political parties of all stripes,” according to HNP.
The Windward Islands Bank is not new to contributing to publications in St. Martin over its 65-year history, said Sample, whose HNP is also celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2025.
WIB is itself to be commemorated, said Sample, as reported last week for its “long-standing commitment” to educational and cultural projects, which it has said “represents more than sponsorship. It is an investment” in the St. Martin community that—according to Country Head Tyrol-Carolus at the presentation—has also given so much to the Windward Islands Bank.

Cupecoy:---  The Bridge to Bold Sint Maarten Foundation successfully hosted Master Class 2025 on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in Cupecoy. Students from St. Dominic High School, Milton Peters College, and Charlotte Brookson Academy for the Performing Arts gathered for a transformative afternoon centered on creativity, motivation, discipline, and personal development under the theme “Dream Big, Shine Bright.”

This year’s Master Class included a special recorded message from legendary icon Dionne Warwick, who offered encouragement and insight for students pursuing excellence in the arts. The program continued with a distinguished live panel led by Sandi M. Logan, Principal of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Isaac Daniel, Assistant Principal for the Performing Arts at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Dr. Lynne Long, Director of Field Experiences for Teaching, Learning and Professional Development at Bowie State University, Dr. Tasheka L. Green, President, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of To Everything There Is a Season Learning Academy and Consultants LLC, and Executive Producer, producer and writer Guy Draper. The discussion was hosted and moderated by Anna E. Richardson, Board Member of the Bridge to Bold Sint Maarten Foundation.

The afternoon began with a musical performance by the AUC Choir, setting a warm and uplifting tone for what became an impactful educational experience. Students were then presented with an impressive informational video about the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. The promotional feature highlighted several well-known actors and singers who graduated from the school and have gone on to achieve notable international success. The video immediately captured the students’ attention, sparking genuine curiosity and fueling a flood of thoughtful and insightful questions directed to the panelists.

During the interactive question and answer session, students explored topics related to artistic discipline, academic excellence, creative expression, resilience, leadership, performance preparation, and the importance of cultivating a strong personal mindset. The engagement demonstrated their hunger for knowledge and their desire to better understand the pathways available in the arts and beyond.

The Master Class concluded with closing reflections and a group photo that captured the unity and shared purpose of the day. Students, panelists and distinguished guests also participated in a brief networking moment, which provided the opportunity for personal encouragement, connection and further guidance.

Appreciation to the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine

Bridge to Bold extends its heartfelt appreciation to the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine for hosting and supporting Master Class 2025. The University’s commitment to community engagement and youth development played a meaningful role in creating a memorable, inspiring, and seamless event for all attendees.

Special acknowledgment is extended to Dr. Natalie Humphrey, Assistant Dean of Community Engagement, Shirley Serbony, Director of the Standardized Patient Program and Manager of the Clinical Skills Simulation Center, and Gerard Lake, Administrator of Campus Operations for STM Medical Administration. Their coordination, hospitality, and leadership ensured a smooth and welcoming experience from start to finish.

Dr. Natalie Humphrey shared, “The Bridge to Bold Master Class not only empowered students with essential skills and knowledge, it also fostered a culture of innovation and community engagement. The program inspired youth through its focus on academic excellence, talent development, and the belief in endless possibilities. The American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine is proud to have been part of an initiative that helps shape a brighter future for St. Maarten in the arts.”

Dr. Lynne Long of Bowie State University added, “It was an absolute honor to participate in the Dionne Warwick platform, alongside the Bridge to Bold Foundation, and to engage with such extraordinary young people from the three high schools in St. Maarten. The students’ questions were nothing short of amazing, thought provoking, insightful, and filled with possibility. Their curiosity shows that with hard work and dedication, they can go anywhere their dreams lead them, whether in the arts or beyond. Being part of their journey was truly inspiring.”

A Shared Vision for Youth Advancement

Bridge to Bold expresses deep gratitude to the participating schools, families, community partners, distinguished guests and most importantly the students whose energy, passion and engagement made Master Class 2025 a significant and inspiring milestone for the island’s youth.

Looking ahead, the Bridge to Bold Sint Maarten Foundation intends to expand and elevate the Master Class annually, welcoming additional schools and offering even greater access to artistic, academic and leadership development opportunities. The Foundation continues to strengthen its relationships with institutions such as the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Bowie State University, both of which offer important pathways for students interested in careers and advanced study in the arts. Bridge to Bold also aims to develop scholarship opportunities for Sint Maarten students seeking to pursue higher education at Bowie State University.

PHILIPSBURG:--- “Last night’s smash-and-grab in Maho was not only an attack on a business, it was an attack on the rule of law and on the sense of safety our community deserves. To those responsible: you will be found, you will be prosecuted, and you will face the consequences. These acts are not signs of boldness. They are criminals, and they will be stopped.
Since early this morning, I have been in continuous contact with law enforcement leadership reviewing the case details and the immediate operational steps already underway. Investigations are progressing, evidence is being secured, and targeted actions are moving forward. This situation is being addressed with the urgency it demands.
Tomorrow morning, I will hold an urgent meeting with the Chief of Police and the Chief Prosecutor to further tighten our operational response and accelerate coordinated enforcement across all units. This is not a routine meeting. It is a direct, immediate intervention to ensure all agencies are aligned and act swiftly.
Crime cannot be confronted by one ministry alone. This moment requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-community response, and I will continue strengthening that cooperation. We are not offering excuses; we are taking action.
To our residents, business community, and visitors: your safety remains my highest priority. We will restore calm. We will protect this island. Criminals will not dictate how we live or how we feel. Justice will.”
— Nathalie Tackling
Minister of Justice

~ MP Lewis calls for the heads of the Minister of Justice and the Chief Commissioner of Police~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament and Vice Chairman of the Justice Committee, Lyndon Lewis, is raising serious concerns regarding the functionality and usefulness of the police substations located in key areas such as Cole Bay, Simpson Bay, and the reportedly designated station in Maho. These substations—fully funded by the Government of Sint Maarten—were established to ensure swift responses to criminal activity and to serve as a preventive measure through increased police visibility.

MP Lewis is questioning why these substations are not being used for their intended purpose, especially at a time when violent incidents continue to unsettle both residents and visitors.

“I am shocked, angry, and deeply disturbed by the unruly videos currently circulating,” Lewis stated, referring to the brazen robbery that took place in one of Sint Maarten’s busiest and most iconic tourist districts. “What happened should never have occurred. Many of our beloved guests and residents who were present—or who have seen the videos—are now traumatized.” "I also understood that a police vehicle was also parked in the vicinity of the casino, unoccupied, just a couple of feet away from where the robbery was committed."

Maho, known for its vibrant nightlife, especially on weekends, should always maintain a strong police presence to deter criminal activity and ensure the safety of everyone in the area. However, the absence of an active and staffed substation has raised questions about operational oversight and resource management.

Adding to the distressing series of events, MP Lewis highlighted reports of a break-in and robbery at Robbie’s Lottery the very same night. Additionally, a local businessman, the owner of Lotus Nightclub, was reportedly held at gunpoint that same weekend. “I can go on and on with examples of these senseless robberies that continue to plague our communities,” Lewis said. “These incidents emphasize why these substations must be open and active at all times.”

MP Lewis expressed deep concern over the increasing sense of fear spreading throughout communities as violent crimes continue to escalate. He is once again calling on the Minister of Justice to urgently address these issues and take decisive action before the situation worsens.

“If this is a job that the Minister cannot handle, then I believe the honorable thing to do is to resign immediately and allow someone capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of the office to take over,” Lewis stated firmly.

"The chief of police is directly responsible for the safety and security of this island. I understood that the resignation of police officers since the current chief of police took office in 2015 is great. One may ask why this is. If the job of chief of police is becoming challenging, then there is time for new blood; ten years is enough."

MP Lewis vows to continue advocating for the safety and security of all residents and visitors of Sint Maarten. He urges the government to treat this matter with the utmost urgency.