~Internal Investigation Already Underway.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Nationale Algemene Politie Bond (NAPB) unequivocally condemns the alleged use of a police uniform and/or equipment to engage in unlawful activities. Such actions, if confirmed, represent a grave breach of public trust and stand in direct opposition to the values, ethics, and responsibilities upheld by our members and the law enforcement profession as a whole.
The NAPB is committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of conduct. We fully support the immediate launch of an internal investigation to determine the facts surrounding this incident. Any individual found to have misused the police uniform, authority, or public confidence for criminal purposes must be held fully accountable under the law.
“Misrepresentation of law enforcement undermines the integrity of every officer who serves honorably,” said President of NAPB, Marcus Pantophlet. “We will not tolerate behavior that jeopardizes community trust or compromises the safety of the public.”
NAPB remains steadfast in its commitment to ethical policing, community partnership, and maintaining the highest standards expected of those who wear the uniform.

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.

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”.

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.