PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Lions Club had the distinct honor of welcoming District Governor 60B, Lion Judy King PMJF, during her recent official visit to the island. This visit marked the final stop of her Region 2 tour and was both meaningful and impactful for Lions and Leos alike.

Upon her arrival, District Governor Lion King was afforded the opportunity to meet with the leaders of this country: Prime Minister Honorable Dr. Luc Mercelina and President of Parliament, Honorable Mrs. Sarah Wescott Williams. These meetings provided an informative discussion on St. Maarten, the role of government in serving its people, and appreciation for the vital contributions of the Sint Maarten Lions Club to the community.

Accompanied by Lion President Alvin Prescod, Lion Linette A Gibs MJF (Zone Chair, 2B), PDG Lion Maxime Larmonie PMJF, and Lion Alphons Gumbs, District Governor Lion Judy King PMJF enjoyed a mini-island tour. Highlights included visits to the Lions adopted Roundabout and the beautifully maintained Lions Club bus stop and Mural in the St. Peter's area, both of which are proud community landmarks.

District Governor Lion King also joined the Lion President and Zone Chair on PJD2-102.7 FM for an interview with Wendell Moore, during which she shared insights into her journey in Lionism and the mission of Lions Clubs with the wider community. The day continued with a friendly luncheon shared with Lion President Prescod, members of the club, and special guests, from our French Lions Family, 1st Vice District Governor District 63, Lion Sandra Fleming, and President of the Lions Club of Fort Louis, Lion Jean Phillippe Richardson.

The visit concluded with a lively, educational, and informative meeting with members of the Leo Alpha and Omega Clubs, followed by a meeting with the Sint Maarten Lions Club's general membership, where experiences were shared, club projects discussed, and valuable advice offered. Members were acknowledged, gifts were exchanged, and the evening ended on a joyful and inspiring note.

District Governor Lion Judy King PMJF expressed her sincere appreciation and gratitude for the warm hospitality and excellent organization of her visit.

Lion President Alvin Prescod extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making the District Governor’s visit so special. Special appreciation is extended to Baker’s Suite and Divi Little Bay for their exceptional accommodation and service, Wendell Moore for the radio airtime, Prime Minister Honorable Dr. Luc Mercelina and President of Parliament Honorable Mrs. Sarah Wescott-Williams for their time and warm welcome, Denis Richardson for VIP transportation services, and the St. Maarten Police Force for their support.

The Lions Club of St. Maarten remains committed to serving the community and strengthening Lionism throughout the island.

Willemstad:---  On January 30th, 2026, the (Kingdom) Council of Ministers agreed with the appointment of Prof. Dr. Paul Hilbers as new member of the three Boards on the recommendation of the Netherlands. Mr. Hilbers succeeds Mr. Hans Hoogervorst. Earlier, on October 31st, 2025, the (Kingdom) Council of Ministers appointed Mr. Hans Hoogervorst, MA, as Chair of the three Boards of financial supervision (Cft), succeeding Ms. Lidewijde Ongering, MA, who held the position of Chair for three years. Both Paul Hilbers and Hans Hoogervorst will assume their new positions as from February 1st, 2026.
After having studied Math at the Rijksuniversiteit Utrecht and Econometrics and International Economy at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, Paul Hilbers pursued a career in the financial sector. During that period, he had a long-standing association with the Nederlandsche Bank, among others as Director of Policy Supervision and Director of Financial Stability.
Furthermore, Hilbers held several positions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, most recently as a member of the Executive Board, a position he held until late 2024. He is an emeritus professor at the Nyenrode Business Universiteit and has authored a great number of national and international publications on macroeconomic policy, public finance, supervision of the financial sector and international economic relations.
Outgoing Chair Lidewijde Ongering wishes both Hans Hoogervorst and Paul Hilbers all the best in their new positions.

The Statia Government welcomes the recent court ruling that recognises the urgent need for stronger protection of Bonaire and its people against the impacts of climate change. We congratulate the people of Bonaire and Greenpeace on this important milestone and acknowledge the ruling as a clear signal that meaningful action is no longer optional, but necessary.

This judgment confirms what Caribbean communities have long experienced. Our islands are on the front line of climate change, while not always receiving equal levels of protection, infrastructure, and opportunity. Statia fully endorses the ruling and sees it as highly relevant not only for Bonaire, but for all Dutch Caribbean Islands.

Climate adaptation, the development of robust climate plans, and strengthening local self reliance are essential for our future. Protecting our islands also means safeguarding economic development, food security, and resilient livelihoods. These goals cannot be achieved in isolation. With support from the Netherlands, Statia has developed a Climate Plan that serves as a clear roadmap to transition the island towards long term resilience. Sustainable financing mechanisms, including programmes such as the Nature Environment Policy Plan, are critical to enable long term, locally driven solutions.

The ruling also has broader significance for other pressing dossiers, including equal provision levels for physical infrastructure, digital and transport connectivity, and overall livelihood security. Climate justice is inseparable from social and economic justice.

Statia emphasises that protecting our island is a shared responsibility. We cannot do this alone. Close and structural cooperation with the Netherlands is essential to ensure equal treatment, sustainable development, and a secure future for current and future generations.

We stand ready to work together as island governments, communities, civil society, and the Netherlands to turn this ruling into concrete and lasting action.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) proudly congratulates Police Officer Vanesa. Martina on the successful completion of an intensive international police training program at the Abu Dhabi Police College in the United Arab Emirates.

Officer Martina was selected to participate in the IACP / UAE Ministry of Interior Police Academy Exchange Program, an international initiative organized in collaboration with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the UAE Ministry of Interior (MOI). This prestigious program brought together police officers from various countries for advanced professional development.

The training program commenced in September 2025 and spanned a period of five months, during which Officer Martina underwent comprehensive academy-style training. The curriculum included physical fitness, marching, practical police exercises, and academic studies, all conducted within a structured police academy environment.

Officer Martina distinguished herself throughout the program, graduating as one of the top performers in her group. In recognition of her outstanding performance, discipline, and professionalism, she was honored as one of the select officers permitted to carry the ceremonial sword during the official graduation ceremony held on January 29th, 2026 a distinction reserved for exemplary graduates.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten takes great pride in Officer Martina’s achievements, which reflect not only her personal dedication and commitment, but also the high standards and professionalism of KPSM officers on the international stage.

Officer V. Martina is scheduled to return to Sint Maarten on Saturday, January 31, 2026, following her successful completion of the program.