PHILIPSBURG:--- Under the banner Live Love Smile 2025, the staff of The Windward Islands Bank (WIB) once again stepped outside the walls of banking and into the heart of the community during the weekend of December 5–7. With colour, care, and compassion, WIB employees united to deliver eight impactful community projects that touched the lives of children, seniors,  vulnerable youth, and families across St. Maarten.

 Live Love Smile has long been a signature initiative of the MCB Group—celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025. What began two decades ago as a way to spread kindness during the holiday season has evolved into a powerful expression of purpose and partnership across the Dutch Caribbean. This year, WIB proudly carried that legacy forward in St. Maarten with meaningful projects rooted in compassion, inclusion, and connection. “This initiative is more than a moment of giving—it’s about showing up for our community with heart,” said Mrs. Daisy Tyrol-Carolus, Country Manager of WIB. “From painting murals to planting herbs, every project reflects the values of compassion, partnership, and progress that define who we are as a bank.”

Project Highlights

Brighten the Future
WIB volunteers revitalized the student hangout area at Sint Maarten Academy Business Vocational School with bold, uniform-inspired colours and a new Live Love Smile mural, offering over 200 students a vibrant, welcoming space to gather each day.

Growing Together
At the White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation, seniors and WIB staff bonded over a mini gardening activity—decorating pots, planting herbs, and creating lasting connections while enjoying festive steel pan music.

Healthy Habits, Happy Kids
67 students at Sister Borgia Primary School enjoyed a “Build Your Own Parfait” breakfast activity, where WIB staff encouraged healthy eating through fun, interactive nutrition lessons.

Family Fun Day for Seniors
WIB organized a joyful celebration for seniors living with dementia and Alzheimer’s, including music, games, lunch, and educational talks. Caregivers and residents alike shared smiles and meaningful moments.

Blessing Bags
‘Blessing Bags’ filled with daily essentials and comfort items were packed and distributed by WIB teams to residents of Guided Living Home, Dr. J Foundation, and underserved individuals in targeted communities.

A Magical Christmas for Foundation Judicial & Institutional Services
WIB hosted a festive Santa party for 75 foster care children, complete with games, holiday treats, and a visit from Santa Claus bearing gifts—bringing joy and unforgettable memories to young hearts.

Lighting Up Simpson Bay
In the spirit of unity and sustainability, WIB staff and community members lit up Simpson Bay with solar-powered Christmas lights and reusable decorations, sharing cheer while promoting environmental awareness.

Dream Builders at UJIMA Home
Volunteers supported vulnerable youth with practical yard clean-up, spouting repairs, and a vision board workshop that encouraged them to dream big and build a brighter future.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Court of First Instance of Sint Maarten has vindicated the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) in summary proceedings brought by residents of Jordan Road #12 in Cupecoy, dismissing all claims against the Minister and the Country of Sint Maarten. The judgment confirms that VROMI acted appropriately in issuing permits for the West Vue construction project and that the access road dispute is a private contractual matter.
In a decisive ruling, the Judge rejected the plaintiffs' attempts to use civil proceedings to challenge administrative decisions already subject to proper legal review. The court declared the plaintiffs inadmissible in their claims related to alleged safety risks arising from civil works permits, affirming that administrative law procedures—not the civil courts—are the appropriate venue for such challenges.
The court's judgment validates VROMI's position on multiple fronts:

• Permits Properly Issued: The court confirmed that the building permit and three civil works permits issued by VROMI were granted following proper procedures, including technical inspections, expert opinions, and opportunities for public input
• Administrative Process Respected: The court ruled that the civil route was inappropriate, given that administrative law options remain available and are being utilized by the plaintiffs
• No Ministerial Liability: All claims against the Minister for imposing a construction freeze or revoking permits were rejected.
• Clear Jurisdictional Boundaries: The court emphasized the importance of maintaining proper separation between administrative and civil court functions
The court ruled unequivocally that the access road issue stems from a January 2025 settlement agreement between the plaintiffs and NLGY Development—a purely private law matter in which VROMI has no obligations or powers. The Minister cannot impose a construction stop to enforce private contractual disputes between neighboring property owners.

As the court stated:  "Even if the claimants' argument is correct that the emergency services cannot reach their homes, the Minister cannot take action against this with a construction stop."
While the plaintiffs submitted an expert report claiming inadequate geotechnical investigation, the proceedings revealed that NLGY had, in fact, conducted an extensive geotechnical engineering study by Schnabel Engineering in August 2023—before VROMI issued the civil works permits. The court found the plaintiff's expert had worked with incomplete information and that VROMI's technical review process was sound.
"This judgment confirms what we have maintained throughout: VROMI followed all proper procedures in reviewing and issuing permits for the West Vue project," stated the Minister. "Our technical staff conducted thorough reviews and provided appropriate opportunities for public participation. The court has correctly recognized that private disputes between neighbors cannot be resolved through misuse of administrative enforcement powers."

La Commission de l'Organisation des États de la Caraïbe Orientale (OECO) exprime sa pleine solidarité avec les gouvernements et les peuples d'Antigua-et-Barbuda et de la Dominique suite à la décision du gouvernement des États-Unis d'Amérique de révoquer l'accès aux visas pour certaines catégories de leurs citoyens.

L'OECO reconnaît, avec respect, le droit souverain de tous les États de déterminer et d'appliquer leurs politiques d'immigration et de sécurité des frontières conformément à leurs lois nationales et à leurs évaluations de sécurité. Parallèlement, la Commission estime qu'il est important que de telles mesures soient examinées dans le contexte des relations historiquement étroites, coopératives et mutuellement bénéfiques entre la Caraïbe et les États-Unis, une relation fondée sur des valeurs démocratiques partagées, des liens interpersonnels et une coopération économique, culturelle et sécuritaire de longue date.

Depuis des décennies, les ressortissants caribéens, y compris ceux d'Antigua-et-Barbuda et de la Dominique, font partie intégrante du tissu social et économique des États-Unis. La diaspora caribéenne s'est constamment révélée respectueuse des lois, productive et engagée civiquement, contribuant de manière significative dans des secteurs critiques tels que la santé, l'éducation, la construction, l'entrepreneuriat, les industries créatives et le service public. Ces contributions ont renforcé les communautés locales et consolidé les liens durables entre nos sociétés.

L'OECO souligne en outre la profondeur de l'interdépendance économique entre les États-Unis et la Caraïbe orientale. Les États-Unis demeurent un partenaire commercial principal, un investisseur, un marché source pour le tourisme et un partenaire au développement pour les États membres de l'OECO. Ces liens sont renforcés par un engagement diplomatique continu, une collaboration avec le secteur privé et un dialogue structuré sur des questions d'intérêt commun, notamment l'intégrité financière, la sécurité des frontières et la gestion des risques transnationaux.

En ce qui concerne spécifiquement les programmes de citoyenneté par l'investissement (CIP), l'OECO note que ses États membres se sont engagés de manière active et constructive dans un dialogue permanent avec les agences compétentes du gouvernement des États-Unis et d'autres partenaires internationaux. Ces échanges ont été francs, techniques et axés sur des solutions. Il est important de noter que les États membres de l'OECO ont réalisé des progrès tangibles dans le renforcement des systèmes de diligence raisonnable, l'amélioration du partage d'informations, le resserrement des critères d'éligibilité et, plus significativement, l'avancement de la création d'une autorité de régulation régionale indépendante pour assurer une surveillance, une transparence et une conformité constantes avec les meilleures pratiques internationales.

Pour les petits États insulaires en développement de la Caraïbe, les CIP représentent l'un des rares instruments politiques légaux et non créateurs de dette disponibles pour financer le renforcement de la résilience, l'adaptation et le rétablissement après les catastrophes, ainsi que le développement durable. Ces programmes ont été déployés de manière responsable pour soutenir des investissements publics essentiels dans les infrastructures, l'éducation, les systèmes de santé, les énergies renouvelables et la résilience sociale, des domaines qui renforcent directement la stabilité régionale et hémisphérique.

À cet égard, l'OECO demande respectueusement que soient prises en compte les vulnérabilités uniques, l'espace budgétaire restreint et les options limitées de diversification économique dont disposent les petits États de l'hémisphère occidental. Une approche collaborative et consultative, fondée sur le dialogue, la proportionnalité et la responsabilité partagée, offre la voie la plus efficace pour répondre aux préoccupations légitimes tout en préservant des partenariats de longue date.

La Commission de l'OECO réaffirme son engagement à poursuivre sa collaboration avec le gouvernement des États-Unis, y compris sous l'administration actuelle, dans un esprit de respect mutuel, de transparence et de coopération. Nous demeurons convaincus que grâce à un dialogue soutenu et à une collaboration fondée sur des données probantes, des solutions peuvent être avancées pour maintenir les objectifs de sécurité tout en reconnaissant les réalités de développement des petites économies ouvertes.

L'OECO se tient fermement aux côtés d'Antigua-et-Barbuda et de la Dominique et réitère sa détermination collective à travailler avec tous ses partenaires pour garantir que la Caraïbe orientale demeure une région définie par la bonne gouvernance, la coopération internationale et un engagement constructif au sein des Amériques.

By Cdr. Bud Slabbaert

Some legends are born; others return. An old fisherman became the heart of Christmas on a small Caribbean Island. Old Man Bramble left his Island as a boy. He returned as a Legend of Light for the World. His lantern became a symbol reminding us of faith, kindness, and togetherness. A Christmas story that asks you to walk gently and tells you that you will never walk alone. Not ever.

In the year eighteen hundred and something, on the Eastern edge of the Antilles, there existed an island called Coral Cay, a modest island often left off maps, yet famous for its legends.

Long before anyone called him Old Man Bramble, he was simply Bram, a young island boy distinguished by his uncommon curiosity and with questions in his heart. While other children stayed close to the shoreline, Bram stared past the horizon, wondering what might exist beyond the blue.

Upon reaching adulthood, Bram left the island aboard a merchant ship with his mother’s blessing and a small brass and glass oil lamp that she had given him. He made a promise to his mother that he would return when the world finished teaching him. He wanted to explore the world as others chased distant places.

He spent years wandering, fishing with Windward sailors, and hearing tales from elders in far-off harbors. He discovered that strangers could become family and how kindness travels farther than any ship. He learned that wisdom is not found in loud places, but in quiet ones. He noticed how people everywhere carried their own light, some bright, some dim, some nearly gone. And how a single light, held steady, can guide anyone through hardship. Throughout his journey, he kept his promise never to let his mother’s lantern go out, even when the oil ran low.

One night, after years away, when his hair had silvered and his voice had softened, Bramble felt like the sea whispered to him, “Come home.” So, he did. He returned to Coral Cay on a Christmas Eve, older, quieter, wiser, and aware that home shapes you, the world teaches you, and returning is a kind of recovery. Drawn back by a sense of home, he came not with gifts, but with purpose and guidance.

It was Christmas time once again, sometime after his return. “Christmas Eve again,” Bramble murmured, “The night for listening. But it became a vigil unlike any before. A storm rose without warning, which shook people. The worst in living memory. Sea waves roared. Lanterns blew out across the island. Families huddled in darkness and fear. Then, in the dark, down at the shoreline, one light still moved. A small, steady glow. A single lantern, held by a man who walked with the calm of someone who had survived far worse. He walked as if the storm itself had stepped aside to let him pass.

It was white-bearded Old Man Bramble, bent with years, but steady as a rock. He came and carried his lantern from house to house, guiding the lost, comforting the frightened, and bringing the last stragglers to safety. He reminded the islanders of something they might have forgotten: Light is not measured by its size, but by its faithfulness. Without a single word, he showed that darkness simply lets light demonstrate its worth.

Wherever he stepped, the storm seemed to ease, as though the sea recognized him. By dawn, the storm was gone. And so was the old man. Only his footprints remained in the sand… and his lantern, glowing on a driftwood stump as if to say: “The light is yours now. From that day on, Coral Cay's elders said Old Man Bramble was sent by the Maker, and children believed he'd come back.

Today, many believe Old Man Bramble was a phantom wanderer who found his way home for good with a light others needed. But all agree on one thing: He taught what he learned himself, that even the smallest light can guide someone through hardship. His gentle strength and quiet wisdom showed that power doesn't require volume, and his steady faithfulness made a lasting impact.

Every Christmas Eve, people on Coral Cay swear that they see a faint lantern light moving along the shore, steady and full of quiet love. Families light a lantern to honor the lesson he left behind: May we walk gentle like he did. May we shine steady kindness into dark places. May we help those who feel lost, and may we remember that no matter what storm, we never walk alone. Let our hearts be lanterns tonight, and every night to come.

Old Man Bramble always carried his lantern the way some men take a calling, never seeking recognition. But that’s why he is remembered. The world is fast-paced these days. Too fast for hearts to keep up. Too loud for souls to hear themselves think. So let the legendary old fisherman Bramble remind us to appreciate the simple things, especially at Christmas.

There’s a light within you that no storm can put out. You might forget it sometimes. You might hide it. You might doubt it, but it’s there. The world needs your authenticity, not perfection or noise or rush, just your light. Be kind when it’s easy, and even kinder when it isn’t. Share what you can, your time, your smile, your patience. Forgive fast. If you ever feel lost, look for the small comforts: a warm hand, a shining star, a fresh breath you didn’t know you needed. Those are lanterns too.

This Christmas, share your light quietly and faithfully with someone who needs it, just as Old Man Bramble did. The most meaningful gifts aren't wrapped — they're the ones we live and last long after Christmas.