PHILIPSBURG:---  The Breast Cancer Support Group host by Still Beautiful, Positive and Elektralyets Foundations gathered on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, for a heartfelt Thanksgiving Potluck Feast at the 4C Foundation Conference Room on A.T. Illidge Road. The evening, facilitated by Mercedes Van Der Waals Wyatt, was filled with gratitude, shared experiences, and encouragement as members came together to celebrate life and support one another. This marked the conclusion of the 2025 meetings.
The highlight of the evening was a presentation by Virginie Matser Timmermans of VMT Consultancy, who shared insights on patient education and communication. Virginie previously collaborated with the Positive Foundation a decade ago to produce the brochure, Your Guide to Overcoming Side Effects of Radiation and Chemotherapy. This resource has been instrumental in helping patients at the St. Maarten Medical Center navigate treatment challenges.
Plans for Brochure Revamp
The Positive Foundation, along with VMT Consultancy, announced an initiative to revamp the existing brochure to serve the community better. During her presentation, Virginie took notes of feedback from group members for inclusion in the updated version. The updated version will:
• Feature advertisements for support group meetings.
• Present content in a more gender-inclusive design.
• Separate sections for radiation and chemotherapy side effects for easier reference.
• Provide clear contact details for organizations offering assistance.
• Provide Sample Meal Plans – Nutrition and wellness during recovery.
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Quotes from Partner Foundations
• Positive Foundation: “Education and support are the cornerstones of early detection and survivorship. Revamping this brochure ensures that every patient has access to clear, practical guidance and knows where to turn for help.”
• Elektralyets Foundation: “Cancer care is not just medical—it’s emotional, social, and deeply personal. This initiative reflects our commitment to holistic support for everyone affected.”
• Still Beautiful Foundation: “We believe beauty and strength shine through even in the toughest times. By updating this resource, we empower individuals to face treatment with confidence and dignity.”
Event Atmosphere
The Thanksgiving Potluck was a warm and uplifting occasion, with members bringing their favorite dishes and drinks to share. The event emphasized gratitude, connection, and mutual support—core values that strengthen the fight against cancer.
About the Breast Cancer Support Group
The group provides a safe space for individuals to share experiences, gain emotional support, and access educational resources. Meetings are held every last Thursday in every month and are open to anyone affected by breast cancer – breast cancer patients, survivors, and thrivers The support group is hosted by the Still Beautiful, Positive and Elektralyets Foundations. Next meeting is scheduled from January 29, 2026.
For more information about upcoming meetings contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Tel+1-721-588-8020
or to contribute ideas for the brochure revamp, please contact:
Positive Foundation
Tel: +1-721-580-9658
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHILIPSBURG:--- With the 2025 St. Maarten Marathon only days away, taking place on Sunday, 7 December, organizers are excited to announce that all 450 available spots have now been filled.
While official registration is closed, those who still wish to participate may request to be placed on the reserve list by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. On Saturday afternoon, organizers will review any cancellations, and individuals on the reserve list will be contacted if a spot becomes available.
This year’s event promises to be the largest and most diverse to date, with runners from more than 35 different nationalities already confirmed. The marathon offers four distances, each proudly supported by its title sponsors:
• ENNIA Full Marathon – starts at 4:15 AM, starts at Divi Little Bay, via the boardwalk, and Point Blanche towards Oyster Pond, French Quarter, Orient, through Grand Case, Marigot, up and down the causeway, through Cole Bay, and via Belair to Fort Amsterdam.
• Tortuga Half Marathon – starts at 5:30 AM, starts at Divi Little Bay and follows the same route as the full marathon, but takes a left in French Quarter, to go back to Fort Amsterdam through Dutch Quarter.
• Country Club at Port de Plaisance 10K – starts at 6:15 AM, starts at Divi Little Bay, over the boardwalk, Point Blanche, and goes around town over Walter A. Nisbeth road to Carrefour Bush road, past the Hospital, back to Fort Amsterdam.
• HBN LAW & TAX 5K Run or Walk – starts at 6:45 AM, starts at Divi Little Bay, goes to the end of the boardwalk, and then returns in the same way.
The finish line at Fort Amsterdam will once again serve as a central gathering point. Spectators, families, and supporters are warmly invited to come out, enjoy the atmosphere, and celebrate the runners as they complete their race.
Organizers also extend sincere appreciation to the event’s sponsors, whose commitment makes the marathon possible: ENNIA, HBN LAW & TAX, Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, Tortuga, Heineken 0.0, Country Club At Port De Plaisance, Divico, WeAreSXM, Heavenly Water, Valentin Davis, Snapsxm, Windward Roads, Caribbean Runner, SuperU, Pardon My French, Dollar Thrifty, TriSport, van der Meijden Graphics & Consultancy, Princess International Group, Seaview Beach & Pool Bar, Patty Healing Hands Massages, JAX, Allways Transport, Impulse Spa Clinic, YC-Events Sports Timing, Lagoonies Bistro Bar, Holland House Beach Hotel, ROMA Cucina Intaliana, Sint Maarten Yacht Club Bar & Restaurant, Red Cross, AquaMania, Driven Media, Mr. Chow Modern Asian Bistro, and Lucozade.
A heartfelt thank-you also goes out to all the wonderful volunteers, who play an essential role in ensuring a safe, smooth, and enjoyable event for every participant.
With excitement building and the island ready to welcome runners from near and far, the St. Maarten Marathon is set to once again highlight the spirit, scenery, and energy that make this event a standout in the region.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Orco Bank proudly participated in Banking on St. Maarten, a public financial literacy event hosted by the St. Maarten Bankers Association in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance. The community conversation formed part of Financial Literacy Month, creating a space for residents to engage directly with banking leaders and ask practical questions about money, banking services, savings, and financing.
Orco Bank joined fellow banks in reinforcing a shared commitment to open dialogue, transparency, and empowering the Sint Maarten community through better financial understanding.
“Financial literacy builds confidence and helps families make stronger decisions for their future,” said Merle Richardson, representing Orco Bank. “We were grateful to connect with residents, listen to their concerns, and answer questions openly. Orco Bank remains closer to the community and Closer to Your Goals.”
Orco Bank thanks the organizers and everyone who attended and reaffirms its ongoing commitment to supporting financial education initiatives that strengthen households and contribute to a more resilient Sint Maarten economy.
For more information about Orco Bank, please visit https://www.orcobank.com. Stay connected and follow us for daily updates on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OrcoBank and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/orco-bank.

PHILIPSBURG:--- With the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially coming to a close, Prime Minister, the Honorable Dr. Luc Mercelina, extends his sincere appreciation and gratitude for Sint Maarten and St. Martin being spared from destructive storms this year.

“This season has ended without national distress, and for that, we give thanks to God,” said Prime Minister Mercelina. “But equally important, I acknowledge the people across St. Maarten, who stayed alert, prepared responsibly, and looked out for one another. Our safety is something we experienced together as an island.”

The Prime Minister noted that for many residents, relief this season carries added meaning, as the effects of past hurricanes, particularly Irma, remain part of the island’s collective memory.

“When storms pass us by, we don’t just take a breath, we take stock,” he continued. “Because peace means families avoided displacement, businesses avoided shutdown, and our community routines stayed intact. For a small island, stability is protection too.”

Prime Minister Mercelina also conveyed appreciation to emergency responders and community disaster partners for their continuous readiness throughout the season.

“To our Police Force, Fire Department, ambulance department, Coast Guard, VROMI teams, the Red Cross, volunteers, and every resident who took action to secure their surroundings, thank you for helping to safeguard this country. Your vigilance strengthened national preparedness and eased public concern.”

The Prime Minister emphasized, "We close this season in gratitude, but we stay prepared.”