PHILIPSBURG:--- A Fresh Start Foundation proudly celebrates the outstanding achievement of our contestant, Judith LaLanne, who was crowned First Runner-Up at the highly anticipated Senior Pageant held on April 13, 2025, at the Aleeze Convention Center.

At just 23 years old, Judith stood tall as a proud survivor and advocate, using her platform to shed light on the critical issues of sexual abuse, pedophilia, and the journey to rebuild self-esteem. Her moving story, poise, and passion captivated both the judges and audience, making her a true embodiment of resilience and empowerment.

This incredible milestone was made possible through the strong support of our community partners: Stacy-Ann Taylor Studio, Elektralytes Foundation, Victim Support Services, Be The Change Foundation, The Regal Hair Collection, Washington Construction Company, First Response Security, and Pineapple Pete Restaurant. Their commitment to advocacy, healing, and empowerment fueled this journey every step of the way.
Through her participation and remarkable performance, Judith LaLanne has further advanced the mission of A Fresh Start Foundation: to empower youths and adults through skills development, personal growth, and community involvement. Her success stands as a powerful reminder that survivors are not defined by their past, but by their courage to rise, inspire, and lead.

A Fresh Start Foundation is honored to introduce Judith to Victim Support Services who would love to walk alongside her as she continues her advocacy, touching lives and lighting the path for others. We look forward to supporting her as she embraces future opportunities to create awareness, strengthen communities, and inspire lasting change.

About A Fresh Start Foundation

A Fresh Start Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 2024 with a passion to empower youths and adults through skills development, education, personal growth, and community engagement.
• Mission: To empower individuals by providing access to skills enhancement, educational opportunities, personal empowerment programs, and community support.
• Vision: A society where every individual has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive in an ever-changing environment.
• Objectives:
• Equip youths and adults with life-changing skills
• Offer resources for personal healing and confidence building
• Promote advocacy and open dialogue around social issues
• Encourage community involvement and mentorship

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  During the 2025 Carnival season there will be lots to eat and drink. In connection with safe food preparation at home or grabbing a bite from food kiosks; street market vendors; booth holders; and other points of sale, the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), reminds the public of the importance of observing and practicing safe food handling.

Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestine, and is usually due to infection by viruses, bacteria or to food-poisoning toxins. The symptoms associated with gastroenteritis are diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, fever, and headache.

The most common symptoms are vomiting and repeated episodes of diarrhea (three or more episodes within 24 hours). To ensure proper diagnosis, care, and treatment, consult your house doctor, who may refer you to your local laboratory for sample collection.

Unsafe food poses health threats, endangering everyone. Infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with an underlying illness are particularly vulnerable.

Infection can spread when bacteria found in feces or vomit is transferred to other objects. Bacteria can be transferred through poor hygiene. It is spread through contamination of hands, objects or food infected with the aforementioned.

For example, if someone does not wash their hands properly after going to the toilet, any viruses or bacteria on their hands will be transferred to whatever they touch, such as glass, kitchen utensil or food.

To prevent the spread of the infection, wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before eating or preparing food; regularly clean hard surface/counters and wipe down with bleach solution. Make it a routine habit to adhere to proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette.

Cross-contamination of food occurs when bacteria is transferred between different foods, from food to surfaces, and from surface to food. It is important to be aware of cross-contamination when preparing and storing food.

You can avoid food poisoning and keep yourself and others safe by preparing food hygienically; not washing raw meat, fish and poultry; washing fruit and vegetables; storing food properly; cleaning recyclable plastics carefully; using shopping bags safely; and cleaning any reusable containers properly.

Temperature control is essential for food safety. Using temperature controls minimizes the potential for harmful bacterial growth and toxin formation in food. Temperature
controls either keep food entirely out of the danger zone or pass food through the danger zone as quickly as possible.

If food temperatures do not meet requirements or if food shows evidence of previous temperature abuse, do not accept the food, or discard the products.

If a food handler, a caretaker, or persons, are diagnosed with gastroenteritis, with your physician’s consultation, you should remain at home and practice good hygiene while you recuperate.

This will help to mitigate the further spread of gastroenteritis cases within the community. Be on the alert and help minimize the spread of foodborne diseases by taking the necessary hygienic and preventive steps.

Proper hand hygiene helps in preventing bacteria and germs. Let us collectively have a safe, healthy, and enjoyable Carnival Season 2025.

For more information call CPS at 542-1122, 542-1222, 542-1322 and 542-1570; or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

New York:--- In a historic milestone for the people of Bonaire, James Finies, Leader of Pueblo Progresivo Uni, led a civil society delegation to the United Nations Headquarters in New York—the first such visit in Bonaire’s history.
Joining Finies were Davika Vicky Bissessar, President of the Bonaire Human Rights Organization (BHRO), and prominent women leaders of the Muhernan Fuerte wing of Pueblo Progresivo Uni, Phenice Frans-Piar and Joseline Thielman. Over six days, the delegation took part in a series of high-level UN events, bringing the voices of the Bonairean people to the international stage and spotlighting long-standing human rights concerns after 10-10-10.
A major focus of the delegation was the deteriorating state of education in Bonaire, where the forced use of Dutch as the instructional language has undermined students’ success. Most children grow up speaking Papiamentu, and the linguistic barrier has led to academic underperformance, high dropout rates, and the erosion of cultural identity.
"This is not just a linguistic issue—it’s a human rights issue," said Davika Bissessar. "Our children have their human right to be taught in their mother tongue and to thrive without being stripped of their heritage."
The Bonaire delegation had significant engagements with several high-level figures at the United Nations.
Joseline Thielman: "As a mother and policewoman with 30 years of service, I stand powerless to protect our children from discrimination and oppression in Dutch-controlled schools. After I return from UN to Bonaire I feel getting back faith in humanity.”
"Phenice Frans-Piar denounced the Dutch-imposed education system as a tool of mental colonization, demanding parents’ right to educate their children in the spirit of their heritage, dignity and freedom."
A significant historical moment that forever will be recorded came during the General Assembly. Dr. June Soomer, outgoing Chair of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent expressed publicly to the entire world her gratitude to the Bonaire delegation, specifically for the important work they are doing for the people of Bonaire and other colonized territories. Her acknowledgment stood as a powerful approval of the concerns raised by the Bonaire delegation and emphasized the global importance of the Bonairean struggle.
“These engagements and acknowledgments are proof that the world is now listening,” said James Finies that marked their historic 755th days on this global awareness mission. “We brought forward the truth about Bonaire’s struggle for justice, dignity, and self-determination—and we will not stop until our people dignity and human rights are respected”
The visit stands as a powerful milestone for Bonaire’s native population and a call to action for the international community to support their self-determination, educational, and cultural human rights.

Bonaire Human Rights Organization

Kaya Libertador Simon Bolivar 26
Kralendijk, Bonaire

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) hereby provides an update following the official opening Jump-Up of Carnival 2025, which took place on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

The parade commenced shortly after 8:00 PM and concluded around 11:00 PM at the Festival Village. KPSM is pleased to report that the event was well-attended and, for the most part, proceeded in good order. However, several law enforcement interventions were necessary during the evening to address serious criminal violations.

In recent weeks, the Sint Maarten Police Force has issued multiple public warnings regarding unacceptable behavior during Carnival festivities, with particular emphasis on the possession and use of firearms and illegal narcotics. These warnings have been made in the interest of public safety and the overall well-being of our community.

Despite these repeated advisories, KPSM officers were required to conduct several targeted controls during the Jump-Up. During one such control in the Bush Road area, a male suspect was apprehended in possession of narcotics. He was arrested and transported to the Philipsburg Police Station, where he remains in custody for further questioning.

Later that evening, officers observed suspicious behavior involving a group of young men on scooters on the side of the road. During the control of the group, one of the other suspects was found to have a quantity of narcotics. Upon further investigation, another individual was found to have a firearm inside a bag. As officers attempted to carry out the arrests, another group of males at the location became disorderly and actively interfered with police efforts to detain the suspects. Both the firearm and the narcotics were confiscated as evidence. All four individuals were arrested and transported to the police station,

The Sint Maarten Police Force strongly condemns any attempt to carry weapons or obstruct police operations, especially during significant public events. KPSM reiterates in the most precise possible terms: Anyone found possessing an illegal firearm will be immediately arrested. This is non-negotiable.

KPSM remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the community and ensure that Carnival 2025 is a joyful and secure celebration for all. The public is reminded that safety is a collective responsibility, and cooperation with law enforcement is essential.

It should not be overlooked that the swift and decisive action taken by officers during this scooter control may have prevented a far more serious incident. By removing a firearm from the street, the Sint Maarten Police Force may have saved a life.

KPSM Press Release.