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.

POINTE BLANCHE:--- The Management Team of the Point Blanche Correctional Institution and the Miss Lalie Youth Detention Facility recently met with the Climb Foundation representatives, Dr. Yadira Boston and Dr. Pierre, whose long-standing service to the Institution came to an end.
Prison Director Mr. Steven Carty expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Boston and Dr. Pierre for their longstanding service to the Institution. Mr. Carty emphasized that literacy leads to job opportunities and more. “Literacy is not just about reading and writing. It is the foundation upon which confidence is built and opportunities unlocked. Within the correctional environment, the ability to read, understand instructions, and communicate effectively opens doors that were once closed. Additionally, it creates pathways to employment and meaningful reintegration into society. Most importantly, literacy empowers individuals to take control of their own lives, make informed decisions, and envision a future beyond their past”, Mr. Carty stated.
Head of Corrections, Henrietta Doran-York also addressed those in attendance. “For decades, Dr. Boston has walked through the prison gates with one main mission. That mission is to open doors of opportunity through education. Her long-standing commitment and dedication have shaped the lives of so many within the walls of the Institution over the years. Over the years, Dr. Boston was joined by Dr. Pierre, and together they executed their tasks with a level of quality and great structure within the Institution. Although the GED program had been the main focus, the educational team extended its reach beyond traditional curriculum requirements. Many inmates who did not yet meet GED criteria were still given the chance to enhance their basic skills. Very importantly, the instructors recognized that not everyone came with the same educational foundation; therefore, they created pathways for those who were not yet ready for the GED level. Through literacy classes and patient one-on-one guidance, they gave many inmates the chance to grow, which restored the confidence among those who participated”, Doran-York stated.
The highlight of the meeting was the delivery of an extensive presentation by the Climb Foundation's educational facilitators, as they guided those present through the scope and accomplishments of their work over the years. They also extended heartfelt gratitude to the team at Point Blanche Prison and House of Detention, as well as the dedicated team at the Miss Lalie Youth Detention Center, for their exceptional collaboration during their partnership.
“We would not have been able to do this without your steadfast support, which has been instrumental in our mission to provide essential care to the most vulnerable inmates. They thank the Management for recognizing the significant effort it takes to close literacy gaps, and extended appreciation for their understanding that this is a nuanced, time-intensive process that requires careful consideration. CLIMB Foundation urges the prison to continue to actively combat the stigma that often connects illiteracy with vocational training. It is vital to recognize that inmates can pursue both literacy and vocational skills simultaneously as they both are essential tools for personal growth and successful reintegration into society. They commended St. Maarten’s prison for its commitment to addressing this critical issue of prison literacy. By recognizing that reading is a fundamental human right, and working together, the societal barriers that inmates face upon reentry into the community can be dismantled. The CLIMB Foundation is confident that both the prison and its upcoming initiatives will be a success. This confidence stems from the remarkable achievements of the prison teams, who have successfully implemented impactful programs over the years despite operating with limited resources.
The representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Mr. Rafael Baretto Souza expressed his deep appreciation for the presentation delivered by Dr. Boston and Dr. Pierre regarding their long standing work in education at the Point Blanche Correctional Institution. He noted that he was very impressed with the depth of their experience and the dedication reflected in their teaching. Mr. Baretto Souza further stated that their insights provided him with a clearer and more meaningful understanding of the responsibilities and challenges associated with the mandate he has undertaken in relation to the prison system in Sint Maarten and it also sheds valuable light on both the progress achieved and the ongoing needs that must be addressed as part of the institution’s continuous development.
At the close of the meeting the Management Team wished Dr. Pierre and Dr. Boston and the entire team much success in all their future endeavors, and expressed to them that the seed that they have planted, whether through a passed GED exam, a first book ever read, or a sentence written without help, will forever continue to bear fruit.

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.