PHILIPSBURG:--- The White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF) proudly hosted the first edition of its Dementia Awareness Walkathon this past Saturday, September 6^th. At exactly 6:00 AM, fifty-five enthusiastic participants set off from the St. Martin’s Home, following a route along L.B. Scot Road, Bush Road, Zagersgut Road, and Coralita Road, before returning to the WYCCF. The early-morning walk brought together community members, volunteers, and supporters for a meaningful start to the day, combining fitness, solidarity, and advocacy.

This year’s theme, “Ask About Dementia… Ask About Alzheimer’s,” encouraged participants to break the silence surrounding these conditions, sparking conversations, asking questions, and sharing personal experiences.

“Every step taken and every question asked helps to create a more compassionate and informed community,” said Minerva Maccow, one of WYCCF’s three students enrolled in the Dementia Case Managers training. “Our goal is to ensure that no one faces dementia alone, and we hope this event serves as a reminder that we are moving forward together.”

The event was made possible thanks to the generosity of community partners and sponsors, including Carl and Sons Unique Bakery, Cost U Less, Mrs. Lorraine Brookes, and Mrs. Irene Kemper, as well as the many volunteers who contributed their time and energy to making the event a success.

The Walkathon is part of WYCCF’s Alzheimer’s Awareness Month initiatives, spearheaded by its future Dementia Case Managers: Mrs. Minerva Maccow, Mrs. Michelline Hunte, and Mrs. Vaitaire Overman. In addition to the walk, the team has organized a series of community outreach activities, including the launch of the Alzheimer’s Support Group Cooking Club later this month. This new bi-monthly initiative invites informal caregivers and their loved ones to enjoy a social evening of cooking together, alternating with the regular Alzheimer’s Support Group sessions that offer the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, vent, and exchange tips and best practices.

“We believe that quality care begins long before a diagnosis,” added Maccow. “Raising awareness, supporting prevention, and equipping informal caregivers are all essential parts of our mission to improve quality of life for those affected by dementia.”

The White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation remains committed to providing trusted, quality care and to fostering a more dementia-aware community through education, support, and compassion.

PHILIPSBURG:--- As per the Constitution of Sint Maarten, Tuesday, September 9, 2025, marked the beginning of a New Parliamentary Year 2025-2026 for the Parliament of Sint Maarten.

On this occasion, a Solemn Plenary Session was convened at 10.00 hrs. with a speech by His Excellency the Governor, Ajamu Baly, LL.M, on behalf of the Government.

Each year, Parliament focuses on a theme that plays a pivotal role throughout the ceremony and reception of the day. This year was no exception, as the theme established is "Building digital trust: exploring a national AI strategy and further development of an Open Parliament".

As customary, the solemn meeting was followed by a military parade through the streets of Philipsburg, which featured the Marine Detachment on Sint Maarten, the Sint Maarten Police Force, the Royal Marechaussee, the Customs Force, the Coast Guard, the Voluntary Corps Sint Maarten, and the Sint Maarten Youth Brigade, all parading through the streets of Philipsburg.

The students of Group 7 from the Marie Genevieve Primary School, as well as those from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School, were invited this year to view the parade at Cyrus Wathey Square and interact with the dignitaries present.

This year, the reception following the ceremonial meeting was hosted by the Hon. President of Parliament, Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, at the Monumental Louisan Augusta Illidge Hall - Brick Building in the Methodist Church Complex on Back Street. During the reception, Mr. Jean-Marc Augusty was announced as the recipient of the President of Parliament Award 2025.  

Each year, during the reception on the occasion of the Opening of the new Parliamentary year, the Parliament of Sint Maarten recognizes individuals or organizations that contribute significantly to the community at large, based on the chosen theme. Ms. Ife Badejo, Mr. Ricky Sydney, Mr. Gregory Richardson, the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation, the FAVE School Board, as well as the Social Health Insurance (SZV) were recognized for their vision, commitment and accomplishments in advancing Artificial Intelligence and Technologies. These individuals and institutions, through usage and application have established themselves as Sint Maarten's AI Ambassadors, having an impact across local, regional and global platforms. In recognizing these AI and Technology Ambassadors, the Parliament of Sint Maarten wishes to encourage the community to embrace AI tools, digitalization and technology in a responsible manner.

The Parliament of Sint Maarten takes this opportunity to thank all stakeholders and invited guests for their participation and for making the Opening of the New Parliamentary Year 2025-2026 a success.  

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday, September 11, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling represented Sint Maarten at the semiannual Judicial Four-Party Consultation (JVO), joining Minister Shalten Hato of Curaçao, Minister Arthur Dowers of Aruba, and the Netherlands’ Minister of Justice and Security, Foort van Oosten. The discussions addressed key justice and security priorities across the Kingdom, including forensic care, youth crime, detention capacity, and border control. Minister Tackling expressed gratitude for the productive exchange and looks forward to continued collaboration with Kingdom partners, noting that these discussions are vital to building a stronger and more resilient justice system for Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Federation of Labour (WIFOL) is facing a storm of controversy as its long-standing president, Theophilus Thompson, comes under scrutiny for alleged mismanagement, lack of accountability, and questionable practices that have left union members outraged.

Thompson, who has held the position of president since 1984, has reportedly failed to call for general elections during his tenure, raising concerns about transparency and democratic governance within the union. According to information reaching SMN News, Thompson’s leadership has been marked by a series of troubling actions that have cast a shadow over the integrity of WIFOL.

Allegations of Misuse of Union Property

One of the most damning accusations against Thompson involves the misuse of the union’s building on Pondfill Road. Sources allege that Thompson has been renting out the property for personal gain, yet has failed to provide any accountability for the funds collected. The building, which was mortgaged in 1998 by Thompson, is a valuable asset of the union, and its alleged exploitation for personal benefit has sparked outrage among lifetime members and stakeholders.

The WIFOL board, which has been criticized for its dormancy and lack of oversight, is being accused of enabling Thompson’s actions by failing to hold him accountable. This inaction has allowed the president to operate unchecked, further eroding trust in the union’s leadership.

Involvement in Residency Permit Operations

Adding to the controversy, Thompson is also alleged to be involved in the operations of requesting residency permits for foreigners. Reports suggest that he and another union leader have been unscrupulously utilizing the letterhead of the Windward Islands Chamber of Labour Unions (WICLU) to facilitate these requests, raising serious legal and ethical questions. The unauthorized use of the WICLU letterhead not only undermines the organization's credibility but also exposes it to potential legal repercussions.

Union Members Demand Answers

The allegations have galvanized lifetime members of WIFOL, who are now actively investigating Thompson’s actions and the overall operations of the union. These members are determined to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable for any wrongdoing. The lack of transparency and the apparent misuse of union resources have left many questioning the future of WIFOL under its current leadership.

A Call for Accountability

The unfolding scandal has put a spotlight on the urgent need for reform within WIFOL. Members are calling for immediate action, including a thorough investigation into Thompson’s activities, the reinstatement of democratic processes, and the implementation of stricter oversight measures to prevent further abuses of power.

As the investigation continues, the reputation of WIFOL hangs in the balance. The union, which has long been a pillar of labor advocacy in the Windward Islands, now faces the daunting task of rebuilding trust and restoring its integrity in the eyes of its members and the public.

For now, all eyes are on Theophilus Thompson and the WIFOL board as they grapple with the mounting pressure to address these serious allegations. The question remains: will justice prevail, or will the union’s legacy be tarnished beyond repair?