PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, during the reception on the occasion of the new Parliamentary Year, the Hon. President of Parliament, Mrs. Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, presented a youth with the President of Parliament Award for exemplary behavior, leadership skills, and their contribution to the community. This year, the recipient of the President of Parliament Award was Mr. Jean-Marc Augusty. 

Mr. Augusty received this recognition for demonstrating outstanding leadership skills, vision, diligence, integrity, and a deep commitment to community and service by reconnecting and rediscovering the fractured memories and the legacy of Sint Maarten. 

Mr. Augusty has made significant contributions to the preservation of the island's cultural heritage by locating historic ruins that were previously hidden or on the verge of destruction. 

He has volunteered with the St. Maarten Museum by improving their website and adding historical information for greater accessibility. 

He relocated the forgotten ruins of the Diamond Estate—site of the 1848 slave escape—enabling the space to serve as the backdrop for the 2022 Emancipation Day commemoration organized by the Department of Culture. He also invested a lot of time and energy in locating plantation remains across the island, bringing lost landscapes back into public awareness through drone technology.

He has also invested many hours in investigating the 1793 Courthouse, which has yielded a 200+ page report and the original authorization records for its construction. These discoveries can directly support conservation decisions, policy planning, heritage interpretation, and civic education for now and years to come. 

Mr. Augusty's work has made Sint Maarten's history all the more relevant and alive with his profound knowledge of the past. To date, he provides tours to local organizations, schools, and tourists, as well as gives presentations on regional and international platforms such as the Dutch Caribbean Heritage Platform's 10th-anniversary conference in May 2024 and the International Association for Caribbean Archaeology (IACA) conference in August 2024; all while continuing to investigate the transitions of monuments on the island. He does all this as a young, concerned citizen using research, storytelling, and advocacy to save what remains of our collective memory.

Mr. Jean-Marc Augusty, accompanied by his parents and other guests, was present during the reception of the Opening of the Parliamentary Year 2025-2026, which was coincidentally hosted at the Monumental Louisan Augusta Illidge Hall - Brickbuilding, to receive the award. He proudly accepted his award with an acceptance speech during which he expressed his gratitude for being awarded this year's President of Parliament Award. 

Mr. Augusty was nominated by Mr. Ralph Cantave, Ms. Ludmila Duncan, Ms. Chelse McIlroy, Mr. David Richardson, and Ms. Natasha Richardson.

As one of the nominators phrased it, "Let this award not just honor him—but affirm to the youth of St. Martin that it's cool to care about our culture, that history matters, and that one person can truly make a difference."

The Parliament of Sint Maarten encourages all young people in Sint Maarten to continue setting exemplary standards of leadership and to contribute actively to the development of our island and its people.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In October 2024, the Council of State of the Kingdom published an unsolicited advice entitled “Samenwerken op basis van wederzijds begrip” (“Cooperation Based on Mutual Understanding”), marking a significant milestone — the 70th anniversary of the Kingdom Charter. 
 
Originally adopted on 15 December 1954, the Kingdom Charter serves as the foundational legal framework that defines the relationship among the constituent countries of the Kingdom: the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. 
 
In November 2024, the Government of Sint Maarten received official correspondence from the State Secretary for Digitalization and Kingdom Relations, Mr. Zsolt Szabó, requesting a formal response to the Council of State’s advice. Recognizing the importance of delivering a comprehensive and inclusive reply, a dedicated Kingdom Charter Committee was established by the Prime Minister / Minister of General Affairs in March 2025. The Committee consisted of Ms. Gwendolien Mossel (Chair), Mr. Jason Rogers (Vice-Chair), and Mr. Randolf Duggins (member). The response was authored by Dr. Nilda Arduin. 
 
To ensure that the response truly reflects a broad spectrum of perspectives, the Committee engaged extensively with key stakeholders, including (former) government officials,  the President of Parliament MP Sarah Wescot-Williams, representatives from the One SXM Association, and the Pro Soualiga Foundation. Their insights have been instrumental in shaping a balanced and forward-looking intervention. 
 
The Committee’s work was supported by the Department of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BAK) of the Ministry of General Affairs, led by Ms. Angelique Gumbs, who provided technical guidance and coordination throughout the process. 
 
On September 1, 2025, the Committee formally submitted its report titled “A New Dialogue Empowered by Mutual Trust” to Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina. This report lays the groundwork for renewed dialogue, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation in strengthening the bonds within the Kingdom. 
 
Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina expressed his appreciation for the Committee’s work, stating, “The Kingdom Charter has been the cornerstone of our shared history for over seven decades. With this report, Sint Maarten reaffirms its commitment to shaping a future that is based on equality, fairness, and mutual trust. I extend my gratitude to the Committee, the many stakeholders, and BAK under the leadership of Ms. Angelique Gumbs for ensuring that our nation’s voice is both clear and principled in this important dialogue.” 

PHILIPSBURG:---  Today, September 10th, is recognized as World Suicide Prevention Day. Member of Parliament Omar Ottley emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and community support as we embrace the triennial theme for 2024–2026: “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.”

Suicide is a pressing concern that impacts individuals and their families within our communities of St. Maarten. It is a sad reality that many have faced, and we stand in solidarity with those who continue to navigate through their grief of losing a loved one to suicide.

“It is essential that we have open conversations about mental health,” said MP Ottley. “Changing the narrative means breaking the silence that often surrounds suicide, transforming stigma into understanding, and ensuring that everyone knows they are supported and valued.”

By working together, we can enhance awareness, provide resources, and create an environment where individuals feel confident to seek help. MP Ottley encourages all residents to participate in local events, support mental health initiatives, and educate themselves and others on recognizing the signs of distress.

If you or someone you know deals with severe depression or suicidal thoughts, please reach out to a mental health professional or contact someone. Help is available, and it is okay to ask for it.

Together, let us change the narrative on suicide and work towards a brighter, more hopeful future for every resident of St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG  (DCOMM):--- Suicide is a major public health challenge, claiming the lives of more than 720,000 people every year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Wednesday, September 10, 2025, marks World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), the Collective Prevention Service (CPS), an executive agency of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry of VSA) said on Tuesday, adding that suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds at a global level.

The national theme for WSPD is, “Are You OK?” Providing information about WSPD is part of CPS annual calendar of health observances.

CPS says, according to the WHO, suicide does not just occur in high-income countries but is a global phenomenon in all regions of the world. In fact, close to three quarters (73%) of global suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries in 2021.

The reasons for suicide are multifaceted, influenced by social, cultural, biological, psychological, and environmental factors present across the life course.

For every suicide, there are many more people who attempt suicide. A prior suicide attempt is an important risk factor for suicide in the general population.

WSPD was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in partnership with the WHO.

Each year, on 10 September, WSPD focuses global attention on suicide prevention, uniting communities, organizations, and governments with the shared belief that suicides are preventable.

Each life lost has profound social, emotional, and economic consequences, deeply affecting families, friends, workplaces, and entire communities around the world.

“The link between suicide and mental disorders (in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders) and a previous suicide attempt is well established.

“However, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship disputes, or chronic pain and illness.

“In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour.

“Suicide rates are also high among vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants; indigenous peoples; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) persons; and prisoners,” WHO points out.

There are several measures that can be taken at population, community, and individual levels to prevent suicide and self-harm.

LIVE LIFE, WHO’s initiative for suicide prevention, recommends the following key effective evidence-based interventions: limit access to the means of suicide (e.g. pesticides, firearms, certain medications); interact with the media for responsible reporting of suicide; foster socio-emotional life skills in adolescents; and

early identify, assess, manage and follow up anyone who is affected by suicidal behaviours.

If you need to talk with someone or need help, contact the Sint Maarten Mental Health Foundation (MHF) crisis line 721 585-5556 which will be answered by a professional. All information will be kept confidential.