PHILIPSBURG:---  The Minister of Finance, Hon. Ms. Marinka J. Gumbs, has commissioned the Government Audit Bureau (SOAB) to carry out a financial audit of the OZR Fund, which is managed by the Social and Health Insurances (SZV) on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten.

While SZV has been audited annually, there has been no financial audit of the OZR Fund in the past 10 years. The audit aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of the OZR (“Overheidsziektekostenregeling”) Fund, which provides health coverage for civil servants, teachers, government-affiliated employees, and their dependents. This scheme plays a vital role in ensuring public sector workers and their families have access to quality healthcare.

While a financial audit of the fund was last completed in 2012, and an engagement was initiated for the 2016 through 2018 period, the financial audits have not been carried out. Minister Gumbs has now taken steps, together with SZV, to ensure that these financial audits are conducted annually as we advance.

“Regular, timely financial audits are essential to maintaining trust, transparency, and sound financial management,” said Minister Gumbs. “By making this a yearly process, we ensure proper oversight and strengthen confidence in how public resources are managed.”

In May 2025, the Council of Ministers approved an increase in the government’s monthly OZR contribution from NAf 5.5 million to NAf 6 million. This adjustment reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining the fund’s sustainability and ensuring that it continues to meet the healthcare needs of its beneficiaries.

For several years, there has been uncertainty regarding the exact amount owed by the government to SZV, largely due to the absence of consistent yearly audits. This issue will also be addressed through a separate assignment. The government remains committed to ensuring that the debt to SZV does not continue to increase annually and that proper measures are implemented, including enforcing annual audits, to prevent these issues from recurring and to ensure transparency and accountability.

Enforcement of financial yearly audits marks another step in our commitment to sound financial governance and transparency,” said Minister Gumbs. “By addressing long-standing challenges, we are building a stronger foundation for accountability and sustainability within our public finances.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On behalf of the Secretary Director of the Council of Advice, Mr. Jessey Salomon, the Council is pleased to announce the official publication of its 2024 Annual Report.

In October 2025, the Council of Advice formally presented its 2024 Annual Report to His Excellency the Governor of St. Maarten, Mr. Ajamu G. Baly, The Honorable President of Parliament, Mrs. Sarah A. Wescott-Williams, and The Honorable Prime Minister, Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina.

The report provides an overview of the Council’s activities, advice issued, and developments in its operational and governance frameworks throughout the reporting year. A copy of the full report is available for public viewing on the Council’s official website: https://coa.sx/annual-reports/.

A new feature in this year’s report is the disclosure of cases where members recused themselves from decision-making due to potential or perceived conflicts of interest. The Council reports that no recusals occurred during the 2024 reporting year.

This new level of transparency aims to demonstrate how the Council’s rules of conduct and order are applied in practice, underscoring its ongoing commitment to integrity, impartiality, and good governance.

1. His Excellency Governor Ajamu G. Baly
2. The Honorable President of Parliament, Sarah A. Wescott-Williams
3. The Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina

PHILIPSBURG:---  Orco Bank proudly supported the St. Maarten Netball Association’s “Battle of the Saints 2025” tournament, held from October 22 to 26, 2025. The event brought together teams from across the Caribbean — including St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, and the UK — to compete in a celebration of athleticism, teamwork, and community.

As part of its ongoing commitment to community development and youth empowerment, Orco Bank proudly extended its support to the St. Maarten Netball Association, helping make the tournament a success and reinforcing the Bank’s dedication to local sports and positive community impact.

“At Orco Bank, we believe in uplifting our communities through meaningful initiatives that encourage growth, connection, and empowerment,” said Mrs. Judy King-Richardson, Country Manager for Orco Bank St. Maarten. “The ‘Battle of the Saints’ tournament perfectly reflects the spirit of teamwork and resilience we value at Orco Bank.”

The tournament was a tremendous success, showcasing the dedication and talent of athletes across the region and reinforcing Orco Bank’s commitment to supporting local sports and community initiatives. 

CURAÇAO:---  From October 16–18, 2025, JCI SXM A.C.T.I.O.N proudly represented St. Maarten at the highly anticipated JCI Dutch Caribbean National Convention, a landmark event uniting chapters from across the Dutch Caribbean in celebration of leadership, impact, and collaboration.

The seven-member delegation was joined by five special guests, including the 1st runner-up of JCI SXM A.C.T.I.O.N’s 2025 Interscholastic Speech Competition, Jada Smith and her coach for the competition Mrs. Cheryl Dangleben-York from Caribbean Pearls Toastmasters Club. This annual convention saw participants engage in strategic meetings, national public speaking and debate competitions, and immersive training sessions designed to prepare the region’s next generation of changemakers. The convention also served as a celebration of the accomplishments of local JCI organizations throughout the Dutch Caribbean and an opportunity to build momentum heading into the new year.

This year proved to be especially historic for JCI SXM A.C.T.I.O.N. The chapter secured a total of eight awards for its outstanding contributions to community development and youth empowerment. In addition, Ms. Anjeanee Mathew was elected as the 2026 JCI Dutch Caribbean National President, and Ms. Christine Regis will be joining her board as the National Secretary, further cementing St. Maarten’s leadership presence at the regional level..

Among the highlights was the chapter’s win for Best Inter-Organization Collaboration Project for their impactful “Cover Your Lover” Safe Sex Campaign. This initiative brought together several local partners, including the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation, Collective Prevention Services (CPS), Kalaboom, Dirty Dawgs, and various Carnival booth owners. The campaign promoted sexual health awareness in an engaging, culturally relevant way during Carnival 2025.

JCI SXM A.C.T.I.O.N also celebrated a strong showing in the national public speaking competitions. One Local Vice President Aisha-Jamila Mussington took home the Public Speaking Award Advanced Level, while another, Delano Samuel who only joined the organization in January, received the Public Speaking Award Rookie Level. The Youth Public Speaking Award was proudly claimed by the young delegate representing the Interscholastic Speech Competition, who had impressed judges with her poise, clarity, and message.

Delano Samuel who received the Rookie Award was further honoured as the Most Outstanding New Member, recognizing his remarkable commitment and impact within less than a year of joining the organization.

A moving moment during the convention was the Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) Awards Ceremony, where three inspiring individuals from St. Maarten were recognized for their achievements. Awards were presented in the fields of Medical Innovation to Ms. Rolinda Carter, Business and Economic Accomplishment to Mr. Louinel “Skelet” Telisma who was accompanied by his wife Melissa Boasman, and Personal Improvement and Development to Ms. Dannah Abraham. Two of the recipients were present to accept their awards and delivered powerful remarks, while the third was represented by the chapter’s Local President.

The JCI SXM A.C.T.I.O.N delegation expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the recognition received and emphasized that the achievements reflect the collective effort of the chapter’s members, partners, and supporters. They credited the island’s spirit of community and collaboration as the driving force behind their success.

As the organization looks ahead to 2026, its members remain committed to creating positive change through leadership, service, and unity, reaffirming that “Opportunities Never End”, and that together, they are truly O.N.E.

For more information on JCI SXM A.C.T.I.O.N’s achievements and upcoming activities, please follow our Facebook and Instagram pages at JCI SXM Action.