~Four Registered Nurses now certified Pain Consultants~

CAY HILL:--- Since its establishment in September 2020, the Pain Management Clinic at St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), under the leadership of Dr. Karen Schmid, has made remarkable strides in improving both inpatient and outpatient pain care. With a strong focus on evidence-based, patient-centered treatment, the clinic has introduced several innovations that place SMMC at the forefront of pain management in the region.

One of the clinic’s major achievements is the successful implementation of a dedicated Acute Pain Service (APS), which has been seamlessly integrated into hospital operations. This service ensures timely and effective relief for patients suffering from acute and postoperative pain through interventions such as intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) pumps. These practices are now supported by hospital-wide guidelines, reflecting a commitment to standardized, high-quality, patient-centered care.

In a landmark educational initiative, four registered nurses, Gracia Sargeant-Davis, Jacyntha Sabajo, Kevina Lake, and Suella Sanderson, graduated in June 2025 as certified pain consultants. Their training began in November 2023 through a collaborative course organized by Hogeschool Arnhem Nijmegen (HAN), SMMC, and the White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF). These newly certified professionals are now pivotal members of the hospital’s pain management team, working closely with Dr. Schmid to deliver comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs.

Looking ahead, SMMC continues to expand its treatment offerings. In July 2025, the Pain Clinic will introduce Qutenza, a cutting-edge topical therapy designed to treat peripheral neuropathic pain, including conditions such as diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia. Administered by the clinic’s specialized pain consultants, Qutenza represents a significant advancement for patients living with chronic nerve pain.

The Pain Management Clinic accepts patients experiencing a variety of pain conditions, including chronic pain lasting more than three months, cancer-related pain, neck and back (spine-related) pain, neuropathic pain, myofascial pain, postherpetic neuralgia, painful diabetic neuropathy, facial pain, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and chronic postsurgical pain.

SMMC is proud to have a dedicated team of passionate and qualified professionals at its Pain Management Clinic and urges patients interested in a consultation to make an appointment by calling +1 (721) 543-1111 or 910 extension 1393 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Appointments can be made from Monday to Friday between 8:00am and 4:30pm. SZV patients are requested to obtain a referral letter from their House Doctor (GP) or another referring specialist.

These ongoing developments underscore SMMC’s unwavering dedication to compassionate, cutting-edge pain care. Through clinical innovation, professional education, and collaborative partnerships, SMMC continues to lead the way in pain management for the people of St. Maarten and the region.

PHILIPSBURG:--- This year, seven NV GEBE team members are being honored as Jubilees, with service ranging from 20 to an astounding 45 years. Their unwavering commitment, professionalism, and resilience represent the very heartbeat of the company and the community it serves.

The honorees are:

Maria de Weever – 45 years of service (Joined: January 1, 1980)

Brenda Richardson – 35 years of service (Joined: February 1, 1990)

Iris Arrindell – 35 years of service (Joined: February 1, 1990)

Randolph Bass – 20 years of service (Joined: February 1, 2005)

Marlon Rombley – 20 years of service (Joined: March 1, 2005)

Angelo Meyers – 20 years of service (Joined: April 1, 2005)

Reenis Hensley – 20 years of service (Joined: May 15, 2005)

The ceremony was opened with a warm welcome by Human Resource Manager Mr. Bares Kingsale, who expressed sincere gratitude to the honorees for their dedication and consistency over the years. “These employees represent the true heart of NV GEBE,” said Mr. Kingsale. “Their commitment has helped shape the company into what it is today, and we are deeply grateful for their years of faithful service.”

Each honoree received a certificate, a plaque, or a crystal award, based on the number of years they have served. Family members of the Jubilees were also invited to attend, making the celebration a meaningful and personal occasion for all.

Management was represented by Mr.  Wilco Seinen, incoming CFO, while also sending his words of encouragement. “It was a true honor to stand among these extraordinary individuals. Their careers span decades of change, growth, and service, and through it all, they have remained committed to NV GEBE’s mission. Their dedication not only strengthens the company but also inspires the next generation of employees who will carry the torch forward.”

Several Managers and Department heads also offered words of appreciation to their team members. Manager of Distribution, Mr. Patrick Drijvers, whose department includes three of the 20-year honorees, congratulated his staff and encouraged them to continue their path of excellence and professionalism. Ms. Deliece Parry, representing the Water Quality Control section, gave special thanks to her staff member, noting his steadfast support and commitment to the team over the years.

This event, initiated by our Transition Manager, Mr. Thomas Roggendorf, marked the first group of long-serving employees to be honored for the year, and NV GEBE has announced that additional Jubilees will be recognized in November 2025. The company is committed to continuing this tradition of appreciation and acknowledgment for the individuals whose daily efforts ensure the smooth operation of St. Maarten’s essential utilities.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Dutch government has announced its decision to refinance loans granted to Curaçao and St Maarten partially. These loans, originally issued in 2010 as part of a debt restructuring agreement during the constitutional reform of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, were due for repayment. However, the refinancing decision was made to support the financial stability of these territories.

Background of the Loans

• Curaçao: Loan amount of XCG 139.7 million (approximately €69.9 million).
• Sint Maarten: Loan amount of XCG 73.5 million (approximately €36.8 million).
• Combined, the loans total over €106 million, which was initially expected as revenue in the 2025 budget for Kingdom Relations.

Reason for Refinancing

The decision to refinance was influenced by advice from the College of Financial Supervision (Cft). The Cft highlighted that full repayment of the loans would significantly weaken the liquidity positions of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, potentially falling below the levels recommended by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This could jeopardize the continuity of public services in these territories.

• Curaçao: The country is in a position to repay part of its loan.
• Sint Maarten: Due to its fragile financial situation, repayment is currently not feasible.

The financial challenges faced by both territories are attributed to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and long-term financial obligations, including issues related to the pension insurer Ennia.

Impact on the Dutch Budget

The refinancing will reduce the projected revenues for the Kingdom Relations budget in 2025. Specifically:

• Revenues for Article 5 (Debt Restructuring/Loans) will decrease from €205.3 million to €98.7 million.
• The repayment of these loans will now be deferred to future years, though these amounts have not yet been incorporated into the budget.

Conclusion

This refinancing decision underscores the Dutch government's commitment to supporting the financial stability of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, ensuring the continuity of public services and addressing the economic challenges faced by these territories.

~CHTA NAMES CORAL REEF STEWARDSHIP AWARD WINNERS AND LAUNCHES BEST PRACTICES GUIDE~

MIAMI, Fla.:--- With Caribbean coral reefs under increasing threat from climate change, overfishing, and coastal development, the region’s tourism industry is stepping up. The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), through its Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST) and in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, recently hosted a webinar launching the new Caribbean Coral Reef Stewardship Best Practices Brief, featuring the winners of its inaugural Caribbean Coral Reef Tourism Stewardship Awards.

During the virtual event, the winning organizations presented their projects and shared best practices for reef conservation that are also showcased in the Brief. Together, these efforts spotlight how tourism stakeholders can help protect one of the Caribbean’s most vital natural assets.

New Best Practices Guide to Inspire Reef-Focused Tourism

The Best Practices Brief profiles three successful, uniquely different models of reef stewardship led by tourism operators. It offers actionable guidance on how hotels, resorts, dive operators and tourism businesses can collaborate with communities, NGOs, and government agencies to protect and restore coral ecosystems. From innovative coral gardening and habitat mapping to creative community engagement and education, the Brief demonstrates how environmental protection can also create economic and social benefits.

Recognizing Leadership in Coral Conservation

Building on the Brief’s recommendations, CHTA honored organizations setting new standards for coral protection through education, innovation, and collaboration.

“This is not only about preserving coral reefs; it’s about honoring the deep connection between nature and the people of the Caribbean,” said Karolin Troubetzkoy, Acting Chair for CAST.  “When hotels and tourism-related businesses, communities, and conservationists come together, we’re protecting our heritage, safeguarding our investments, sustaining livelihoods, and ensuring that future generations can experience the beauty of these ecosystems. These awardees show what’s possible when sustainability is a shared commitment.”

2025 Caribbean Coral Reef Tourism Stewardship Awards Winners:

1st Place – Aquanauts Grenada
This Scuba Schools International (SSI) dive center has transformed invasive reef-damaging lionfish into an opportunity for conservation and community building. Through Lionfish Bites & Beats—a vibrant event combining live music, culinary experiences, and education—and the Aqua Rangers Youth Development Scholarship, Aquanauts has removed thousands of lionfish, funded marine conservation training for local youth, and created a replicable model blending education and public awareness-building, economic resilience and reef stewardship.

1st Runner-Up – Jamaica Inn Foundation, Ocho Rios
Jamaica Inn’s longstanding commitment to reef protection is embodied in the White River Fish Sanctuary, a 370-acre marine protected area which they helped to create and is co-managed with local stakeholders. Combining coral restoration, habitat mapping, and community education, with the unique engagement of local fishers, the Sanctuary has increased fish biomass by 500 percent while fostering sustainable livelihoods and scientific research.

2nd Runner-Up – Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Jamaica
Through its Reef Garden Initiative, Round Hill has become a pioneer in tourism-led reef restoration. In partnership with Seascape Caribbean and the Government of Jamaica, the resort has applied silvicultural coral propagation techniques, engaged local fishers as reef gardeners, and integrated guest experiences that connect travelers directly with conservation. The initiative shows how ecological impact and elevated guest engagement can go hand in hand.

These winning projects demonstrate how tourism, guided by strong partnerships and science-backed strategies, can drive both environmental restoration and sustainable economic growth across the Caribbean.

Tourism stakeholders are encouraged to explore the Best Practices Brief, share it across their networks, and draw inspiration from these leading examples. To access the full recording of the webinar and presentation decks, visit: https://caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/commitment-initiatives.

The Brief, webinar and supporting research undertaken by CHTA/CAST to identify best practices by tourism industry stakeholders were made possible in part by support from The Nature Conservancy and the United Nations Environment Programme.  

For more information about CHTA and CAST, visit: https://caribbeanhotelandtourism.com.  Additional research and support information is available at The Nature Conservancy’s site: https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/caribbean.