~Developing Economies Take Centre Stage at Landmark International Gathering.~

Accra/PHILIPSBURG:--- In a significant milestone for Sint Maarten and the wider Caribbean, Sint Maarten Parliament’s Chairperson Wescot-Williams has been appointed Chairperson of the 2025 International Conference on Gender Equality, taking place in Accra, Ghana. 

MP Wescot-Williams departed this past weekend to lead this significant global conference under the theme  “ Charting the Next Frontier for Gender Equality in Developing Economies”. This auspicious gathering comes on the heels of 

the Beijing+30 Declaration

and Plan of Action. 

Hosted by regional and international partners, the conference will bring together ministers, parliamentarians, UN leaders, academics, and civil society advocates from across Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and Latin America. 

This year’s gathering is considered one of the critical moments for shaping global gender policy at the 30th anniversary of the historic 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and just 5 years away from the SDGs' targeted year 2030. 

MP Wescot’s appointment as Chairperson places Sint Maarten and the Caribbean squarely in the global spotlight, amplifying the region’s voice on urgent issues such as climate justice, digital inequality, care economy reform, rising violence, women’s leadership, and the accelerating threats to gender equality.

“This is a proud moment not only for Sint Maarten, but for the entire Caribbean,” MP  Wescot said. “Our region stands on the frontlines of the climate crisis, economic volatility, and widening gender gaps. To chair a global conference of this magnitude is both an honour and a responsibility, and one that I carry on behalf of every woman and girl whose voice deserves to be heard.”

The Accra conference comes at a time when developing economies face mounting pressures: climate disasters, debt burdens, digital exclusion, and post-pandemic setbacks. These challenges disproportionately impact women and girls.

MP Wescot emphasized the significance of Global South leadership during these times:

“From Africa to the Caribbean to the Pacific, we are confronting the same structural threats, and should be part of the solutions. This conference is proof that we are not waiting to be invited. We can shape  the agenda and help define the future of gender equality.”

As Chairperson, MP Wescot will:

preside over high-level sessions and plenaries;

guide the conference outcomes and commitments;

lead negotiations on the final communiqué;

represent the Caribbean’s perspectives on climate resilience, women’s leadership, and socio-economic equity;

amplify the needs of small island developing states (SIDS) in global gender policymaking.

Participation at this level strengthens partnerships, opens new avenues for technical cooperation, and contributes to stronger, more inclusive national policies.

“This is more than representation, it is an opportunity for Sint Maarten to help shape global solutions and bring back insights that will strengthen our own policies,” MP Wescot said.

Conference Dates

The 3rd International Conference on Gender Equality will take place in Accra, Ghana, from November

20th through November 22nd. 

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Finance, Marinka Gumbs, thanks the public for their enthusiastic participation in Financial Literacy Month. The sessions held so far have been well attended, highlighting the community’s strong interest in gaining financial knowledge.
The Ministry invites residents to register for the remaining sessions:
Nov 19 – Understanding Your Pension | APS
Nov 20 – Understanding Your Income Tax Assessment | Emauro Schoop
Nov 25 – Taxation on Real Estate Income | Stephan van Riemen
Nov 26 – Financially Strong St. Maarten | Rachel Lo-Fo-Wong
Nov 30 – Banking on St. Maarten | Bankers Association
These sessions give residents the chance to learn from experts, ask questions, and improve personal finance skills.
Residents can register online at www.finlitsxm.com.
The Minister emphasizes: knowledge is power, and the Ministry remains committed to empowering all residents of St. Maarten through financial literacy.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Mr. Richinel S.J. Brug, joins the global community in recognizing International Men’s Day 2025, underscoring the vital role men play in families, workplaces, and communities across Sint Maarten.
Minister Brug emphasized that this day is not only about appreciation but about acknowledging the unique pressures men face, particularly regarding mental health, emotional well-being, and societal expectations.
“Our men carry a tremendous amount on their shoulders. They are fathers, partners, leaders, protectors, providers, and community builders,” Minister Brug stated.
“Yet many of our men struggle in silence. Today, and every day, we must remind them that their mental health matters, their feelings matter, and seeking help is a sign of strength—not weakness.”
Throughout 2025, the Ministry of VSA has implemented programs and campaigns focused on supporting men’s health, such as:
• Expanding mental health awareness efforts targeted at men and boys
• Encouraging healthier lifestyles and preventive care
• Promoting responsible and engaged fatherhood
• Creating safer spaces for men to speak openly about stress, grief, and emotional challenges
• Strengthening community-based support networks for men and young fathers
These initiatives reflect the Ministry’s commitment to reducing stigma, improving access to support, and fostering a culture where men feel empowered to take care of their physical and emotional well-being.
Minister Brug also expressed deep appreciation for the men of Sint Maarten:
“To all the men in our communities: thank you. You are valued, you are appreciated, and you play an irreplaceable role in shaping a stronger, safer, and more compassionate Sint Maarten.”
The Ministry encourages the public to use International Men’s Day as an opportunity to check in on the men in their lives, celebrate their contributions, and continue building a society where every man feels supported and seen.

WILLEMSTAD:---  The Economic and Social Council (SER) of Curaçao today submitted its advisory opinion to Minister Charetti America-Francisca of Social Development, Labour and Welfare (SOAW) on the draft national decree, containing general measures, which formalizes a measure already implemented on August 1, 2023. The initiative strengthens the purchasing power of older people by raising the supplementary allowance for beneficiaries of the General Old-Age Insurance (AOV) and broadening the eligibility criteria.

As of 1 August 2023, the monthly supplementary allowance was raised from Cg 130 to Cg 169. Henceforth, all Curaçao-resident AOV-beneficiaries whose total income is equal to or less than the full-pension benchmark of Cg 862 per month (applicable to a fully built-up 50-year insurance record) qualify under the new scheme. The draft national decree, containing general measures, places this arrangement within Curaçao’s legislative framework, establishing a definitive legal basis.

The estimated additional annual financial burden is approximately Cg 6 million, to be covered from the existing SOAW budget line ‘Social Relief Benefit and Emergency Provisions’. While the measure offers immediate relief to thousands of older people who are reliant exclusively on AOV income, the SER underlines that this remains an interim step: automatic indexation of the AOV benefit, a transparent multi-year financing plan and recognition of the long-term pressures posed by demographic ageing and erosion of older citizen purchasing power are essential.