SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) - At approximately 10:45 am on December 17^th, 2023, the Central Police Dispatch received calls reporting a traffic accident on the A.th Illidge Road, in proximity to Residences Nr. 140. Responding to this incident multiple police patrols and ambulance personnel were dispatched to the scene.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident involved a white Hyundai I-20 traveling from the Middle Region area heading towards the Madame Estate. Simultaneously, a scooter, overtaking several vehicles in a curve from the opposite direction, lost control and collided with the front of the white I-20.

The rider of the scooter sustained injuries, notably a broken right leg and bruises to his body. On-site assistance was administered by ambulance personnel, and the injured party was later transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for further medical attention.

The Police Force Sint Maarten (KPSM) urges all drivers and riders to adhere to traffic ordinances, especially during this busy holiday season. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers on the road, emphasizing the importance of responsible driving behavior.

Considering this incident, KPSM implores all road users to exercise caution, patience, and vigilance, contributing to the safety of our community during this festive season.

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - President of Peridot Foundation stated: “attendees at Peridot Foundation’s yearly event held last Friday in commemoration of domestic violence awareness were treated by one of the most passionate calls to action by both invited speakers Ms. Zoya Hyman and Tomaro Pilgrim.

The evening started with a prayer by Betty Chittick, the rendition of the Sint Maarten song by Gracita Richards, followed by a stellar musical presentation by a section of the Charlotte Brookson Academy for the Performing Arts drum-band.

The drumbeat musical rendition set the tone for the messages to follow by the invited guests speakers. Their message was loud and clear as the beats of the drum-band” 

Arrindell continued: “Psychologist Zoya Hyman minced no words when she took the lectern, looked calmly into the audience and presented her ‘straight no chaser’ address; ‘Sint Maarten’ she states, is infested with violence and is traumatized to its roots.

Activism on behalf of victims of violence while commendable to commemorate each year starting with the symbolic sixteen days of activism from November 25^th to December 10^th must translate into continuous action all year long by everyone, including Peridot Foundation.

‘We have been here before’ stated Ms. Hyman, commencing her presentation spoken from her heart and taken from her experiences and interactions with her clients as a psychologist. She shared examples of offenses perpetuated by sex offenders some still walking the streets and the corridors of public and private sectors unscathed by their heinous offenses against women and girls.

In-action or failures by institutions who aught to know and do better to support victims of violence in our small community are unacceptable. Without more and better legislation and resources put in place to combat domestic violence, our society will continue to be infested and accept as a normality that for example sex offenders walk our streets unashamed and untouched because of who they are or who they know. This behavior is simply un-acceptable. Additionally, the lack of accountability in dealing with this traumatic and life changing experiences for women and girls leaves a indelible mark not only for the victims of violence, but for our society as whole. This is ‘the ugly truth’ we face and must deal with openly and honestly if we are to heal individually as well as collectively as a nation.

Sint Maarten is my home. ‘This is who I am and what I stand for. I’m not going anywhere’ concluded Ms. Zoya Hyman ending her presentation with a resounding applause by the attending audience.”

Guest speaker Tomaro Pilgrim a licensed therapist with a Master in clinical social work agreed wholeheartedly with her predecessor ‘s classification of the issue of domestic violence and the overall devastating effects on families and communities. Ms. Pilgrim was visibly moved by the presentation and embraced speaker Hyman for her strength as a young female professional who is determined to succeed in her mission to support women and girls and eradicate gender-based violence in Sint Maarten.

“Depending on the government only to bring about much needed change is not the solution she said. We know what is happening in our communities. We can’t sit on our hands or close our eyes to what we see. There’s a way to help women and children even in the smallest actions we take as individuals as well as a nongovernmental institution. Everyone has a role to play”.

Ms. Pilgrim pledged to share her twenty years of experience with Zoya Hyman and the wider community of Sint Maarten”

Gracita continues and said: “Behind every strong woman is a supportive and caring husband” Mr. Osrick Pilgrim upon invitation briefly address the audience and stated: ‘the economy is relevant to the health of the people. The people are the reason why the economy will be sound. Women are to be respected, honored and supported. Providing emotional support, guidance and skills to give women and their sons the chance they need to be wholesome citizens of their communities is one of the main areas of his mission as a co- founder of Tomaro’s C.H.A.N.G.E foundation.”

Gracita concludes: “United Nation’s theme for 2023: Unite! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls! concluded with a beautiful rendition by Charlotte Brookson Academy for the Performing Arts student singer ALLISON VICTORINE followed by the presentation of gifts to the attending audience and expression of gratitude by the board of Peridot Foundation to everyone who made this years program a meaning full and thought provoking evening.

“Great corporate sponsorship goes a long way in this regard our gratitude goes out to this year’s sponsors such as Pineapple Pete restaurant & Bar Bobby’s Marina, Don Pizza restaurant, Candle Drip Co, Super Plaza, Ty Art & Gifts last but not least, Mr. Ewaldo Arrindell of Los San Fernandos event center.

Peridot Foundation wishes everyone a safe end of the year holidays and a New Year 2024 filled with its promise of action towards a Healthier, Happy and Safe Sint Maarten.

From  left to right: Zoya Hyman, CBA student singer & school drum band, board members of Peridot Foundation, flanked by Tomaro Pilgrim in black attire.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – On Friday, December 1, the Secretary Generals (SG) of the various Ministries and the Secretary General to the Council of Ministers, joined members of the Focus Group on Employee Satisfaction in a 3.5-hour workshop with as main focus ‘enhancing workplace relationships.

The workshop was conducted by Peter Rozemond, who has been temporarily employed with the ‘Tijdelijke Werk Organisatie’ (TWO) since February 2023.

During his tenure, Rozemond contributed to the development of a multi-annual plan for the Government of Sint Maarten aimed at increased effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of services.

He also co-facilitated the Focus Group and organized well-received training courses in project management for 41 civil servants from all the seven ministries within Government.

Based on the premise that everyone possesses leadership qualities, Rozemond led the Friday morning workshop by guiding participants in cultivating inner qualities crucial for effective leadership.

Engaging in a series of enlightening and entertaining exercises, participants improved skills that encouraged more open and flexible communication while staying actively present in the moment.

Participants expressed positive feedback about the interactive nature of the workshop, appreciating the team-building opportunities that not only strengthened individual skills but also enhanced collective cooperation among the members of the SG Platform, which recently concluded their retreat, and the Focus Group.

The workshop marked the first in a series of upcoming workshops under the theme ‘living in a high-level stressful society and workplace’, initiated by the Prime Minister to address the needs of civil servants.

The Department of Personnel & Organization of the Ministry General Affairs and the Secretariat of the Council of Ministers were responsible for the execution of this and future workshops.

A Microsoft Teams meeting for all civil servants has been scheduled for Friday, December 8, at 2:30 p.m. during which the Prime Minister and the Company Counsellor, Christel Horst, will provide civil servants with more information about the upcoming workshops.

SINT MAARTEN (CAY HILL) - In response to the announcement by MCB Bank (formerly Windward Islands Bank - WIB) regarding the discontinuation of processing and accepting business cheques as of January 1st, 2024, St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) aims to keep the public informed and facilitate a smooth transition in payment methods.

The key points have been summarized as follows:

Discontinuation of Cheque Services:

• As of December 1st, 2023, SMMC has ceased both the acceptance and issuance of cheques.

Urgent Action for Outstanding Cheques:

• Individuals holding outstanding cheques issued by SMMC are urged to promptly cash them before the specified deadline of January 1^st, 2024, set by MCB Bank (formerly WIB).

Patient Payment Options:

• Patients can settle their bills directly at the hospital by visiting our cashiers.
• Payment can also be made through bank transfers to SMMC.
• Accepted forms of payment include cash, money order, and the following credit/debit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, Kompa Leon, and Maestro.

New Payment Method for Businesses and Insurance Companies:

• For businesses or insurance companies, our payment method for acceptance and issuance of payments will be through wire transfers.

For further information, kindly reach out to the SMMC Finance Department at +(1-721) 543-3154.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this transition. SMMC remains committed to providing high quality care, close to home and ensuring a seamless payment experience for our valued patients and partners.