SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The youngest candidate on the United People’s Party UPP list Kimberly A. Blair (25), a distinguished graduate of Mercy University in Criminal Justice with a Forensics concentration, steps into St. Maarten's political arena with a committed vision and a comprehensive platform aimed at addressing critical issues in justice and education.

Having returned to St. Maarten, Kimberly discovered pressing challenges faced by Justice Workers, including payment discrepancies and insufficient training and equipment for uniformed divisions. These urgent issues propelled her into the challenging realm of politics to enact immediate change.

Blair has a five-point platform she calls #BlairCares. She is joining her fellow candidates and the United People's Party in general, who have already sounded the alarm on the justice workers' disheartening situation.

"Some of my colleague candidates have already touched on this issue for the Justice workers, and in fact, they have worked on several levels to create solutions because they recognize the importance of ensuring that our justice workers receive fair treatment. With our collective voice, we have and will continue to show that we mean every word we say when we advocate for fair treatment for the people of St. Maarten in all fields,” said Blair in a Sunday press release.  

In her A Five-Point Platform, Blair addresses fundamental challenges St. Maarten's justice and education systems face. Her five-point plan underscores her commitment to creating tangible change. Her first suggestion focuses on solving the budgetary issues affecting the government's ability to pay its justice workers after they perform their duties.

She said initiatives such as Introducing personalized license plates with a yearly fee and creating a self-funding model for law enforcement would be a first step in the right direction to ensure money is available to pay the Justice workers. 

"It is not the only solution as more innovative ideas can be explored. However, the goal is to use revenue from personalized plates and other initiatives to support essential resources, equipment, and training for law enforcement directly, ensuring adequate community protection.

Her second point surrounds prison reform, which has been much talked about but with little real action. One of her concerns is that when first-time offenders are released from prison, their transition back is often complicated and usually met with rejection from society, making it hard to find jobs and stay on the "straight and narrow."

"We must implement a realistic and comprehensive re-entry program for prisoners by making sure that in such a small society, we Equip prisoners with essential skills, grooming standards, and rehabilitation, including a probationary job period and transitional housing for successful societal reintegration. When they qualify, these soon-to-be-released inmates can be given a one-day-per-week opportunity to participate in supervised work outside and incentivize companies to hire them in specific areas," said Blair. 

She also contends that more must be done to make sure that returning graduates stop receiving a high percentage of rejection based on "lack of experience," as it is counterproductive to the plan of sending students abroad to study in fields that are needed locally.

"If our children travel abroad and study only to return home and be told they do not have experience despite their education, how will they gain the experience if we don't ensure that opportunities are here when they return, and how will the cycle of bringing people in from abroad to take up these posts, leaving these same returning graduates unemployed in some cases end?" 

Blair suggests developing a robust system linking graduates' credentials to relevant job opportunities. She advocates creating a platform connecting graduates with suitable job openings, enhancing employment chances, and facilitating a smoother transition from education to the workforce.

"When you are in your last year, the recruitment process can commence, where you are directly linked with companies and divisions within government to monitor progress, gauge interests, and plan your return to St. Maarten, so when you get here, you aren't highly qualified and looking for a job for several years," said Blair.

She is also of the opinion that it is time for action on decriminalizing marijuana. Her initiative is advocacy for marijuana decriminalization, emphasizing medicinal use and implementing responsible regulations. Use the therapeutic benefits, remove punitive measures, and manage usage responsibly through education-focused regulations and taxation options to generate revenue.

There has been much debate over several years regarding the state of the police detention facilities and the Pointe Blanche Prison. Much to Blari's surprise, every opportunity to resolve this issue has been missed.

"I will not pass up an opportunity to address the prison overcrowding and infrastructure issues prison officers and prisoners face. The time has come to privatize the prison if we must ensure funding for constructing a modernized facility. Privatization can guarantee investment in not just a new prison with improved resources, aiding inmate rehabilitation and guaranteeing safety for inmates and staff, but also consistent and improved rehabilitation programs for our incarcerated citizens.

Kimberly A Blair's #BlairCares platform reflects her dedication to rectifying systemic issues within St. Maarten's justice and education sectors. Her candidacy embodies a commitment to fostering positive change for a safer, more equitable community. Her candidacy symbolizes a call for change and progress in St. Maarten, advocating for justice, education reform, and a brighter future for all.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Police Force of Sint Maarten is actively investigating a disturbing incident of domestic violence that occurred between Saturday and Sunday, November 26th, 2023, in the Duke Drive area of the Keys in Sucker Garden. The incident involved a male suspect who attempted to suffocate his partner with a pillow after initially choking her out.

The suspect in question with initials R.A.T. was arrested on Monday evening November 27^th 2023 at approximately 7:00 PM. He is currently in custody at the Police Station in Philipsburg, where he will remain pending further investigation.

Domestic violence is a grave concern, and the Police Force of Sint Maarten is resolute in its commitment to address and combat all forms of violence, especially within the home. This incident underscores the importance of raising awareness during Domestic Violence Month in November.

The Police Force urges the community to remain vigilant and report any instances of domestic violence promptly. It is crucial to recognize that everyone has the right to live free from violence and fear, and we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten condemns domestic violence and will thoroughly investigate this and any of these type cases. KPSM goal is to hold the perpetrator accountable for their actions. KPSM encourage victims of domestic violence to come forward and seek assistance from the relevant authorities and support organizations.

It might not be general knowledge, however, there are established organizations on St. Maarten that can help. Safe Haven (www.safehavensxm.org) is one They are specialized in helping those who are confronted with domestic violence.

SINT MAARTEN (CUL DE SAC) - Inclement weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of St. Maarten Tzu Chi Foundation and its team of volunteers, who recently braved inclement weather along with Leaders for Change Foundation to ensure that hundreds of families had food in their kitchen when it donated essential food packages to the families recently.  

The donation was one of two major heartwarming donation events held recently, which left an indelible positive impact on both recipients and volunteers. The first donation was held on October 29, at the St. Maarten Tzu Chi Foundation office on the L.B. Scott Road, where 220 families were graciously presented with food packages despite rainy weather conditions and the second event was held on November 1, at Aaron Jacobs Drive in Cay Bay under the theme “Cay Bay Poverty Relief Charity Mission,” where 131 families received food supplies.  

In total, the foundation donated 351 bags of 10kg “Love Rice;” 351 bottles of 1 litre cooking oil, 351 packs of dried red beans and 351 boxes of 28pk Stolle Milk Powder. The food packages were intended to alleviate the financial burden of families in meeting basic needs, ensuring that they have access to the sustenance they require.  

Cay Bay donation

A total of 26 volunteers, assisted by Community Police Officer Richard Sharon, participated in the Cay Bay Relief, where 131 10kg bags of Love Rice; 131 bottles of 1litre oil; 131 1lb bags of dried peas and 131 boxes (each containing 28 packs) of Stolle Milk powder were donated. 

Donation at Tzu Chi Foundation office

A total of 42 volunteers participated in the October 29, relief effort. These included 32 Tzu Chi volunteers, seven of whom were Commissioners and 10 supportive volunteers from the Leaders of Change group.  A total of 220 bags of 10kg “Love Rice,” 220, 1-liter bottles of cooking oil, 220, one pound packs of dried red beans and 220 boxes of 28 packs of Stolle Milk Powder were distributed to the 220 recipient families.

Tzu Chi Commissioner Sandra Cheung said it was a great experience for participating volunteers and recipients. The relief event was originally scheduled to be held outdoors. Everything was set the day before the event, however showers of blessings poured down that day into the following day when the event was scheduled to be held forcing Tzu Chi to grapple on whether to cancel the event and in the end decided to proceed as many families were in dire need of the relief items. 

Recipients showed up in large numbers and the event proceeded smoothly despite the challenges associated with the downpours. Recipients were treated to drinks and snacks and information was shared on the teachings of Tzu Chi’s Founder Master Cheng Yen, who believes that everyone should be treated as one family. Cheung said Master Cheng Yen reminds us the world is not getting any bigger, but the population is growing sadly with more greed, more crime and more poverty leading to more suffering. These issues are partially the result of too few good people who exist. “If we can inspire people to do good, educate people to start saving a few coins daily to help others, things will change. The moment of giving creates joyfully hearts. It transforms a person’s life from a receiver to a giver. The giver receives the joy of giving and suffering will be reduced, at the same time the number of good persons will increase,” Cheung explained. 

Recipients were happy to have a chance to give by donating to help Tzu Chi continue its work, and very grateful to receive the food packages as well as learn about the teachings. “Our goals are that together we can reduce suffering and increase the number of good persons in our society,” said Cheung. 

Following the distribution, volunteers shared their experiences, and were grateful for the opportunity. Cheung was appreciative of all volunteers including those from Leaders for Change, for their efforts in making the event possible. Leaders for Change led by Founder Ashma Berkel, has collaborated with Tzu Chi for several events over the past two years. 

 Berkel said the overwhelming community support was a testament to the necessity of such initiatives in today’s challenging times. She said the information shared not only empowered families with essential resources, but also enlightened them about the principles and values that underpin the Tzu Chi Foundation’s humanitarian efforts. She said Tzu Chi Foundation and Leaders for Change pledge to stand by the community, ensuring that these monthly food parcel distributions continue to be a beacon of hope for those in need. 

Tzu Chi Foundation is a global non-profit organization with a mission to alleviate suffering, promote environmental sustainability, and provide relief to those in need. Founded on the principles of compassion and empathy, the organisation has a long-standing history of making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities worldwide.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Beyond Kultura Events Foundation (BKEF), TVCARIB and Divergences (Tashira Richardson) were working together for the production of the animated-video storybook STORM, based on the children’s book by author Loekie Morales about the two boys David and Tony experiencing the passing of hurricane Irma on Sint Maarten.

In its 6^th year of the passing of devastating hurricane Irma, we can release the MONSTER STORM story video with voice over in Papiamentu. In September BKEF has released it with a storytelling voice of Dennis van Putten in English.

Now it is released spoken in Papiamentu by Dennis van Putten. His reading voice, intonation, articulation sound convincing in Papiamentu as well.

‘For this Papiamentu version, Van Putten has mixed his voice over, the beautiful illustrations by Penka Petkova and extra sound effects into an exited animated story video for mainly children of the Leeward Islands to enjoy,’ Morales stated.

This video production will bring the monster Storm, to life, so our Papiamentu speaking population can enjoy a captivated story the Windward Island population has experience on 6 September 2016.

The “Storm” video storybook is ready to be seen via TV Carib www.kids.tvcarib.com, under ‘the Story time’, you will find both, the spoken in English with Papiamentu subtitling version and the spoken in Papiamentu version. The video will also be available online at www.beyondkultura.com and some websites of libraries in the Dutch Caribbean.

‘This project is made possible with the financial support of the Prince Bernhard Cultural Fund Caribbean and Lucrecia Morales, who understand the importance of expanding children’s vocabulary and imagination by reading and storytelling projects like this’, Rita Aikman, treasurer of BKEF stated.