SINT MAARTEN/ANTIGUA - Against the lush green mountains of Antigua, colourful Wingfoil sails adorned the horizon, marking the commencement of Antigua Wingfoil Championship Race Day 1 during Antigua Sailing Week. 

Young, old(er), professional or adventureseeker

From seasoned professionals to adventurous souls, Wingfoiling embraces participants of all ages and backgrounds. With categories for professionals and leisure enthusiasts, competitors are evaluated by the Race Committee based on their expertise. 

Sacha van der Wouden, organiser of Caribbean Foiling Championships, explains, " The Leisure Class provides a stepping stone for newcomers to racing or those prioritizing the experience over competition. We've established two classes to ensure inclusivity and foster a vibrant Caribbean Foiling community. Whether seeking competitive racing or camaraderie, our aim is to make foiling accessible and enjoyable for all." 

Familiar Faces and Gender Diversity

Among the competitors, familiar faces like 15 year old Mark Mains from New Zealand have transitioned from the Leisure Class in 2023 to the Professional Class this year, showcasing remarkable progress. Meanwhile, Antiguan Wingfoiler Sammy Martin, known for his participation at the 2021 Caribbean Foiling Championships in St. Martin, returns with renewed determination. 

Breaking gender barriers is Antiguan Wingfoiler Arianna Casagrande, making history as the first female competitor in the Antigua Wingfoil Championship. 

Race Day 1 Highlights

Today witnessed a total of 6 thrilling races at the breezy Cades Reef. Following the fourth race, competitors took a well-deserved lunch break, with spirits soaring high. Current leader, 17 year old Idani Edwards exclaimed, "That was epic!" while others, like Seumas Meharg expressed exhaustion from the intensity of the races, stating, "I am wiped out!" 

Tomorrow, Race Day 2

Due to light wind conditions anticipated on Saturday, the downwinder will be held on Friday, April 26 instead. Maxim van den Pol, event organizer, explains, "To ensure the best and safest racing experience for all, we've decided to reschedule the downwinder to Friday. Adequate wind is crucial for this race, considering the risks involved."  The downwinder spans an 8 Nautical Miles stretch from Pigeon Point to Turners Beach, with last year's record set by Anthony Smith (Martinique) at 35 minutes and 49 seconds. Will this year see a new record? 

As the event progresses into its second day, anticipation mounts for another day of thrilling competition and camaraderie.

SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) - Winning...It's easy! Every day is a new chance to win. Various lottery games, cash prices, numerous retailers located all over Curaçao and great winning probabilities.

Robbie’s Lottery main office can be found at the Cannegieter Street #70, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday to Saturday and on Sunday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.  

For additional information and news, go to www.robbieslottery.com

Every day is a new chance to win!

SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) - Winning...It's easy! Every day is a new chance to win. Various lottery games, cash prices, numerous retailers located all over Curaçao and great winning probabilities.

Robbie’s Lottery main office can be found at the Cannegieter Street #70, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday to Saturday and on Sunday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.  

For additional information and news, go to www.robbieslottery.com

Every day is a new chance to win!

SINT MAARTEN/THE NETHERLANDS – The national ombudsman has slammed the way locals who tried to help asylum seekers forced to sleep in the open air at the Ter Apel reception centre two years ago were threatened with arrest.

Hundreds of people were left sleeping outside in the summer of 2022 because the reception centre had no beds. Access to water, toilets and showers was also extremely limited.

Help from locals and refugee organisations, who donated food and tents, was also rejected by officials and tents and other camping gear were removed by police because of a perceived risk to public order.

“You would expect a government to think and work with its citizens to find a solution, rather than threaten to punish those who help,” ombudsman Reinier van Zutphen said.

Roos Ykema, director of refugee aid group MiGreat has welcomed the report. “We were standing with them in the rain and did not know how they could stay dry,” she told Radio 1 news.

Ykema was told in a formal letter she risked a three month jail term if she continued to help people by handing out tents, a move which led the agency to complain to the ombudsman.

“Everyone I speak to wants no repeat of the situation in Ter Apel two years ago,” Van Zutphen said. “But that can only happen if all the local authorities in the Netherlands work together and share the responsibility for providing accommodation for refugees,” he said.

Officials have warned that the situation could arise again because the reception centre is still too full.

Refugee settlement agency COA was fined several times this year for providing beds for more than the 2,000 the Ter Apel location has been licenced to house.

(DutchNews)