SINT MAARTEN (MIDDLE REGION) - Da Big Bad XP hosted the grand finale of the Road to Carnival series with an unforgettable evening of music, community, and celebration. Da Backyard Jam Session III, held at the Da Big Bad XP Headquarters in the Middle Region, brought together a diverse audience eager to soak in the rhythm and vibes of the Caribbean.

Kicking off the festivities was the talented DJ Prince, setting the stage for an evening of musical mastery. Skillful Band, Tonez Band, Acha and RudyNumb4 captivated the audience with their dynamic performances, each bringing their unique flair to the stage.

As anticipation built, Da Big Bad XP graced the stage, delivering a performance that had attendees on their feet, dancing and singing along. To cap off the night in true Caribbean style, the legendary Onyan from Antigua delivered a performance that left the audience in awe.

"The atmosphere was electric, and the show couldn't have been better," remarked Darnel ‘MixX!E’ York, Founder of Da Big Bad XP. "I am immensely grateful to everyone who came out to support us. It truly was a jam session to remember."

Despite the threat of rain, the weather held up until the very end, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the music and festivities. The sweet sounds of Onyan had the crowd swaying until the last note, a testament to the power of Caribbean music to unite and uplift. One of the standout features of the event was its accessibility, with free admission for all attendees. Guests were treated to delicious Chicken Leg or Spare Ribs, courtesy of Captain’s Rib Shack ensuring that everyone could indulge in the flavors of the Caribbean.

Mr. York extended heartfelt thanks to the sponsors whose generous support made the event possible. "Without the backing of our sponsors, both financially and in-kind, this night would not have been the success it was," he acknowledged.

Da Big Bad XP extends heartfelt gratitude to the following sponsors for their invaluable support - REAL Auto, CC1, SXM Airways, The Captain’s Rib Shack, SXM Crazy Beach Bar & Restaurant, Sound2000, Beaver Builders B.V, Dalia Noor B.V, Pressure Detailing & Cleaning, Handled Consultancy, Brooks & Associates, Mr. Peter Blackman, Mr. Clement Richardson, The Parents of Darnel and Dwayne York, Ms. Linaisa Mardenborough, Powerline Automotive, SOS Radio, Laser 101 and PJD2.

Their contributions, whether financial or in-kind, played a pivotal role in making this event an overwhelming success. Additionally, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to MC Dutty Sham for his exceptional hosting across every edition, and to Da XP Soljahs for their unwavering support and willingness to lend a helping hand. As the final notes of Da Backyard Jam Session III fade into the night, Da Big Bad XP looks forward to continuing its mission of fostering community spirit and celebrating Caribbean culture in all its splendor.

SINT MAARTEN (POINT BLANCHE) - The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is currently investigating a disturbing incident of ill-treatment that occurred at the prison facility located in Point Blanche (HVB). On Monday, personnel from the Detective Department were alerted to an incident involving the ill-treatment of a prisoner by another inmate.

According to initial reports, the victim sustained slash wounds to several parts of their body during the altercation. Immediate medical attention was administered, and the victim was swiftly transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for further treatment.

Upon receiving the complaint from the victim, detectives promptly initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Our investigative team is diligently working to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and piece together the events that led to this distressing occurrence.

The safety and well-being of all individuals within our jurisdiction, including those within correctional facilities, are of paramount importance to the Sint Maarten Police Force. Any acts of violence or mistreatment will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken to ensure accountability and justice.

SABA (THE BOTTOM) - On April 16^th, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) organized a seminar on Saba on the critical role of collaboration in ecosystem restoration for the Dutch Caribbean. Aimed at promoting collaboration to safeguard nature, this seminar brought together key individuals from across the Dutch Caribbean to share existing examples and future goals.

The United Nations has declared this decade ‘the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration’, highlighting the importance of ecosystem restoration and promoting related activities. As the leading network organization regarding nature conservation in the Dutch Caribbean region, the DCNA has emphasized the message of working together for more than 25 years. The necessity of working together also accounts for ecosystem restoration on for example coral reefs and mangroves.

The half-day seminar, titled "The Success of Conservation Projects Hinges on Effective Collaboration” brought together members from each of the six island’s Park Management Organizations, local experts, researchers, governments, the local community, and NGOs from the Dutch Caribbean.

The seminar included presentations on various collaborative projects, including the Coral Reef Early Warning System (CREWS), the RESEMBID Reforestation Project, DIADEMA RAAK II project, COastal Resilience Needs Assessment (CORENA) Project, Sea and Learn’s projects, and the DCNA’s and World Wide Fund for Nature – Netherlands (WWF-NL) ‘s Coastal Feasibility Study. Speakers highlighted the need for collaboration between nature-focused and non-nature-focused organizations and between local, regional, and international partners to maximize efforts for nature restoration.

Arno Verhoeven, Stationary Director of the DCNA, remarked: "In a world where ecological boundaries know no borders, the fight to conserve local biodiversity cannot be shouldered by individuals or a single island alone. It is a collective effort that requires collaboration from diverse stakeholders, including local communities, governments, and international organizations. This seminar aims not just to discuss, but to catalyze action, reinforcing our commitment to this cause."

The DCNA extends sincere thanks to all who contributed to the success of the seminar. Your dedication and expertise are invaluable in advancing conservation efforts. The DCNA eagerly anticipate continued collaboration in our shared pursuit of a sustainable future.

SINT MAARTEN/CURACAO - Mental healthcare (MH) and forensic care (FC) in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom aim to enhance collaboration. Speakers from all parts of the Kingdom will share insights on 'best practices' and challenges within MH and FC during a conference in Curaçao on April 15, 16, and 17.

The signatories of the Four-Party Consultation on Justice and the Four-Country Consultation on Public Health have instructed both the FC and MH working groups to propose ways to improve collaboration in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. Challenges such as outdated legislation which limits options for care and treatment in mental health forensic are important focal points.

Participants will share experiences, gain inspiration, and meet stakeholders within the mental health forensic care chain. Together, they will make recommendations to improve various forms of mental health forensic care, which will ultimately lead to improving the overall mental health care chain. The outcomes and recommendations of the conference will be presented to the signatories the Four-Party Consultation on Justice and the Four-Country Consultation on Public Health

The conference will cover various topics such as legislative developments on forced MH, FC within detention, outpatient forensic care, addiction care, and aftercare. So far, 125 participants from the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, the BES Islands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba), and Suriname have registered.

Dutch Caribbean Mental Health

The conference will also take further steps to strengthen and formalize the collaboration between various MH parties in the Caribbean part of the kingdom into the Federation Dutch Caribbean Mental Health. This includes the foundations FSMA Respaldo (Aruba), GGZ Curaçao, Brasami (Curaçao), PSI Skuchami (Curaçao), Mental Health Foundation Sint Maarten, and Mental Health Caribbean. The federation aims to promote the quality of mental healthcare on all islands within the kingdom. It will facilitate the exchange of substantive and organizational expertise, particularly in the areas of quality and further development, legislation, and education.