The Island Government of St. Eustatius has been working on improving the civil core through an overall training programme. Several key persons in government were trained by Bestuurs.
Academie Nederland on preparing sound budgets. Department Heads were given certain trainings to improve on their working skills, and at the same time this will result in an optimal performance. The Finance department started following trainings to improve and adjust to the new system which has been introduced to their department. Many people in the community and vendors of the island government may have noticed that for example payments are done digitally via internet banking and the process of payment is faster than in the past. The Finance department organized an open day for the community to come in and pose questionsand learn about the new changes and at the same time allowed the possibility
to make payment arrangements. Today, we shouldn’t be surprised to learn that a delegation comprising of three employees: Mrs. Elaine Busby-Schmidt; Mrs. Bernice Castiana-Tearr; and Ms. Nudy Gibbs travelled on Saturday, May 15th 2010 to the Netherlands for training to enhance their skills to better serve you.
GOVERNORS CABINET CELEBRATE 60 YEARS
The Cabinet of the Governor of the Netherlands Antilles has recently celebrated it’s 60th year of existence with the present staff and former staff members. The Acting Governor Mrs. Van der Pluijm- Vrede represented Governor Goedgedrag, who was prevented, former Governors Mr. J. Saleh and Mrs. De Paula were present at this staff celebration. The former Governors
received a memento from the director of the Governors Cabinet Mr. Dick van der Windt of this 12th anniversary. As a result of the Constitutional Restructuring of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010, the Governor’s Cabinet will cease to exist. During the rest of 2010 the Cabinet will organize in the scope of the 60th year some other activities.Dr. Baboe and the nurses of the District. She made use of the opportunity to introduce new faces including Mik Genet, a Social Worker and Ester Siegers and Youth Worker, both from The Netherlands.
S a f e a n d h e a l t h y
A video address introduced Dutch Minister for Youth & Family, Mr. Rouvoet who emphasized the importance of children being able to grow up safe and healthy. Minister Rouvoet encouraged the youth and families of St. Eustatius to make good use of the Centre for Youth & Family. He further expressed satisfaction that the building was now opened one short year
after the name sign was presented to former lt. Governor Hyden Gittens in February 2009. Acting Lt. Governor, Mr. Louis Brown, performed the task of unveiling the signboard while 11 year old Kentonea Fortin and Commissioner for Constitutional Affairs, Julian Woodley, opened the door followed by Commissioner Roy Hooker and Marga Drewes.
Showcas e youth tal ent
In keeping with the theme the programme was packed with a variety of performances showcasing the talents of the youth. The Dutch national anthem the Wilhelmus and the Golden Rick song were sung respectively by Diane Rivers and Julissia Suares and Precious Jewels.
Notable performances were staged by Alois Dancers, Rising Stars and Precious Jewels. Local Calypsonian and two times Jr. Calypso King, Junior Courtar a.k.a. Problem Child vowed the crowd when he sang a familiar tune he won with in 2003 entitled "Magic Chair".
C e l e b r a t e s u c c e s s
And as if the performances were not enough, the programme celebrated the success of the students who participated in the My Dream Essay Contest and the colouring contest. Winners in the Essay contest are Wenifer Lopez who one day wants to become a general doctor and Raichelon (Robert) Every who aspires to become a pilot. Other essay contest winners are Winter Cagan (Chef), Lysette Woodley (Lt. Governor) Shadira Dinzey (Elementary School teacher) and Rashid Maduro (Engineer). Three students were selected in the 4-7 category of the colouring contest. They are Chiani Harrigan, Dilliaan Chandler and Vanallie Persaud. Winners in the 8 -18 years oldcolouring contest are Sabina Richard, Dichairon Berkel and Rashid
Maduro.
T h e " B l o c k H u t "
Excitement grew even more at approximately 19.00 P.M. when the community could finally enter the front of the new brand Centre. The families expressed praise with the professional and colorful décor which they experienced as inviting. Refreshments were served in the backyard now landscaped into a beautiful garden featuring a variety of toys, games, seating and what is called the "Blok Hut". The Blok Hut will accommodate the Baby Clinic and will be used otherwise for private consultations.
S h owe r s o f b l e s s i n g s
And when all was said and done, it was approximately 20.00 P.M. Chairs and sound system had been removed. The tent removed and the Fort Oranjestraat cleaned. As families
journeyed back home, skies that had been threatening to burst mostCaof the afternoon, finally broke, bringing what Statians call "showers of blessings" and closing the curtain on a splendid and historic opening of the Centre for Youth & Family on Statia.