On December 3 Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Mathias Voges attended the Young Professional Gala-Award Pearls of the Dutch Caribbean organized by OCaN.
Minister Voges addressed the nominees from all the islands, among them two Sint Maarteners namely Ivy Defoe (Masters Degree in Psychology and a PhD candidate with an emphasis on adolescent risky behaviours and juvenile delinquency) and Mischu Laikah (singer, songwriter, vocal coach and IKN Ambassador in Holland). Voges wished them much success on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Government of Sint Maarten.
Voges said that they are role models for the upcoming youth and that he hoped that other youngsters will be encouraged and follow in their footsteps.
Minister Voges left the youngsters with the following tips: grow your self confidence and move quickly to repair it when it’s damaged by setbacks; continue to grow professionally; tackle the toughest jobs and challenges; know yourself particularly your weaknesses and eliminate them; and understand that whatever else may fail you, whatever bad luck or failure may befall you, your personal integrity is always in your own hands and can never be taken away.