LIVE – SXM Island Time: Recognizing the Elderly with Richinel Brug

SXM Island Time is commemorating the 10th anniversary of the death of its founder, Samuel Allen, who passed away on October 1st. The platform published a tribute acknowledging the decade that has passed since his death, reflecting on the lasting impact he left on the news outlet and the broader St. Maarten community. Allen is credited as the driving force behind the creation of SXM Island Time, a local media platform that continues to operate in his name. The tribute highlights that while ten years have passed, his memory and influence remain deeply embedded in the platform's identity and mission. The occasion serves as a moment of reflection for the organization and its readers, honoring the legacy of a person whose contributions to local media endure.

Sint Maarten's Collective Prevention Services (CPS) is commemorating the International Day of Older Persons on October 1st by encouraging the community to recognize and celebrate the contributions of elderly residents. The observance is part of a broader push by CPS to promote healthy aging across the island. The annual United Nations-recognized day serves as a platform for raising awareness about the challenges and opportunities that come with an aging population. CPS is using the occasion to engage the local community and highlight the importance of supporting older residents in maintaining their health and well-being. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts by Sint Maarten's public health sector to address the needs of its senior population as a key community priority.

A new book titled 'The Healing Man: Healing the Inner Boy So the Man Can Thrive' is generating conversation on St. Maarten around the often-overlooked topic of men's emotional healing and mental well-being. The book centers on a fundamental question: what becomes of men who take on adult roles — husband, father, leader — without ever addressing the emotional wounds carried from childhood and youth? The work aims to open dialogue around male vulnerability, inner healing, and the psychological burdens that men frequently carry in silence. The book's release is being noted in St. Maarten as part of a broader regional and global conversation about men's mental health. Its core message challenges the cultural norm that men should suppress pain and simply push forward with responsibilities. By framing healing as a necessary foundation for thriving, the book positions emotional growth not as weakness but as essential to strong leadership and healthy relationships. The release is considered timely given growing awareness of mental health issues across Caribbean communities.