Curaçao Public School Leaders Focus on Personal Leadership Growth

Sherwin Thielman has been elected to the board of UPAH (Union di Penshonado pa Adelanto i Hustisia), a pensioners' advocacy organization in Curaçao. The election took place last Saturday during the organization's annual general membership meeting. The board seat Thielman filled had become vacant, prompting the election as part of the regular meeting proceedings. UPAH represents pensioners and advocates for their advancement and justice, making its leadership relevant to a significant segment of Curaçao's population. Thielman's addition to the directiva signals continued organizational activity and member engagement within the union.

A study published in the Netherlands has found that more than one-third of mothers and roughly one in six fathers of very premature babies develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the birth. The findings highlight the significant psychological toll that premature birth can place on both parents, not just mothers. Premature birth — defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation — is a traumatic and often life-threatening event for the infant, and parents frequently experience fear, helplessness, and prolonged uncertainty in neonatal intensive care settings. Researchers note that PTSD symptoms in parents can interfere with bonding, family functioning, and the child's long-term development if left unaddressed. The study underscores the need for routine psychological screening and mental health support for parents in the weeks and months following a premature birth. Healthcare professionals are being urged to treat parental mental health as a standard part of neonatal care, not an afterthought.

A man who collapsed on a street in Amsterdam three years ago remains completely unidentified, despite ongoing efforts by Dutch authorities and hospital staff. The man, affectionately nicknamed 'Lucky' by caregivers, has been unable to communicate who he is since the incident, suggesting he may suffer from a serious neurological or cognitive condition. Hospital staff and investigators have so far been unable to determine his name, nationality, or origin through conventional identification methods. Authorities are now appealing to the public — including communities in the Caribbean, such as Curaçao — in hopes that someone may recognize him, indicating he could potentially have ties to the Dutch Caribbean. The case highlights the difficult legal and humanitarian challenges that arise when a person cannot identify themselves and has no documents or known contacts. After three years, Lucky remains in the care of the Amsterdam hospital with his true identity still a mystery.