Ministry VSA honors seven pillars of the St. Maarten Community

GREAT BAY--On the occasion of the International Day of the Elderly, the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), led by the Honorable Minister Richinel Brug, honored seven distinguished individuals whose decades of dedication, service, and leadership have made a lasting impact on St. Maarten’s community life.

The recognition ceremony celebrated the following community pillars:

• Ms. Elvia Theodora Guy returned to St. Maarten in 1977 after completing her studies in district nursing in the Netherlands. She served at the Department of Public Health and later at the Social Services Department from 1978 to 2009, where she rose to the role of Department Supervisor.

• Mr. Charles “Freddie” Maccow, St. Maarten’s first qualified Health Inspector, began his public health career in 1967 and helped establish the island’s Hygiene Department in 1972.

• Mr. Joseph “Joe” Gumbs, who migrated from Anguilla at age 12, became a respected entrepreneur and community pillar. He opened Joe’s Shopping Center on Back Street in 1972, which remains in operation today.

• Nurse Linda Piper returned to St. Maarten in 1973 and built a career in youth healthcare. She helped implement initiatives such as the Youth Obesity Project, School Canteen Guidelines, and Take the Challenge: Eat Healthy St. Maarten.

• Ms. Nacili “Anna”, originally from the Dominican Republic, settled on St. Maarten in 1983 and became a leader in the beauty industry, mentoring many and contributing to Carnival and cultural life.

• Pastor James Augustus Young, originally from St. Vincent, has lived on St. Maarten since 1970. A baker and pastor, he founded Caribbean Bakery and has led Bible Baptist Church in Sucker Garden for over 40 years.

• Mr. Oscar Gladwyn David began his career as a mechanic at 13, later taught for 30 years at the Vocational Training School, and trained many local mechanics.

The Ministry also recognized three of St. Maarten’s centenarians: Ms. Marie Reiph (105), Ms. Olive Dauris Gertrude Wilson (103, turning 104 on October 29), and Mrs. Barbara Richardson-Alexander (101), for their strength, wisdom, and contribution to the community.

Minister Brug stated, “Our elderly are the living memory of our nation, keepers of wisdom, culture, and resilience. On this day, we honor their lifelong contributions and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring they live with the dignity, care, and respect they so deeply deserve.”

The Ministry expressed its gratitude to all honorees for their service and continued example to the people of St. Maarten.

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