~3 centenarians recognised~
PHILIPSBURG--Seven outstanding citizens were honoured by the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (VSA) in recognition of their decades of service and leadership that have shaped St. Maarten’s community.
The awards were presented by Minister of VSA, Richinel Brug, during a ceremony marking the International Day of the Elderly. The Ministry described the honourees as “pillars of the community,” representing fields ranging from healthcare and education to entrepreneurship, faith, and mentorship.
Elvia Theodora Guy was recognised for her lifelong dedication to public service. After returning to St. Maarten in 1977 following 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 became Department Supervisor. Her compassion and leadership impacted countless lives.
Charles “Freddie” Maccow, St. Maarten’s first qualified Health Inspector, began his career in public health in 1967 and helped establish the island’s Hygiene Department in 1972. He pursued advanced studies in the United States and Germany and also served as President of the Cole Bay Community Council. His lifelong advocacy for environmental health continues to influence public health standards across the region.
Entrepreneur Joseph “Joe” Gumbs, who migrated from Anguilla at age 12, was honoured for his role as a pioneer in local business. Together with his late wife, he founded Joe’s Shopping Center on Back Street in 1972. Now in operation for 53 years, Joe’s Shop remains one of the island’s last family-run establishments, symbolising resilience and community trust.
Nurse Linda Piper was recognised for her pioneering work in youth healthcare after returning to St. Maarten in 1973. Her initiatives in school immunisations and health screenings addressed emerging issues such as childhood obesity and juvenile diabetes. She contributed to major public health programmes, including the Youth Obesity Project, School Canteen Guidelines, and Take the Challenge: Eat Healthy St. Maarten.
Nacili “Anna,” originally from the Dominican Republic, has been a fixture in the local beauty industry since 1983. Known for her artistry and mentorship, she has trained numerous beauticians and prepared generations of Carnival queens, brides, and young women for special occasions, promoting empowerment and confidence through her work.
Pastor James Augustus Young, a master baker and spiritual leader originally from St. Vincent, moved to St. Maarten in 1970. After beginning his baking career in 1972 with Scott Bakery, he later founded Caribbean Bakery, which operated until 2012. For more than 40 years, he has led the Bible Baptist Church in Sucker Garden, exemplifying a life of faith and community service.
Oscar Gladwyn David was recognised for his lifelong contribution to vocational education and mechanical training. Beginning his career at age 13, he worked for decades at F. W. Vlaun & Sons before dedicating 30 years to teaching at the St. Maarten Vocational Training School, mentoring generations of local mechanics who went on to successful careers at home and abroad.
In addition to the seven honourees, the Ministry also recognised three of St. Maarten’s centenarians – Marie Reiph, aged 105; Olive Dauris Gertrude Wilson, who turns 104 on October 29; and Barbara Richardson-Alexander, aged 101 – for their longevity and contributions as symbols of resilience and wisdom.
Together, the honourees and centenarians embody the enduring spirit of St. Maarten: resilient, service-oriented, and deeply community-minded. The Ministry of VSA expressed its gratitude, stating that it “proudly celebrates their legacy and expresses sincere gratitude for their unwavering service to the people of St. Maarten.”
