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PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten — On Friday August 7th 2015, the Department of Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA) honored members of various NGOs and Community Councils that successfully completed the Capacity Building Program that took place in 2014, with a continuation in 2015 with accredited courses at the University of St. Martin.

Sixty Four (64) participants successfully completed the program which was originally sponsored by USONA and the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labor.

The primary objective of the Capacity Building Program is to offer support and to enhance the skills and performance of NGOs and Community Councils.

The training was given free of charge and focused on "Financial Management", "Subsidy Ordinance", "Governance", "Tax administration for NGOs", "Program Development", "Marketing & Public Relations" and "Strategic Alliance Formation".

Reverend Baptiste did the Invocation and Ms. Cassilda van der Neut offered a moment of silent in reference to the tragic incident involving Officer Gamali Benjamin while on duty serving his community.

Amongst the speakers for that evening were the Dean of the University of St. Martin Dr. Francio Guadeloupe, who addressed the audience on the present social dynamics of St. Maarten, as well as the ongoing collaboration between the department of CDFHA and their recent accomplished Film Making Course, a certified course that allowed participants to use a practical approach to program development through the lens of film making.

Ten (10) graduates from the film making course received their certificate on Friday evening as well.

CDFHA and USM are continuing with their next course lined up, which is 'Introduction to Business Administration'. Interested NGOs and Community Councils have a very last opportunity to still sign up for this free course by contacting the department at Tell. (1721) 542 1122 or 542 9925.

Credits earned for these USM courses can go towards an Associate Degree in General Liberal Arts.

Ms. Aida Holaman, Head of Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs gave an outline of the objective of the Capacity Building Program as well as the USM courses and the journey undertaken to arrive to Friday's graduation ceremony.

This program is just another "brain child" program that the department is offering to their targeted group as an empowerment tool to support efficiency and effectivity of the services that are being offered by these collaborators and individuals. She also thanked the various partners: USONA, the Staff bureau of her Ministry and the department of BAK as well as former Prime Minister Sarah Wescot- Williams for their invaluable support in the realization of the Capacity Building Program.

The acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, Ms. Joy Arnell reminded recipients that community development takes place on multiple levels and that their collaboration is vital for effective community development. Two graduates, Mr. Charles Pompier and Ms. Marva van Heyningen offered brief remarks on behalf of their fellow recipients, of the program and its positive impact.

Also in attendance were the honourable Members of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams and Silveria Jacobs , the former director of USONA Ms. Angela Dekker and representative of Secure Advice as the program coordinator on behalf of CDFHA.

Apologies were given for the absence of the honourable Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs and acting Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labor Mrs. Rita Bourne- Gumbs.

The Certificate Ceremony concluded with a cocktail reception and live steel pan entertainment by Dow's Musical Foundation.