About Us

Our Story & Mission

Our History

Voice of the Youth St. Maarten Foundation

On May 17, 2013, the Voice of the Youth St. Maarten Foundation (VOTY) was founded as an independent non-profit private organization. The initiative to create the foundation came from Mrs. Zulayka Peterson.

The foundation has since embarked on a program called the St. Maarten Youth Brigade (SYB), a youth para-military program that aims to build self-confidence and discipline through physical and mental training, creating resilient youngsters.

Key persons have been selected from our community to participate due to their well-established histories of working with our target audience. These programs are designed to give young people, including those at risk, alternatives and new opportunities.

  • Vision

    To contribute to the awareness and create empowerment among the youth of St. Maarten, by providing education on their basic rights and a sense of duty to create respectful, responsible, and reliable citizens that participate actively in the edification of our country.

  • Mission

    To assist in the development of youngsters in the social, economic, cultural, and political areas by offering integral educational programs meant to create and strengthen awareness of basic rights and sense of duty to stimulate active participation in society’s development.

  • Values

    Our 7 Core Values guide every member: Good Conduct, Responsibility, Team Spirit, Professionalism, Reliability, Commitment, and Leadership Skills. These must be known by heart and put into practice daily.

What We Aim To Achieve

Our Objectives

  1. Present physical, mental, cognitive, and social education for all members

  2. Promote responsibility and discipline so members function as role models

  3. Provide a second chance at learning for productive citizenship

  4. Eradicate negative behavior amongst youth

  5. Offer assistance at social and humanitarian events

  6. Assist in the development and overall well-being of our adolescent population

Our Leadership

Board of Directors

The board serves to guide and oversee the organization, setting goals, ensuring legal and ethical practices, and steering the foundation towards its mission.

  • President

    Debbie Richardson

  • Vice President

    Vacant

  • Treasurer

    Zulayka Peterson

  • Vice Treasurer

    Nelly Blaise

  • Secretary

    Linda Flanders-Moise

  • Honorary Board Member

    Doris Didier-Wilson

Our Team

Coaches & Mentors

Our dedicated coaches and mentors work directly with youth members, providing guidance, training, and support to help them develop into disciplined and responsible citizens.

  • Head Coach

    [Name to be added]

  • Assistant Coach

    [Name to be added]

  • Drill Instructor

    [Name to be added]

  • Physical Training Coach

    [Name to be added]

  • Leadership Mentor

    [Name to be added]

  • Community Service Coordinator

    [Name to be added]

Gallery

A glimpse into our programs, training sessions, and community service activities.

  • Drill Training
  • Community Service
  • Leadership Development
  • Physical Training
  • Team Building
  • Annual Camp

Want to Be Part of Our Journey?

Join the Sint Maarten Youth Brigade and help us build tomorrow’s leaders.

Join the Brigade