The announcement that the 10th annual meeting of the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV/AIDS "PANCAP" will take place in St. Maarten at the end of October is good news for several reasons. First and foremost, it is a much deserved form of recognition for the impressive work done locally over the years when it comes to this potentially fatal sexually transmitted disease, with the well-known "Talk Red" campaign, among other things.

As the gathering includes high-level officials such as three Prime Ministers and former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, no doubt it will receive the necessary media attention abroad, promote the island and boost its image in the region, confirming it is a major player in the area. That it's the first time the assembly will be held in the entire Dutch Caribbean only adds to the above.

The event will also give the new Country St. Maarten a great opportunity to foster regional and international relations, which will require much more attention in Philipsburg after the Netherlands Antilles ceases to exist on 10-10-10. In addition, it gives local health sector professionals and policymakers a chance to exchange ideas, intensify their cooperation and discuss the latest developments to receive an update on what's going on at a global level.

Last, but not least, the conference will bring 170 participants and possibly accompanying visitors from abroad to provide some most welcome business before the high season starts to contribute to the island's tourism economy in general and at Maho in particular. All in all, those involved at a local level deserve to be commended for attracting such a distinguished forum to "The Friendly Island."