Nzinga Lake: Caregiving must become part of St. Maarten's national conversation

GREAT BAY--Community advocate Nzinga Lake is calling for caregiving to become a more visible part of St. Maarten's national conversation, following an emotional radio interview that prompted an outpouring of personal stories from residents who have cared for loved ones or are currently carrying the responsibilities of caregiving.

Appearing on PJD2 Radio's The Breakfast Lounge with Lady Grace on Thursday, October 29, in observance of the United Nations International Day of Care and Support, Lake spoke openly about her experience caring for her aging parents alongside her siblings. She reflected on the emotional demands, personal sacrifices, and responsibilities that often accompany caregiving, while emphasizing the importance of recognizing and supporting those who devote significant portions of their lives to caring for others.

The conversation became particularly emotional as Lake reflected on her personal journey, at times moving her to tears. Following the broadcast, she received numerous telephone calls from listeners who identified with her experiences and wanted to share their own stories. Among them were current unpaid caregivers, individuals who had previously cared for loved ones who have since passed away, and professional caregivers who understood the emotional and physical demands associated with the responsibility.

Some callers shared memories of their caregiving experiences, while others spoke about challenges and emotions they had carried privately. For Lake, the response demonstrated that caregiving is an experience shared by many families across St. Maarten, yet one that often receives insufficient attention in broader discussions about healthcare, family welfare, and community support.

“Those tears came from a very real place. When people began calling and sharing their own emotions, I was reminded how many of us carry experiences that others may never see,” Lake said.

Lake's advocacy gained public attention in August following the publication of her article, "Who Checks on Us?", which encouraged the community to recognize the often-overlooked contributions of caregivers and consider the emotional, financial, and practical support they need.

Building on that initiative, she has launched the "Who Checks on Us?" Community Caregiver Survey, an effort to document the experiences of current and former unpaid caregivers in St. Maarten. The survey provides an opportunity for individuals to share the challenges they face, the types of assistance they need, and their perspectives on how caregivers could be better supported.

The survey takes approximately three to five minutes to complete and allows participants to respond anonymously. The information collected will contribute to a planned Community Caregiver Listening Report, which Lake hopes to eventually present to government, Parliament, and other relevant stakeholders as a basis for constructive discussions about caregiving and the needs of families.

“Our stories deserve more than a moment of sympathy. They deserve to be heard, documented, and considered when we discuss the future of care in St. Maarten,” Lake emphasized.

Lake is encouraging residents to help circulate the survey through their families, workplaces, churches, community organizations, and social media networks. She believes that reaching a wider group of caregivers will help document a broader range of experiences and provide a clearer understanding of the circumstances facing those who regularly care for others.

Beyond the survey, Lake is urging the community to translate the compassion expressed following her interview into practical support for caregivers throughout the year. She emphasized that recognition should not be limited to designated observance days or emotional public conversations, but should become part of how families, neighbors, employers, and communities respond to those providing care.

“Please continue checking on caregivers. Call them. Visit them. Ask how they are really doing. Offer to help, even in small ways. Sometimes people are carrying more than they are able to say,” she urged.

Caregivers frequently balance their responsibilities with employment, household expenses, financial pressures, and their own physical and emotional well-being. Some are caring for aging parents or spouses, while others provide ongoing support to children with special needs or relatives living with health challenges. These responsibilities can extend over many years and often require considerable personal adjustments.

Lake emphasized that support does not always have to involve major financial contributions or formal interventions. A telephone call, a visit, a listening ear, a hug, or an offer to assist with everyday responsibilities can provide encouragement to someone who may be feeling overwhelmed.

She also expressed gratitude to the women and men who contacted her following the radio interview, particularly those who shared personal experiences that are not always easy to discuss publicly. She thanked Lady Grace, the PJD2 Radio team, and local media organizations for providing opportunities to highlight caregiving and bring greater attention to the people performing these responsibilities.

For Lake, the October 29 observance should serve as a starting point for continued engagement rather than a single day of recognition. She hopes the community survey and the conversations it generates will encourage greater understanding of caregiving and help identify opportunities for stronger support systems in St. Maarten.

“Once, they carried us. Now, as we carry them, let us carry each other.” WHO CHECKS ON US? WE DO.

Lake's message is that caregivers should not have to shoulder their responsibilities without acknowledgment or support, and that the broader community has a role to play in ensuring their contributions are recognized.

Current and former unpaid caregivers are encouraged to complete the "Who Checks on Us?" Community Caregiver Survey, while other residents are asked to help share it with individuals who may wish to participate.

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