GREAT BAY, St. Martin (October 21, 2002) — Rhoda Arrindell and Joy Reiph-Arnell will launch a new talk-radio show here called “Conversations” on Sualouiga radio, 99.9 FM on Tuesday, October 22, 2002, at 9:05 in the morning.

The live 30-minute program will focus on “open discussions with guest experts on topical issues of general interest,” said Reiph-Arnell, head of the Women’s Desk and a leading youth and community activist for at least ten years. The first guest will be union leader Patricia Pantophlet (WICSU) with an update on the dismissal law controversy.

Arrindell said, “the two hosts will not always agree on the topics,” which would be a fresh feature in St. Martin talk-radio that could distinguish “Conversations” among the many talk-radio shows on the island’s some six radio stations—and a feature that no St. Martin TV show comes close to entertaining. Arrindell, herself a national activist and sports organizer, lectures in English at the University of St. Martin (USM) and has a trained background in linguistics, journalism and law.

“The idea is to offer a lighthearted approach to serious, well-research-ed issues from different perspectives and targeting the average citizen,” said Reiph-Arnell. The repeat broadcast of “Conversations” will air every Thursday at 4:30 PM.

The talkshow hosts’ said that Com. Sarah Wescott-Williams, Romeo Pantophlet and Dr. Lloyd Richardson are already lined up for guest appearances. Arrindell and Reiph-Arnell said that they are very open to suggestions from the general public for new ideas on approaching a variety of topics for “Conversations.”