XUNICEF News and Views

Driving these days along the roads of St.Croix, one can’t help but marvel at the variety of trees along the road. There are massive Mahogany trees and then flaming red Flamboyants, We are fortunate to have some on our property, which make our garden look very colorful between April and August. We have red and orange Flamboyants, yellow Ginger Thomas (the national flower of the Virgin Islands), red Bougainvilla and a white flower tree. And we have an African Tulip tree, which had planted itself and now is the tallest tree in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, due to a severe drought, many trees are losing their leaves and the flowers are not as vibrant as usual.

Title: Do Trees Talk to Each Other? Author: Richard Grant Publication: Smithsonian Date: February 20, 2018

For those football fans among us, especially those whose national teams participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, there is a certain void in our daily routines, and one can’t help but ask “any game this afternoon?”.

The two finalists at the 2026 FIFA World Cup know each other for almost 19 years (- as per Kul’s BBC article - published on the Blog 17/7/26),

I have been following the FIFA World Cup matches for five weeks, and can’t help but be amazed

Since the United States is celebrating its 250th Anniversary, it seems an appropriate moment to remember my good American experiences.

Those of us who have pets know that they are playing a very important role in our daily lives. They are companions and part of the family. Cats and dogs are the most common pets, and we have both. Cats are nice to pet, while dogs love to play and want to protect you, They learn to understand certain commands, and make themselves understood. It’s rewarding to care for another beng and to get their positive responses. In the words of author Louis Sabin:

Right in front of our house is the view of the Caribbean Sea and of a small Island, the Protestant Cay. It’s our favorite escape to relax on its beautiful beach.

This coming Monday, 25 May, is Memorial Day in the United States. It is observed to honor and mourn military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Originally, the day commemorated soldiers who died in the Civil War, but over time it was expanded to honor all American military personnel who died in service. It is now a federal holiday observed nationwide.

G ALS for the World’s Children Players , Clubs and Benefit Matches

Greetings.   I am posting this today, because 81 years ago, on May 3, 1945, Hamburg surrendered and avoided total destruction. For us in northern Germany it was the beginning of peace.

As a former international civil servant, I certainly do not want to comment on the politics or politicians of the host country.

A Chair and a Bench - At a place for dreams Probably everyone has a favorite seating arrangement, and I have two  at home

  What is your last assignment with UNICEF? Horst Max Cerni, Senior Public Affairs Officer, NY HQ

Among the most popular events that draw tourists to Spain are the Holy Week processions taking place in practically every town. Most famous are the ones in Andalucia (Seville etc), with many big floats and bands. It's not just a religious ceremonial happening, but also a social and cultural and, of course, touristy one.

On Sunday, March 22nd, our former colleague Dorothy Schleimer celebrated her 97th birthday.

On 19 November 2025, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution to honor the Olympic Truce, as proposed by the IOC President and the Milano Cortina Wintergames organizing committee. The objective was to build a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal. This Olympic Truce was to be enforced during the Olympics from 6 February through 15 March, 2026, the conclusion of the Paralympics.

Going through a box of UN First Day Covers which I acquired at an auction a few years ago, I found these two covers that have an interesting story:  

On March 22nd, Dorothy Schleimer celebrated her 96th birthday. More than a hundred days later, she’s still going strong—enjoying life with the same warmth and quiet determination we’ve long admired. That alone is reason enough to pause and celebrate a remarkable friend and former colleague. 

Our Summer weather is still pleasant, mostly in the 80s and some showers. But the most beautiful expression of Summercare the blooming Flamboyants. It's really impressive. Tomorrow is the big Emancipation Day when in 1848 the enslaved population got their freedom. We'll celebrate the Fourth. and watch the Macy one from NY and remember the good time we had in the Big Apple. Enjoy. Happy fourth! Horst.