~Representatives to participate in the Nationale Carrièrebeurs in the Netherlands~

CAY HILL:---  On Friday, April 24th, and Saturday, April 25th, 2026, the White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF) and St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) will be present at the Nationale Carrièrebeurs (National Career Fair) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to recruit healthcare staff. The joint presence aims to connect motivated (soon-to-be) graduates and experienced healthcare professionals interested in building their careers with the two largest healthcare organizations on St. Maarten.

This year, WYCCF and SMMC will team up to highlight career opportunities across both hospital and long-term/community care. Visitors are invited to meet representatives, ask questions about working and living on St. Maarten, learn more about roles, growth opportunities, and the application process, and explore what it is like to work in a close-knit, international healthcare environment where professionals can make a visible impact.

At the time of publication, WYCCF has 8 vacancies available, and SMMC has 19. The vacancies range from medical to nursing and non-medical positions. Current WYCCF vacancies can be found at www.wyccf.org/vacancies, and current SMMC vacancies can be found at www.smmc.sx/Careers.

WYCCF will be represented at the fair by Johanna Wever, HR Manager, and Bregje Boetekees, Operations Manager. SMMC will be represented at the fair by Hester Versleyen, Head Medical Staff Bureau, Christina Jacobs-Berkel, Manager Outpatient Care, and Dr. Emiko Bird-Lake, Cardiologist.

WYCCF and SMMC welcome interested candidates to visit their stand at the Nationale Carrièrebeurs (booth number: 201) at RAI Amsterdam (Europaplein 22) to learn more and explore career opportunities on Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Honorable Minister of Finance, Marinka J. Gumbs, together with her Cabinet, welcomed Ms. Nicole Marlin as Director of the Sint Maarten office of the Centrale Bank van Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) during an introductory meeting on April 1, 2026.

Effective on the same date, Ms. Marlin assumes responsibility for the office’s operations and serves as the Central Bank’s representative in Sint Maarten.

The meeting focused on coordination between the Ministry of Finance and the CBCS, particularly on financial oversight, regulatory matters, and national economic priorities.

“Ms. Marlin’s appointment is a valuable addition for Sint Maarten,” stated Minister Gumbs. “Her experience within the Ministry and her new role at the Central Bank place her in a strong position to support effective financial governance.”

Both parties emphasized the importance of maintaining direct communication and alignment on key policy areas.

The Ministry looks forward to working with Ms. Marlin in advancing sound financial management and economic stability.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Prime Minister Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina and the Minister of Sports (ECYS) Melissa Gumbs, along with St. Maarten National Athletics Federation, National Sports Federations, SXM Airport Management, family, friends, and well-wishers, welcomed the athletes on Thursday, April 9, 2026, upon their arrival at the Princess Juliana International Airport, who participated and represented St. Maarten valiantly in the recent CARIFA games in St. George's, Grenada.

Prime Minister Mercelina and Minister Gumbs commended the athletes and congratulated them wholeheartedly for their tremendous efforts in the regional competition.

Prime Minister Mercelina stated: “Today, we celebrate not only your achievements on the track, but the spirit of determination, discipline, and national pride that each of you carried with you to Grenada. You have represented Sint Maarten with honor and distinction. Your dedication inspires our nation, and your success reminds us of the incredible potential of our young people when given the opportunity to excel.”

“We extend special recognition to Nahjah Wyatte Munoz, whose outstanding performance earned Sint Maarten its first-ever gold medal in the Boys U17 800m at the CARIFTA Games. Crossing the finish line in an impressive 1:53.26, he has etched his name in our sporting history and set a powerful example for future generations," PM Dr. Mercelina added.

“This historic gold medal and the strong performances across the board are a testament to what can be achieved through perseverance and teamwork.”

At the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex ceremony, PM Dr. Mercelina said, "I will be hosting a special luncheon in honor of both teams, along with their respective coaches, to celebrate their dedication and accomplishments.”

Minister Gumbs stated: "It is with immense pride and a heart full of joy that I welcome our valiant athletes back to the shores of St. Maarten. Team SXM's participation in the CARIFA games in St. George’s, Grenada, was a testament to the raw talent, discipline, and spirit that define our youth. This historic moment of bringing home gold is a milestone that resonates far beyond the track and field; it is a victory for our entire nation.

“These athletes have shown that despite our size, St. Maarten possesses a giant spirit capable of conquering the regional stage. On behalf of the Ministry of ECYS, I congratulate our gold medalists and all members of the delegation on their dedication.

“You have not only represented us valiantly, but you have also inspired a new generation of local talent to dream bigger and reach higher. Welcome home, champions—your hard work has truly paid off."

For the 2026 CARIFTA Games, 53rd edition, whereby approximately 27 countries and territories participated, from April 4-6, at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium in St. George's, St. Maarten’s athletes

The St. Maarten delegation of athletes represented well, gave their all in their meets, performed with grit, and pushed their limits.

After the initial acceptance of the athletes in the above arrival/disembarkation area, a crowd was waiting to welcome them, with a group of family, friends, bystanders, airport staff, onlookers, and welcoming persons—hugging, kissing, and waving balloons—as they cheered and applauded.

All athletes were warmly welcomed, with special recognition to Nahjah Wyatte Munoz, GOLD Medalist, 1st Place in the 800m race for U17 Boys. Sint Maarten’s first-ever gold medal in the Boys U17 800m at the CARIFTA Games, where he crossed the finish line in 1:53.26.

Other athletes among the accompanying delegation were: Joleen Tomlin, Sebastiana Reyes Camacho, Nahjah Wyatte Munoz, Nessiah Wyatte Munoz, Marlon Prince, Michael Van De Veer, Adio Williams, Carlos Brison Cainez, and Javea S Clarke-Wattley – Delegation Leader, Abdule Wattley – Head Coach, Cameron Hyman – Coach/Safeguarding Officer, and Javon Edwards – Physiotherapist.

The CARIFTA Games is an annual athletics competition founded by the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA). The games were first held in 1972 and consist of track and field events, including sprint races, hurdles, middle distance track events, jumping and throwing events, and relays. The Games have two age categories: under-17 (under-18 until 2017) and under-20.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A pivotal moment in St. Maarten’s ongoing cannabis legalization debate unfolded this week as a medical expert delivered a powerful and deeply personal testimony before Parliament, challenging long-held assumptions about the drug’s impact on public health.

Appearing before the Committee for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry, Dr. Joseph Rosado, a physician specializing in medical cannabis and behavioral health, addressed concerns ranging from mental illness to addiction and healthcare costs. His remarks have since sparked renewed discussion among lawmakers and the wider public.

Dispelling a Common Fear

Central to the debate was the question of whether cannabis use leads to serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Dr. Rosado was unequivocal in his response.

He explained that the widely referenced figure of 3%—often linked to psychosis—actually represents the baseline rate in the general population, not cases caused by cannabis use.

“There is no established primary causal relationship between cannabis use and psychosis in healthy individuals,” he told Members of Parliament, adding that risks are primarily associated with those who already have a genetic predisposition.

The doctor emphasized that if cannabis were a direct cause, global schizophrenia rates would have risen alongside increasing cannabis use over the past several decades. Instead, those rates have remained largely unchanged.

Regulation as a Public Health Tool

Rather than dismissing potential risks, Dr. Rosado argued that legalization—when properly regulated—actually provides stronger safeguards than prohibition.

Under the current system, he said, users often rely on unregulated street products with unknown potency and contaminants. A legal framework, by contrast, would introduce controls such as product testing, potency limits, labeling, and age restrictions.

“Regulation does not increase harm—it reduces it,” he stated.

He also pointed to international data suggesting that legalization does not lead to higher rates of substance abuse treatment. In some cases, it even results in a decline, as individuals shift away from more dangerous substances.

A Patient’s Transformation

In one of the most striking moments of the session, Dr. Rosado shared the story of a patient whose life had been dominated by prescription medication.

The woman, suffering from multiple chronic conditions, relied on up to 58 pills a day. After transitioning to medical cannabis in a regulated system, her dependence on pharmaceuticals dropped dramatically—to just three pills within months, and eventually none at all.

“She was able to live again,” he said, recounting how the patient regained her independence and returned to work and family life.

The Hidden Dangers of Prohibition

The doctor also highlighted the risks posed by the illegal market, sharing a case involving a young man who unknowingly consumed cannabis laced with fentanyl.

The incident nearly proved fatal.

According to Dr. Rosado, such cases underscore the dangers of leaving cannabis outside a regulated system, where quality and safety cannot be guaranteed.

“That is the reality of prohibition,” he said.

Funding Mental Health Services

Another key aspect of the proposed cannabis framework is the allocation of funds for mental health and addiction services.

Dr. Rosado noted that, unlike the current situation—where cannabis generates no direct support for healthcare—a regulated industry could dedicate a fixed portion of revenue to institutions such as the Mental Health Foundation.

“This funding would be protected by law,” he explained, describing it as a major step forward in strengthening the island’s healthcare system.

A More Nuanced Conversation

Dr. Rosado’s testimony stood out not only for its scientific grounding but also for its human perspective. Responding to lawmakers who shared personal experiences with mental illness, he acknowledged the emotional weight behind the policy debate.

“This is not just data—it’s about people and families,” he said.

Parliament Faces a Defining Decision

As St. Maarten moves closer to drafting legislation on cannabis regulation, the discussion is becoming increasingly complex. Economic opportunities, public health considerations, and social concerns are all competing for attention.

This week’s testimony has added a new layer to that conversation—one that suggests the issue may not be whether cannabis poses risks, but whether regulation offers a better way to manage them.

With further deliberations expected in the coming weeks, Parliament now faces a decision that could shape the island’s public health and economic future for years to come.