PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  Effective immediately, the Government of Sint Maarten hereby informs the general public of precautionary measures being implemented in response to ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)-related health concerns affecting parts of Africa.

While the risk of importation remains low, the Government of Sint Maarten emphasizes that these measures are preventive and are being implemented out of an abundance of caution.

There are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola in Sint Maarten.
Residents are strongly advised to avoid non-essential travel to the affected countries at this time.

These measures are being taken to safeguard public health and to prevent the potential importation of the Ebola virus into Sint Maarten.

Effective immediately, all passengers, regardless of nationality, are not permitted to enter or transit through Sint Maarten if, within the 21 days prior to travel, they have been present in or have transited through any of the following countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and or South Sudan.

Additionally, passengers traveling via Sint Maarten to an onward destination must not be accepted for travel to Sint Maarten unless their admissibility to the onward destination has been verified in advance by the carrier.

This applies in particular to passengers who have been present in, or transited through, a country subject to restrictions applied by the onward destination.

In addition to the countries listed in the Sint Maarten public-health measure, this currently includes Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Burundi, and Nigeria for onward travel to St. Kitts and Nevis or Antigua. Travelers whose final destination is Anguilla or St. Barths and who have traveled through countries listed in Sint Maarten's public health measures will need to travel via another airport.

The following categories of travelers are exempt from the above restrictions, subject to strict public health monitoring protocols:
Residents of Sint Maarten and Saint Martin (French side); Residents from Saba and St. Eustatius, provided they are in same-day transit only.

The following health monitoring measures have also been implemented as a precaution, in accordance with international standards and procedures. All exempt individuals may be subject to Enhanced health screening upon arrival and possible monitoring for up to 21 days, in accordance with established public health guidelines.

Ebola, formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a severe and often fatal illness in humans. The virus is transmitted to humans from wild animals and spreads within the human population through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials.

Transmission requires close physical contact with symptomatic persons.

Individuals who choose to travel to these areas should be aware that they may be subject to enhanced health screening and possible isolation upon return.

Travelers are further advised to carry all relevant documentation, including proof of residency, when traveling.

The public is encouraged to remain informed through official Government communication channels and to adhere strictly to all public health guidance.

For updates and additional guidance, the public is advised to monitor official announcements from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA).

Ministry VSA will continue to monitor the evolving situation in Africa and will keep the community informed as things progress.

My fellow people of Sint Maarten,
As we approach the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, I address you today not only as your Prime Minister, but as a fellow resident of this beautiful country who understands firsthand what this season can mean for our families, our homes, our livelihoods, and our peace of mind.
For us in Sint Maarten, hurricane season is not simply a date on the calendar. It is a period that reminds us of our vulnerability, but also of our strength. We remember the lessons of the past. We remember the uncertainty, the fear, the devastation, but we also remember the resilience of our people. We remember neighbors helping neighbors, families opening their homes to others, emergency workers risking their lives, and a nation that refused to give up.
Those experiences taught us something important: preparedness saves lives.
This year’s hurricane season officially begins on June 1st and runs through November 30th. Forecasts indicate another active season for the Atlantic region, and while we pray that Sint Maarten is spared from major impacts, we cannot depend on hope alone. Preparation must be our responsibility.
I want to speak directly to every household, every business owner, every parent, every senior citizen, every young person, and every resident of this country: now is the time to prepare.
Do not wait for a storm warning to begin securing your home or gathering supplies. By the time a storm is approaching, it may already be too late to complete critical preparations safely.
I urge all residents to review their emergency plans with their families. Know where you will shelter if necessary. Ensure you have enough food, water, medication, batteries, important documents, and emergency supplies to sustain your household for several days. Check on elderly relatives, neighbors living alone, and persons who may need additional support during an emergency.
To our business community, your preparedness is equally important. Review your continuity plans, secure your properties, protect important data and equipment, and ensure your staff understand emergency procedures. The strength of our economy after a storm depends greatly on how prepared we are beforehand.
As Chair of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), I already convened a meeting with the EOC on May 27, 2026, as part of Government’s continued proactive approach toward hurricane preparedness and national response coordination. During these discussions, key stakeholders and emergency management officials reviewed preparedness measures, response readiness, inter-agency coordination, communication protocols, shelter preparedness, and operational planning for the upcoming season. This meeting reflects Government’s commitment to remaining vigilant, prepared, and coordinated ahead of any potential threat.
Government continues to work actively together with our emergency services, ministries, utility companies, and key stakeholders to strengthen preparedness and response capabilities ahead of the season. This includes ongoing coordination through our national disaster management framework, shelter readiness assessments, public infrastructure preparations, and continued collaboration with regional and international partners.
I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to all first responders, emergency personnel, healthcare workers, volunteers, utility workers, and community organizations who stand ready every year to serve and protect this country, often under extremely difficult circumstances. Your dedication does not go unnoticed.
At the same time, preparedness is not only the responsibility of government. Disaster resilience begins at home and within our communities. We all have a role to play.
Let us also remember that storms do not affect everyone equally. There are families among us who may struggle to afford supplies or secure their homes adequately. If you are in a position to help someone in need, I encourage you to do so. A simple act of kindness, sharing supplies, helping clear a yard, assisting an elderly neighbor, or offering support to a vulnerable family can make a meaningful difference.
Sint Maarten has always shown its greatest strength during challenging times. We are a resilient people. We are a compassionate people. And when we stand together, there is no challenge we cannot face.
I ask everyone to stay informed throughout the hurricane season by following official government channels, emergency notifications, and verified information sources. Avoid spreading rumors or misinformation, especially during times of uncertainty, as accurate information can save lives.
My fellow people of Sint Maarten,
Preparedness is not about fear. It is about responsibility. It is about protecting the people we love and ensuring that our country can recover quickly and safely should a storm threaten us.
Let us enter this hurricane season alert, prepared, united, and committed to looking out for one another.
May God continue to bless and protect Sint Maarten and all who call this country home.
Thank you.
Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Library is pleased to announce the addition of Een zwaluw in de kamer: Queer-verhalen die je omarmen (A Swallow in the Room: Queer Stories That Embrace You) by Dutch author Eveline van de Putte to its collection. Danielle Swart generously donated the book on behalf of the author.
Written in Dutch, Een zwaluw in de kamer is a collection of twenty interconnected stories that explore themes of identity, love, family, friendship, inclusion, disability, and self-discovery. Through relatable and compassionate characters, the book highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and respect for diversity, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.
Danielle Swart works as a fund manager for the Jo Visser Fonds in the Netherlands. The goal of this fund is to stimulate healthcare education for people who wish to work in elderly care and related fields. By supporting small projects, young people can learn about the importance of their future profession. The publication of Een zwaluw in de kamer was made possible through this support.
“The author tells stories about the queer community in a friendly and accessible way, especially to encourage people to love and respect one another,” said Swart. “This is particularly important in healthcare settings, where many people are still afraid to show their true feelings. We hope that this book demonstrates that we are all human beings and serves as a valuable conversation starter.”
The Sint Maarten Library invites patrons to discover this thoughtful and inspiring Dutch-language title and engage in meaningful conversations about inclusion, acceptance, and our shared humanity.
For more information, please contact the Sint Maarten Library.

PHILIPSBURG — A parliamentary meeting concluded on a conciliatory note after a motion expressing dissatisfaction was formally withdrawn before it could be debated or voted upon.
During the session, the Chair announced that Parliament had reached the third item on its agenda, a motion expressing dissatisfaction. However, the motion's presenter, Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion, requested that it be retracted.
Addressing the Chair, MP Irion explained that developments during the meeting had changed the circumstances surrounding the proposal. He noted that the first motion discussed had addressed concerns about fairness and justice, rendering his own motion no longer relevant.
“Seeing the first motion and seeing that the fairness and justice base of my motion will not make sense anymore, I would like to retract my motion,” MP Irion stated.
Following parliamentary procedure, the request to withdraw the motion was presented to the chamber and received the necessary support from two members. As a result, the motion was officially retracted and was not put to a vote.
With no further items requiring deliberation, the Chair brought the meeting to a close. In her concluding remarks, she thanked the Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, and members of his support staff for their participation.
The Chair also expressed regret over the circumstances that had led to the matter being brought up before Parliament, particularly considering its impact on the minister, his ministry, and the individuals working within it.