PHILIPSBURG:---  Mental Health lives in our homes, our communities, and in the quiet moments we all face.

Over the years, our resilience has been tested. The devastation of Hurricane Irma and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic left lasting impacts—not just on our economy and infrastructure, but on our hearts and minds.

But beyond these major events, many among us continue to face daily battles. The pressure of making ends meet, the struggle to put food on the table, the weight of trying to provide a better future for our children—all of these take a toll.

And for our single parents, many of whom carry these burdens alone, the emotional and mental strain can be overwhelming. We see you. We hear you. And we are working to build a system that supports you—not just in crisis, but every day.

As Minister of Public Health, I have placed mental health high on the Ministry’s agenda. Our goal is clear: to make mental health care more accessible, to reduce stigma, and to create a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength—not weakness.

Take a moment for yourself. Check in with a friend. Be kind—to yourself and to others. Our strength as a country lies in how we care for one another.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The House of Parliament will sit in a Solemn Public meeting on Monday, October 13, 2025.

The Public meeting is scheduled for 10.00 hrs. in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is:

10-10-2025: Commemorating the Fifteenth Anniversary of the attainment of Country Status of Sint Maarten within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; A reflection of 15 years of Country Status.

It has become customary that the Parliament of Sint Maarten organizes a solemn meeting of Parliament every 5 years on the

occasion of attainment of separate status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

While the official date is October 10^th, this year’s festivities, celebrating Country Sint Maarten 15^th anniversary will take place on October 13, 2025. This also means the Parliament of Sint Maarten has existed for 15 Years.

For this special occasion, Parliament have invited several key stakeholders, dignitaries and special invited guests amongst others former Presidents of Parliament, and former Secretary Generals of Parliament to be part of the solemn meeting.

Besides the customary speeches by the President of Parliament and Faction Leaders, the program of this ceremonial gathering also includes a speech by the First President of Parliament, drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, and speeches by former recipients of the President of Parliament Award Mr. Ralph Cantave and Ms. Rochana Richardson.

A ceremony to unveil the Presidents and Secretaries General Wall and the burial of Parliament’s Time Capsule will take place in the lobby area at the House of Parliament, immediately following the solemn meeting. 

Access to the house of Parliament for this special occasion is upon invitation only.  

The General Public is invited to follow the ceremony, via live broadcast on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament 

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Friday, 10 October, marks World Mental Health Day around the world under the theme, “Mental health in humanitarian emergencies.”

World Mental Health Day serves as a powerful reminder that there is no health without mental health, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday. This year’s campaign focuses on the urgent need to support the mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by humanitarian emergencies.

Globally, crises such as natural disasters, conflicts, and public health emergencies cause emotional distress, with one in five individuals experiencing a mental health condition. Supporting the mental well-being of individuals during such crises is not just important – it saves lives, gives people the strength to cope, the space to heal and to recover and rebuild not only as individuals but as communities.

Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well, and work well, and contribute to their community.  Mental health is a basic human right.

According to the WHO, “That’s why it is essential for everyone, including government officials, health and social care providers, school staff and community groups to come together. By working hand in hand, we can ensure the most vulnerable have access to the support they need while protecting the well-being of everyone. 

“By investing in evidence and community-based interventions, we can address immediate mental health needs, foster long-term recovery, and empower people and communities to rebuild their lives and thrive.

“On this World Mental Health Day, let us intensify our efforts to create a world where mental health is valued, protected, and accessible for all, especially in the face of adversity,” the WHO appealed on the occasion of World Mental Health Day.

Mental health is a universal human right underscoring the importance of ensuring everyone has the right to access quality mental health care and support.

Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department from the Sint Maarten Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, says creating awareness about mental health is part of CPS’ annual calendar of health observances.

For persons who need support, the Sint Maarten Mental Health Organization (MHF) provides psychiatric care services to the population of the country.  Its mission includes prevention to mitigate as much as possible the negative impact of mental disorders on individual’s wellbeing and on society.

For general information on mental health issues, you can call 542-1677 or for a mental health crisis, you can call the crisis line 585-5556 which will be answered by a professional and it’s confidential.

For more information, you can call CPS 542-1570 or 914.

Oranje Fonds honors the organization for its efforts as an indispensable link

Fundashon Pro Bista Kòrsou has won an Appeltje van Oranje 2025 award. This afternoon at Noordeinde Palace, in the presence of King Willem-Alexander and Princess Beatrix, Queen Máxima presented the Oranje Fonds recognition awards to organizations that are indispensable in their communities. The other winners are Stichting Straat Consulaat from The Hague and Takecarebnb from Amsterdam. 

Indispensable Links 

This year, the theme of the Appeltjes van Oranje awards was ‘Indispensable Links’. These organizations see what is going on in society, listen to their target group, and are there when needed. They build bridges and establish connections, working together within the community and with relevant agencies and authorities. In this way, they contribute to a connected society in which everyone can participate and no one is left behind.  

Fundashon Pro Bista Kòrsou

Fundashon Pro Bista Kòrsou has been committed to helping people with visual impairments in Curaçao for more than 25 years. Through their powerful approach to rehabilitation and practical training, psychosocial counseling, and empowerment, they have helped hundreds of people regain their strength. Moreover, they strengthen families and society through this way of working. In this way, they make a double impact, for the individual and for society. 

The Appeltjes van Oranje are the recognition awards of the Oranje Fonds. They are presented each year to three social organizations that are committed to a connected society. The Queen presents the awards, and in anniversary years, the King does so. The award consists of a bronze statue designed by Princess Beatrix. They also each receive a cash prize of €25,000. This is the 23rd edition of the Appeltjes van Oranje.