PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, says it has been six years since when the World Health Organization (WHO) sounded the alarm under international law declaring the outbreak of a new coronavirus diseases -later known as COVID-19- a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The PHEIC was declared over in May 2023.

Sint Maarten recorded its first confirmed COVID-19 case on March 17, 2020. While cases have drastically declined, CPS is reminding the community that COVID is still circulating.

COVID-19 is now one of the diseases routinely monitored on island by CPS. The department continues to execute health promotion and awareness, disease surveillance and vaccination programs.

The next COVID vaccination outreach is scheduled for Friday, February 27 at the CPS Offices at the Vineyard Building Office Park in Philipsburg.

The CPS clinic is open for COVID vaccines for persons aged 12 and older from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Persons are requested to call or email for an appointment by calling 914 (option 4) or 542-1570, or via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The booster is entirely free of charge and voluntary.

Please bring your vaccination card and a form of Identification (ID) to your appointment.

The community is encouraged to stay up to date on local public health issues by monitoring CPS’ Facebook page (Collective Prevention Services). For any health information, the community can contact CPS at 914.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Government of Sint Maarten extends its warmest congratulations to the Government of the Netherlands on the successful formation of a new coalition administration led by Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
Prime Minister Jetten and his cabinet were officially sworn in by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander at the Royal Palace Huis ten Bosch in The Hague, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Dutch governance during what the King described as uncertain times.
Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina extended heartfelt congratulations to his Dutch counterpart on assuming office as the youngest Prime Minister in the Netherlands history.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Sint Maarten, I extend sincere congratulations to Prime Minister Rob Jetten on his appointment and the formation of the new coalition government. Leadership in times of uncertainty requires courage, clarity, and collaboration. We wish Prime Minister Jetten and his cabinet every success as they begin this important work.”
The new minority coalition government, comprised of D66, CDA, and VVD, brings together experienced leadership at a time when steady governance and constructive dialogue are essential.
Prime Minister Mercelina noted the longstanding constitutional partnership within the Kingdom and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation.
“Sint Maarten values its enduring relationship within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We look forward to engaging with Prime Minister Jetten’s government in a spirit of mutual respect and shared responsibility. Together, we must continue to address the pressing challenges of our time, from economic resilience and sustainable energy transition to sound public finances and regional stability.”
Prime Minister Jetten previously served as Minister for Climate and Energy and has been recognized for his commitment to forward looking policy. Prime Minister Mercelina expressed optimism about strengthening collaboration on sustainability and climate resilience, areas of particular importance to Small Island Developing States like Sint Maarten.
“As a Small Island Developing State, Sint Maarten remains acutely aware of the impacts of climate change and global economic volatility. We are confident that under Prime Minister Jetten’s leadership, there will be opportunities to deepen cooperation in advancing renewable energy solutions, climate resilience, and sustainable development across the Kingdom.”
The Government of Sint Maarten reaffirms its commitment to constructive engagement with the new Dutch administration and looks forward to continued dialogue on matters of shared priority, including financial reform, energy security, and the wellbeing of all citizens of the Kingdom.

SURINAME/ PHILIPSBURG:--- Motorworld Group is proud to announce the official launch of GAC in Suriname, marking the brand’s 18th official territory in the Caribbean region, in partnership with Fernandes Autohandel, GAC’s exclusive authorized dealer in the market. The launch event, hosted at Fernandes Autohandel’s showroom in the P&D Complex on February 13, introduced guests to GAC’s innovative vehicle lineup, including the GS3 Emzoom, Emkoo, GS8, and the electric AION V.
Guests at the launch experienced firsthand the craftsmanship, advanced features, and modern design that have positioned GAC among the world’s leading automotive manufacturers. With a regional parts distribution hub in Panama, customers in Suriname will also benefit from reliable access to genuine parts and comprehensive after-sales support.
Tariq Amjad, Chairman of Motorworld Group, commented:
“We are proud to partner with Fernandes Autohandel to introduce GAC to Suriname. These vehicles are backed by a powerful eight-year warranty and represent the future of automotive design, technology, and performance, and we are confident they will resonate strongly with customers in this market.”
GAC’s launch in Suriname is the first of many launches scheduled across the Caribbean region in 2026, marking an important step in Motorworld’s vision to elevate the automotive experience throughout the region.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Where Culture Lives (WCL) project is proud to announce the launch of the WCL Artist Prize, a special opportunity for artists and creatives in Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten to share their interpretation of where and how culture lives in their communities.
Starting Monday, 23rd February 2026, artists from all disciplines are invited to submit original work that captures the essence of cultural heritage on their island. The prize welcomes submissions in all art forms: visual arts, music, performance, dance, literature & poetry, film, culinary arts, photography, and digital media.
"Our culture and heritage are felt, not only in museums but also in our streets, kitchens, festivals, and in our everyday experiences as Caribbean people," says Jorien Wuite, Principal coordinator and Director of Lemonade BV. "This prize gives meaning to the title of our project and is an invitation for artists to show us, in their own artistic language, where culture truly lives on their island."

Independent of research findings from the WCL project, the artistic works constitute a parallel knowledge stream seeking to document cultural life; the everyday places, traditions, and stories rooted in local experience and creative practice on each island. The work may also connect the past with the present or speak to the struggles and strengths and what it means to belong in the community. Most importantly, the prize seeks artistic expression that others in the community will recognize and resonate with.
As also discussed and agreed with the Ministry of OCW, the research & project team (Ludmila Duncan, Gregory Richardson, Elton Villareal, and Jorien Wuite) believes that the inclusion of the prize is important now. The team believes that it supports participation & relevance and will support a richer interpretive landscape when research findings are discussed during the Validation sessions scheduled on all islands for the second half of April. With this initiative, the team aims to bridge research & community and build on multi-layered insights that combine research, dialogue, and artistic expression.
The project hopes that this initiative will further increase the visibility of artists and creatives in the (Dutch) Caribbean, observe the representation of their island culture, and emphasize a place in a wider cultural conversation and policy dialogue for the position and strengthening of the cultural sector. The project will award artists on each island with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes (500, $250, and $ 125) during the upcoming Validation sessions.
The submission process is simple and open to any artist based on one of the six Dutch Caribbean islands. Persons can submit original artistic work in any medium or format, including paintings, songs, poems, photographs, or videos. Submissions open on Monday, February 23rd, 2026, and close on Monday, March 25, 2026. To enter, artists are asked to simply email their work to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To artists, the project team notes, ‘when you submit your work, please include your name and which island you're from, along with the title of your work and what type of art it is. Write a short statement, add photos or any other attachments that explain what your work shows about "where culture lives" on your island. Send us your artwork as files or provide a link to where we can download it (WeTransfer and Google Drive links are accepted.) You will need to give us permission to use your work in WCL project outputs and provide your contact information so that we can reach you by email, phone, or WhatsApp.’
Artists may submit work in any language and are welcome to reach out with questions throughout the submission period via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The judging process will take place from March 26, 2026, with winners announced thereafter in April. Selected works will be featured in WCL project outputs and validation sessions, where they will contribute to important conversations about cultural policy and development across the islands.
The Where Culture Lives project was commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) in The Hague and on Bonaire (OCW and OCW-CG), and is managed by St. Maarten-based consultancy Lemonade B.V.