PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The theme for World AIDS Day, which will be observed globally on Monday, December 1, 2025, is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” the Collective Prevention Service (CPS) said on Sunday.

World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1st, serves as a crucial global initiative to unite people in the fight against HIV, show support for those living with the virus, and commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.

The day is a pivotal moment for governments, health organizations, and communities to renew their commitment to reach the UNAIDS target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

A primary objective of World AIDS Day 2025 will be to accelerate efforts toward achieving the ambitious 95-95-95 targets: of people living with HIV know their status, of all people with diagnosed HIV infection receive sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART), and of all people receiving ART achieve viral suppression.

CPS encourages the community to educate and inform themselves about the latest developments related to AIDS and HIV, and therefore, the topic is part of its annual calendar of health observances.

Achieving viral suppression is critical, as it means the virus is undetectable, rendering it impossible to transmit sexually or undetectable equals un-transmittable).

This scientific fact has fundamentally changed the social and medical landscape of HIV, allowing people with HIV to live long, healthy lives and preventing new infections.

Awareness campaigns on this day will heavily emphasize the importance of getting tested, starting treatment immediately, and understanding that modern ART is the most effective prevention tool available.

Finally, the commemoration serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to combat stigma and discrimination. Despite monumental medical progress, social stigma remains a major obstacle, preventing many individuals from seeking testing or adhering to treatment for fear of judgment, exclusion, or violence.

World AIDS Day is therefore a call to action for society to foster greater understanding and acceptance. By promoting open dialogue, celebrating the resilience of those living with HIV, and campaigning for inclusive policies, we can remove the final non-medical barriers to ending the epidemic, ensuring that the necessary healthcare and social support reach every individual, everywhere.

In 2024, an estimated 40.8 million people were living with HIV globally. Approximately 630,000 people died from HIV related causes in 2024, and an estimated 1.3 million people acquired HIV in 2024.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Finance, Marinka J. Gumbs Invites the Community to a Dynamic Financial Literacy Discussion Featuring the Bankers Association
The Ministry of Finance is pleased to announce an important and interactive financial literacy event on November 30, hosted by the Minister of Finance, Marinka J. Gumbs, in honor of Financial Literacy Month.
To bring clarity to the many financial questions raised by the public, Minister Marinka Gumbs has invited representatives of the Bankers Association to join a community-focused panel discussion. This session creates a rare opportunity for residents to engage directly with banking professionals and get real answers to real concerns.
“Many citizens have reached out to me about banking issues, from loans to fees to day-to-day financial challenges. I wanted to bring the experts to you so your voices can be heard and your questions addressed openly,” said Minister Marinka Gumbs.
Participants will gain practical insights, guidance, and a better understanding of how financial systems and banking services affect their daily lives. Whether you are seeking clarity, empowerment, or simply want to build stronger financial skills, this event is designed with you in mind.
Register now: www.finlitsxm.com
Walk-ins welcome on event day
Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your financial knowledge and engage directly with the professionals who help shape our financial landscape.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday, November 21st, 2025, St. Dominic High School proudly represented Dutch St. Maarten in the Regional Rights of a Child Debate. Competing against teams from St. Kitts, Anguilla, Martinique, St. Barths, and French St. Martin, our students emerged victorious, winning the overall debate competition! Representing SDHS were the speakers:
Nyah Kalmera (F5B),
Aditi Rajpal (F4C),
Tamanna Sharma (F4A), and
Tanishka Shroff (F4A).

The very next day, Saturday November 22nd, 2025, the debate team had readied themselves to faceoff St. Maarten Academy Academic in the finals of the Annual Interscholastic Debate Competition at the University of St. Martin. SDHS argued in favour of the moot: "Our Modern Carnival does not preserve the culture for the youth". Our speakers for this event were:
Magdalina Dorlis (IB1),
Tyrique Walsh (4C), and
Tanya Halley (4B)
Special congratulations to Magdalina, who was named the Best Speaker for the evening!
That night, mentor for the Debate Team and Head of the Social Science Department, Ms. Daniella Arrindell, received high praises for her guidance and the team's growth throughout the competition season.

The SDHS Debate Team consists of 31 students (including researchers, writers, and speakers) guided by Ms. Arrindell and supported by amazing parents—a true recipe for success!

Congratulations to the entire team on this outstanding achievement!!!
5:51 PM

WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday, December 4, 2025, there will be a bond issue by the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) on behalf of the country of Sint Maarten. This bond issue has the following specifications:
XCG 30.300.000,-- bond with a duration of 30 years. The interest rate is based on the Dutch yield curve as of December 2, 2025. The yield as of October 6 for a 30-year loan was 3.441%. The bond will have annual annuity redemption starting on December 4, 2026.
On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the Dutch State Treasury Agency (DSTA) will be allowed to subscribe, and after that, up to Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 12:00 P.M., the general public will be able to subscribe to this bond issue at all commercial banks on Curaçao and Sint Maarten. Subscription will take place according to the tender system in which parties indicate for which amount and price they wish to participate in the loan, thereby revealing their desired yield.
After the closing of the subscription, the CBCS will publish the price of the issue. Parties that have subscribed for a higher price than the price of issue will receive full allocation. Parties that have subscribed at a price equal to the price of the issue will receive the remaining amount of the issue.
The subscription forms can be downloaded from our website:
https://www.centralbank.cw/functions/market-operations-payments/government-loans-sint-maarten.

Willemstad, November 26, 2025
CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN