PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- This week marks Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week from May 13-17. The theme for the week is Small Bite, Big Threat! “Stop Disease Transmission, Start Source Reduction.”
At the 17th Special Session of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government on public health threats held in November 2014, the Heads approved a proposal for the establishment of an annual Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week.
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) says the burden of vector-borne diseases in the Caribbean remains a significant challenge. Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week (CAMAW) is vital to addressing this issue by ensuring that you, the public, are informed and empowered to make a difference.
CARPHA says that in the past year, communities have faced daunting challenges with dengue outbreaks in several member states. 2,307 suspected and 927 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported to CARPHA from 15 of its Member States.
Additionally, in 2024, there have been cases of Zika, Chikungunya, and malaria, among others. There is a great risk of hospitalizations and tragic loss of lives with Zika and malaria.
CARPHA adds that the theme, "Small bite, big threat," alongside this year’s slogan, ‘Stop disease transmission, start source reduction,’ serves as a powerful reminder of the critical need for proactive measures against these arboviral vectors. By destroying mosquito breeding sites, we prevent them from multiplying and potentially limit the spread of these terrible diseases.
The objective of such a week is to strengthen existing initiatives and mobilize the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites from public and private places.
The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) has registered 216 confirmed dengue cases from 2023 to the present and is committed to keeping the public informed and making frequent ‘calls to action’ to the community to take action and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
CPS supports the CARPHA campaign this week and appeals to the community to always be on alert to act right after a rainfall event to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a half-inch of water. This is not a lot of water, and plant saucers are one of those unassuming places that can gather a small amount and still be a huge breeding site for your backyard mosquito.
Source reduction is the key to decreasing the mosquito population. Due to the tropical nature of our climate, breeding habitats are in abundance, and many of them are, unfortunately, man-made.
For issues surrounding mosquito breeding sites, contact CPS’ vector control team by calling 542-1222/1570 or 914. Ask to be connected to the vector control team.
You can also email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with supporting pictures and contact information to report a mosquito nuisance or request assistance.
Eradicating mosquito breeding sites should become a habitual lifestyle for each citizen. Let us minimize the mosquito population at its source!
CPS: Stay cool and hydrated as extremely hot weather can cause illness.
PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM);--- Heatwaves are among the most dangerous of natural hazards that have a significant impact on society, the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA) said on Wednesday.
Considering the extreme hot weather, which can affect one’s health, CPS cautioned people to take the necessary steps to stay cool and hydrated. Extremely hot weather can cause sickness or, in severe cases, even death.
Infants, children up to age four, and adults over 65 are particularly vulnerable because they adjust to heat more slowly than other people.
Certain health conditions are risk factors associated with heat-related illness, and these include kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity or underweight, sickle cell, and mental illness.
Persons with chronic illness are at an increased risk for heat-related illness. Persons should check with their physician to discuss their health condition and medications if their ability is likely to be affected to cope with extreme heat and humidity.
Heat stress is heat-related illness caused by your body’s inability to cool down properly. The body normally cools itself by sweating, but under some conditions, sweating just isn’t enough. In such cases, a person’s body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.
Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others it is necessary that a family member should monitor these persons or friends from time to time at least twice a day, such as infants and young children; people 65 years of age or older; people who are overweight; people who overexert during work or exercise; people who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation.
Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.
During the hottest hours of the day, stay out of the sun; to prevent health-related illness, follow a few simple steps.
When you’re out in the hot sun, use sunscreen with SPF of 30 and/or an umbrella.
Stay in an air-conditioned or well-ventilated area. If you don't have air conditioning, use public places such as shops, a shopping mall, or a library, or go with a friend or family member to stay cool.
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. Drink water often; invest in a water bottle to keep with you at all times and refill it as soon as it is empty. Don't wait until you are thirsty. Make it a habit to take a sip every now and then. Drink at least two liters of water per day.
Avoid unnecessary strenuous physical activities if you are outside or in a building without air-conditioning. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and use shades to protect your eyes from ultraviolet overexposure.
A cool and/or shaded environment is the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness. Exposure to cool air for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks as these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps.
Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
If you are on a low-salt diet, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets.
Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets and leave the water in a shady area.
CPS reminds the public of Sint Maarten during heavy periods of heat to take the necessary measures to protect themselves and family against heat-related illness.
Minister Lewis visits Ruby Labega School to assess heat situation.
PHILIPSBURG:--- On Wednesday, the Acting Minister responsible for Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport, Lyndon Lewis, convened a meeting with the administration of Ruby Labega School alongside members of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) to address several issues affecting the institution.
The Minister visited the school on his own initiative after hearing about the heat situation and out of grave concern for the students.
Of paramount concern is the oppressive heat within the classrooms, which both teachers and students endure. Following a briefing from the school's management, Minister Lewis pledged to gather the necessary information promptly to implement a short-term remedy to alleviate the discomfort caused by the high temperatures.
Minister Lewis emphasized his commitment to problem-solving and assured attendees that, unlike the previous administration, he would not allow prolonged inaction on longstanding issues plaguing schools.
Acknowledging the school's power constraints, which limit the feasibility of installing air conditioning units, the Minister urged patience from the school management and union while comprehensive assessments are conducted to expedite a viable solution.
His cabinet convened an urgent meeting with the Head of the Department of Public Education on Wednesday afternoon to determine what the next steps should be and how quickly they can be taken. The Minister will update the school management and union on Thursday.
CoM meets with Middle Management of Civil Service Organization.
PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- On Monday afternoon, May 13, 2024, the Council of Ministers (CoM) hosted an informal gathering with middle management, underscoring their crucial role as the backbone of government operations.
In his introductory remarks, Prime Minister Honorable Dr. Luc Mercelina emphasized the importance of inclusion and recognition, acknowledging the significant demands placed on civil servants regarding productivity, engagement, and commitment.
He also stressed the need for proportional recognition and advocated for greater co-ownership—a goal actively pursued by Cabinet Mercelina through an open-door policy and enhanced communication.
This advocacy was especially relevant in light of the results from the employee satisfaction survey. Following the Prime Minister’s address and the introduction of the Ministers, the Secretaries-General introduced middle management to the ministers.
The event concluded with an open discussion, with ministers mingling freely with middle management.
Middle management expressed their gratitude for the initiative and appreciated the opportunity to engage directly with the Ministers.
Princess Juliana International Airport Sets Sights on top Talent at Amsterdam’s Fred Event.
SIMPSON BAY:--- Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE), the gateway to the Caribbean Island of St. Maarten, is excited to announce its participation in the upcoming FRED Expo recruitment event at the Krasnapolski Hotel in Amsterdam. The event will take place on 18 May 2024 and will actively seek talent.
“The FRED Event is a fantastic platform for us to connect with a diverse pool of qualified candidates,” says Miguela Gumbs, Director of Human Resources at Princess Juliana International Airport. “We’re looking for passionate individuals who are eager to contribute to the success of our state-of-the-art airport. We know there are talented potentials out there who are currently studying and/or have studied in the Netherlands and are eager to return to the island of St. Maarten. The Fred Job Fair is an optimal platform for us to meet new potentials”.
Actively Recruiting
PJIAE currently has positions open that require technical expertise. Available positions cover a diverse range, including electricians, civil engineers, IT specialists, air traffic controller trainees, legal staff, and numerous other vacancies and internships. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in the aviation field and actively working on a dynamic career to apply and become part of the airport community of St. Maarten.
Opening new terminal by Q3 2024
As the airport gears up for the opening of the new terminal building by Q3 of 2024, PJIAE proudly boasts state-of-the-art equipment and technology. The management of PJIAE is enthusiastic about the development of the new terminal building, and ‘the Princess’ will once again be one of the most beautiful airports in the eastern Caribbean.
Committed to Hiring Local Talent
Over the past few months, PJIAE has been on an employment drive, whereby over 50 local talents in various positions have been hired. The airport is dedicated to investing in local talent, which demonstrates its commitment to supporting the island community’s economic growth. PJIAE welcomes individuals with a Passion for aviation and a desire to contribute to the airport’s success. So tell a friend to visit PJIAE at the Fred Event in Hotel Krasnapolski in Amsterdam. PJIAE looks forward to meeting the best talent and is excited to build a team that will elevate the airport to new heights.