PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- As Christmas lights go up around homes and businesses, exercising extreme caution is vital to prevent electrical fires and injuries this holiday season.
Parents and family members should keep in mind some holiday safety tips where it concerns decorations and the Christmas tree. The season is all about family togetherness, and we would like everyone to have a safe holiday season, incident-free.
Every year the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department that falls under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, as part of its calendar of observances, highlights and creates awareness where it concerns holiday safety.
Check out this list of holiday season safety tips:
Trees:
• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant." Although this label does not mean the tree won't catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
• When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and do not break when bent between your fingers. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
• When setting up a tree at home, be sure to keep the stand filled with water. Check regularly to avoid mosquito breeding. Place the tree out of the way of foot traffic and do not block doorways or exits.
Lights:
• Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory, which indicates conformance with safety standards. Use only lights that have fused plugs.
• Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets. Always replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulbs.
• Use no more than three standard size sets of lights per single extension cord. Make sure the extension cord is rated for the intended use.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
• Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.
• Stay away from power or feeder lines leading from utility poles into older homes.
• Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Use only insulated staples to hold strings in place, not nails or tacks. Or, run strings of lights through hooks (available at hardware stores).
• Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.
• Use caution when removing outdoor holiday lights. Never pull or tug on lights - they could unravel and inadvertently wrap around power lines.
• Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold. GFCIs can be installed permanently to household circuits by a qualified electrician.
Decorations:
• Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.
• Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.
• In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to avoid the child swallowing or inhaling small pieces, and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to eat them.
• Wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation while decorating with spun glass "angel hair."
• Follow container directions carefully to avoid lung irritation while decorating with artificial snow sprays.
“Former Prime Minister Etienne Ys Donates Debut Novel to Sint Maarten Library”
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Library is pleased to announce the receipt of “De Barmhartige Staat” (The Merciful State), the debut novel by Etienne Ys, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles.
Set in an alternate history where West Africans, rather than Western Europeans, conquered the Americas, the novel follows King Yaw and Crown Prince Juma on the Caribbean island of Botan Po as they seek to implement progressive reforms. Political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and suspenseful drama reminiscent of House of Cards and Borgen drive the story, challenging readers to reflect on history, power, and compassion.
Etienne Ys draws on his extensive political experience and lifelong commitment to education to craft this rich historical saga. “De Barmhartige Staat” is currently available in Dutch, with an English translation expected in the near future.
The book was officially handed over to the Sint Maarten Library by the author, marking a significant addition to its collection and its mission to promote reading across the region.
MP Doran Calls for Update on Stalled Road Projects and Use of Approximately 2 Million Guilders in Remaining CAPEX Funds.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Egbert J. Doran has written to the Minister of VROMI, Mr. Patrice Gumbs, requesting an update on the current status of road repairs, ongoing projects, and the use of funds that were previously secured for the improvement of the country’s infrastructure. The MP highlighted that approximately 2 million guilders from the CAPEX 2023 allocation, secured during his tenure as Minister of VROMI, should still be available for both the hard-surfacing of side roads and the general upgrade and upkeep of the national road network. He stated that the public deserves clarity on how far these works have progressed and what remains outstanding.
MP Doran explained that the hard-surfacing project initiated during his time in office, which he developed together with the dedicated team at VROMI, is especially close to his heart because it focused on finally addressing long-neglected side roads in several neighborhoods across the island. These were roads that had not seen proper attention in decades. He noted that the funding secured in CAPEX 2023 was specifically intended to allow the current administration to continue this work without interruption.
Additionally, the MP has asked Minister Patrice Gumbs for information on the annual bidding process for road repair and maintenance, specifically whether the tender for the 2026 cycle has already been executed, and if not, when it will be published.
MP Doran’s inquiries further include the status of the bidding process for stormwater pumps, which are essential for managing heavy rainfall and reducing the risk of flooding in vulnerable areas. He has asked Minister Gumbs whether this tendering process has been completed, which companies participated, and what the next steps will be.
The MP also asked the Minister to provide the list of completed roads, the number of pending roads, and whether any roads had been removed from the original project plan. He further requested updated timelines for commencement and completion of each location, especially in cases where projected dates had already elapsed.
MP Doran pointed out that during his tenure as Minister of VROMI, while larger projects were being prepared, workmen were still dispatched to patch potholes in the interim. This approach helped keep certain areas safe and reasonably passable until more complete solutions could be put in place. He observed that this form of temporary maintenance appears to have slowed down since he left office, and he has asked Minister Gumbs whether there is a particular reason for the change.
Toward the end of his statement, MP Doran noted that while every ministry faces challenges, the country cannot afford extended slowdowns in basic infrastructure work without explanation. He stressed that residents are increasingly frustrated with deteriorating road conditions and should get clear answers on when improvements will be delivered. “People are tired of guessing. They want straightforward information and visible progress. As an MP, it is my responsibility to follow up and ensure that the commitments made and the funds allocated are translated into real action,” he said.
Lastly, he expressed hope that the information provided by Minister Gumbs will give residents a clearer understanding of the work already completed and what they can expect in the period ahead.
The Windward Islands Bank Commemorates 65 Years with Contribution to Historic St Maarten Publication.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Bank marks its 65th anniversary by honouring the island’s heritage and reaffirming its commitment to community development through a special contribution towards realizing the publication of the book, “SiMART'N History and Culture: Election Map of Activities, Results and More “by the late Louis Duzanson
As part of this milestone celebration, the Bank pays tribute to the late Louis L. Duzanson, a respected civil servant whose decades of service strengthened public administration and shaped institutional development in St Maarten. His work continues to influence the island’s governance landscape, making this recognition especially meaningful during the Bank’s anniversary year.
The Bank’s support for the publication underscores a long-standing commitment to preserving history and promoting education. Documenting St Maarten’s electoral history from 1634 to 2016, the book offers a comprehensive record of the island’s political evolution. It serves as an important resource for citizens, students, researchers and future leaders seeking to understand the foundations of local democratic processes.
This contribution represents more than sponsorship. It is an investment in safeguarding collective memory and ensuring that knowledge about governance, civic engagement and institutional development remains available to generations to come. The Bank’s involvement reflects a belief in the power of local literature to deepen understanding, strengthen identity and foster informed participation in community life.
The Windward Islands Bank encourages other organisations and institutions to get on board and support this initiative when approached. Those interested in learning more about the publication or supporting related cultural projects may contact the coordinator directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +1721 553 8488. Endeavors like these enrich cultural awareness, protect valued narratives and contribute to a more informed and connected society.
As the Bank celebrates 65 years of service, this initiative reflects a balanced vision for the future. The Windward Islands Bank remains dedicated to innovation and progress while honouring the people, stories and milestones that have shaped the island’s path.
“Euton Family Donates Books to Sint Maarten Library Children’s Collection”
PHILIPSBURG:--- As Sint Maarten prepares to celebrate Thanksgiving, observed annually on the first Sunday of December, the Sint Maarten Library is pleased to announce a generous donation of new books to our children’s section from the Euton family.
Liesa Euton, on behalf of her family, shared that the donation was inspired in part by her niece, Leila Euton-Lambert, a student at Milton Peters College who completed her Social Studies internship at the Sint Maarten Library earlier this year. This gift reflects the family’s commitment to supporting literacy and giving back to the community.
The Sint Maarten Library warmly welcomes this donation, which helps enrich our resources, foster a love of reading, and support the educational development of children across the island.