PHILIPSBURG:---  The House of Parliament will sit in an Urgent Public meeting on May 28, 2026.

The Public meeting, which commenced on April 7, 2026, and was also adjourned on May 12, 2026, will be reconvened on Thursday at 15.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:
3. Deliberations with the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, addressing the recent integrity-related allegations within the Ministry, including the request for an investigation by the Integrity Chamber (IS/919/2025-2026 dated April 2, 2026)

Agenda point 3 was requested by MP O.E.C. Ottley, MP C.L. Wever and MP V.C. Jansen-Webster

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org; www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), is calling on the community to become more aware of the health risks associated with excessive salt consumption and the importance of reducing sodium intake as part of maintaining a healthier lifestyle.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adults should consume no more than 2,000 milligrams of sodium per day, which is approximately equivalent to one teaspoon of salt, while children should consume even less.

Excessive sodium intake is considered one of the leading risk factors for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, which remain among the primary causes of death throughout the Americas.

WHO notes that sodium consumption across the Region continues to exceed recommended levels, often without individuals realizing it. While many people associate salt intake with what is added to meals at the table, the majority of sodium consumed today comes from processed and ultra-processed foods such as processed meats, snacks, canned foods, fast foods, instant meals, sauces, and breakfast cereals.

CPS explained that excessive sodium consumption increases the risk of several chronic diseases including high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and other serious health conditions.

The department stressed that reducing sodium intake is an important step toward improving overall public health and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases within the community.

The department also addressed the growing popularity of specialty salts such as sea salt, pink Himalayan salt, and gourmet salts. While these products may contain trace minerals, CPS emphasized that they are still primarily composed of sodium chloride and do not eliminate the health risks associated with excessive sodium intake.

Some low-sodium substitutes use potassium chloride as an alternative; however, the WHO advises that these substitutes may not be suitable for pregnant women, children, persons with kidney disease, or individuals with medical conditions affecting potassium levels.

CPS advises that one of the most effective ways to reduce sodium intake is to limit the consumption of ultra-processed foods and prepare more meals at home. Cooking at home allows individuals and families greater control over the ingredients used in meals and makes it easier to gradually reduce salt in recipes over time.

Reading food labels and choosing products with lower sodium content can also contribute to healthier dietary habits.

The department encourages the Sint Maarten community to take proactive steps toward healthier eating habits in order to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve quality of life.

Small dietary changes made consistently can have significant long-term health benefits for individuals and families alike.

PHILIPSBURG:--- “Native Choir – The Gathering” is a fusion of dance, song, dramatization, and “silent interpretation” of poetry from Native Choir, said the book’s author, Safiyya Chance.
The concert of at least 12 performers, centered on Safiyya Chance’s recital from her debut collection, will take place in the courtyard of Axum Art Cafe on Front Street on Saturday, May 30, 2026, beginning at 8 p.m. Admission is US$30.
Native Choir may be the first St. Martin poetry collection to receive such a diverse range of artistic interpretations in a single production, showcasing the breadth of expression the poet has planned for her audience.
“Chance is exercising a daring artistic approach,” said her publisher, House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP).
Her approach may also have been previewed in the book’s introduction by literary critic Fabian Adekunle Badejo, who wrote of the range of her work: “Chance weaves all these voices into one harmonious choir, which she conducts with the aplomb of a seasoned choirmaster.”
The poet’s invitation is open, in her own words: “Come, Choir, come home — under the stars, at the foot of the tree” in the courtyard of Axum Art Cafe on Front Street.
Copies of Native Choir will be on sale, and Chance will be available to sign books for audience members.

ORANJESTAD, ARUBA:--- The Ombudsman of Aruba, ms. Jurima Bryson, LL.M., participated in the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) Board of Directors Meeting held in Curaçao from 10 to 13 May 2026. During this international meeting, Ombudsmen from various countries gathered to discuss current developments, collaboration, and the future of Ombudsman institutions worldwide.

The working visit began with an informal networking gathering, giving participants from different countries an opportunity to exchange experiences and strengthen international connections.

Ms. Bryson participated in the regional meeting of the Caribbean & Latin America Region. Discussions focused on regional collaboration, training opportunities, subsidies, and support for smaller Ombudsman institutions within the region.

During the official IOI Board of Directors Meeting, several important topics were discussed, including financial matters, international collaboration, digitalisation, the use of AI, and the further strengthening of Ombudsman institutions worldwide. Votes are cast and decisions were also taken on these various topics.

Participation in this meeting provided the Ombudsman of Aruba with the opportunity to actively contribute to international discussions and decision-making processes, exchange experiences and best practices, and represent the interests of the people of Aruba within the international Ombudsman network.

Ms. Bryson as IOI Regional Director also participated in the regional meeting of the Caribbean & Latin America Region. Discussions focused on regional collaboration, training opportunities, subsidies, and support for smaller Ombudsman institutions within the region.

Ms. Bryson congratulates the Ombudsman of Curacao, mr. Keursly Concincion and his team on this successful international meeting. This international meeting provided valuable insights into international developments and innovative working methods within Ombudsman institutions, which may contribute to the further strengthening of services and collaboration within the region.

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