St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

For Parents & Kids: Avoid standing near speakers to prevent hearing loss.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), is advising the public—particularly adults, parents, and guardians—to be mindful of the risks associated with exposure to loud music during Carnival 2026 activities.

CPS emphasizes that prolonged exposure to high noise levels can cause hearing damage, especially in young children, and calls on families to take the necessary precautions to protect their hearing.

With Carnival festivities well underway, several major events featuring music trucks and amplified sound systems are scheduled in the coming weeks.
These include the Junior Carnival Parade on Sunday, April 19, the Jouvert Morning Jump-Up on Monday, April 27, the Grand Carnival Parade on Thursday, April 30, and the Labour Day Lighted Parade on Friday, May 1.

CPS is encouraging the public to be cautious when attending these events, particularly by avoiding standing in close proximity to speakers on sound trucks.

Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB), and higher decibel levels indicate louder and more potentially harmful sounds. Exposure to excessive noise, even for short periods, can have adverse effects on hearing.

In children, environmental noise exposure has also been linked to stress responses, reduced well-being, and increased levels of hormones such as adrenaline. Repeated or prolonged exposure to loud sounds can result in permanent and irreversible hearing damage.

Hearing loss can range from mild to profound and may affect one or both ears, making it difficult to hear normal conversation or loud sounds. CPS is therefore urging parents and guardians to closely monitor their children during Carnival activities and ensure they are not positioned near high-volume sound sources.

To reduce the risk of hearing damage, CPS recommends the use of child-sized hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs during noisy events.

Parents are also encouraged to limit the amount of time children spend in high-noise environments and to teach them to move away from loud sound sources when possible. Additionally, children who frequently participate in noisy activities should have their hearing checked regularly.

CPS encourages the community to take a proactive approach to hearing health during the festive season. By taking simple preventive measures, families can enjoy Carnival 2026 while protecting the well-being of their children.

For more information, contact CPS at 542-1122, 542-1222, 542-1322, or 542-1570, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

End of Amnesty Phase – Start of Enforcement Phase “We Coming for It”

amnestygun16042026 PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) hereby informs the general public that the first phase of the Inter-Insular Gun Amnesty Project officially concluded on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026.

KPSM expresses its appreciation to all individuals who made use of this opportunity to voluntarily turn in illegal firearms. This cooperation directly enhances the safety and security of our community.

As of now, KPSM will transition into the repressive phase of the project, operating under the theme:
“We Coming for It.”

During this phase, targeted searches and controls will be conducted at persons, homes, vehicles, and locations where information has been received indicating the possible presence of illegal firearms.

KPSM wishes to make it clear that strict enforcement will be applied. Individuals found in possession of illegal firearms during this phase will face serious legal consequences in accordance with the law.

The Police Force remains committed to reducing gun violence and ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors of Sint Maarten.

KPSM urges the public to continue cooperating and to report any information related to illegal firearms. 172-5422222 or the tip line at 9300

Caribbean coral emergency response plan moves forward to address growing reef threats.

bervoets16042026 PHILIPSBURG:--- A regional initiative led by the Coral Restoration Consortium is underway to develop a Caribbean Coral Emergency Response Plan, aimed at improving how the region prepares for and responds to coral reef emergencies.
The work for the Caribbean is being led by Tadzio Bervoets of Sint Maarten, who is serving as the regional researcher supporting the development of the plan. The project brings together partners including CORDAP and the KAUST Coral Reef Initiative.
Coral reefs across the Caribbean are under serious pressure. Rising ocean temperatures are causing frequent bleaching events, while disease outbreaks continue to damage coral populations. Hurricanes, ship groundings, pollution, and coastal development are adding further stress. Some of the region’s most important coral species are now at risk of extinction.

The goal of the project is to create a practical, regional system that helps countries and organizations respond more quickly and consistently when reefs are impacted. The plan examines how emergencies are currently handled and seeks to improve coordination, decision-making, and response actions across the region.
It will include clear steps for moving from detecting a problem to taking action, along with guidance on when to intervene and what actions to take. It also considers how to manage and preserve coral genetics, including how coral material can be shared responsibly between countries when needed.
“Across the Caribbean, responses to coral emergencies are still largely ad hoc,” said Tadzio Bervoets. “What we are developing is a framework that allows for faster, coordinated action when these events occur.”
The project is already underway, with research, stakeholder mapping, and protocol reviews in progress. Draft sections of the plan will be developed through consultations with regional partners, followed by technical review and final publication.

The Caribbean Coral Emergency Response Plan is being developed as a working tool for governments, conservation groups, and reef managers. It is intended to support real-time action and improve how the region responds to coral reef emergencies.
For the Caribbean, this is an important step. Coral reefs support fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection. Improving the region's response to reef crises will be key to maintaining these systems in the face of increasing environmental pressures.

Minister Brug congratulates SG Arnell on 40 years of dedicated public service.

joyarnel16042026 PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Richinel Brug, extends his heartfelt congratulations to Secretary General (SG) Joy Arnell in recognition of her remarkable milestone of 40 years of dedicated service to Sint Maarten.
Over the course of four decades, SG Arnell has demonstrated unwavering commitment, professionalism, and leadership within the public service. Her institutional knowledge, dedication to good governance, and steadfast support for the Ministry have played an essential role in strengthening the health sector's operations and continuity.
“SG Arnell’s career is a testament to what true public service represents,” Minister Brug stated. “For forty years, she has served with integrity, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility toward the people of Sint Maarten. Her experience and leadership have helped guide the Ministry through many developments and challenges over the years.”
Minister Brug also highlighted SG Arnell’s leadership during two of the most critical periods in the country’s recent history. As Secretary General, she was at the helm of the Ministry during the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma in 2017—the strongest hurricane ever to strike Sint Maarten—as well as throughout the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During these difficult moments for our country, SG Arnell’s steady leadership, experience, and commitment to public service were invaluable,” Minister Brug added. “Her ability to help guide the Ministry through crises demonstrated both resilience and dedication to protecting the health and well-being of our people.”
The Minister further noted that what he appreciates most about SG Arnell is her approachable leadership style and willingness to support her team at every level.
“While the position of Secretary General carries great responsibility, SG Arnell has never allowed the title to distance her from the work or the people around her,” Minister Brug said. “She is always willing to come down to the floor level, assist where needed, and support her colleagues whenever help is required. That humility and commitment to teamwork are qualities that truly set her apart.”
Minister Brug emphasized the importance of recognizing individuals whose long-standing contributions help shape and support the institutions that serve the community.
On behalf of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Minister Brug expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude for SG Arnell’s many years of service and contributions.
“As we celebrate this significant milestone, we thank SG Arnell for her commitment and for the example she continues to set for current and future generations of public servants,” Minister Brug concluded.

St. Maarten Selected as Recipient of Owen Arthur Scholarship.

grishaalexfcca16042026 PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten has been selected as a recipient of the Owen Arthur Scholarship, an initiative of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Foundation, marking the country’s first inclusion in the programme.

The award was accepted by the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, on behalf of the Government of St. Maarten.

The Owen Arthur Scholarship, established in 2024, supports educational institutions and non-profit organizations, with a focus on youth development, community advancement, and capacity building within Caribbean destinations. The programme is awarded on a rotational basis, with a different destination selected each year.

Minister Heyliger-Marten welcomed the recognition, noting that it reflects St. Maarten’s strong partnership with the cruise sector and its continued commitment to ensuring that tourism delivers tangible benefits to the community.

“This recognition speaks to the strength of our partnership with the cruise industry and to a shared understanding that tourism must deliver real value to the people of St. Maarten. Through this programme, we are able to invest in youth, education, and community development — areas that are critical to our long-term growth,” the Minister stated.

The Minister further underscored the significance of the award’s namesake, Owen Seymour Arthur, whose leadership contributed to strengthening cooperation between Caribbean destinations and the cruise industry.

“St. Maarten will approach this opportunity with intention, ensuring that the support received translates into tangible and lasting impact within our community,” the Minister added.

The FCCA Foundation launched the scholarship to honor Arthur’s legacy and to support initiatives that advance opportunities for young people across the Caribbean region.

Further details regarding the allocation of the scholarship funds in St. Maarten will be shared as the Ministry finalizes its implementation approach.