PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), through its Youth Health Care Baby Wellness Clinic has a vaccine outreach for members of the community for Wednesday, May 27.

Parents and guardians can bring the children and teenagers to the clinic at the Vineyard Office Park between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, Wednesday, May 27. You should also bring along your child’s vaccination record.

For those who would like additional information to verify their child(ren’s) status or would like to make an appointment, you can call 721-542-3003 or message CPS via WhatsApp 721-520-4163.

The vaccine outreach is geared primarily towards children four to nine-years-old who have not yet gotten their vaccine boosters. If parents have missed recent appointments for vaccines, CPS encourages them to make use of this opportunity for children from two months to 17-years-old.

The vaccines that are provided include: DTaP-IPV-Hib (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, and Poliomyelitis and Haemophilus influenza type B), PCV13 (Pneumococcus Conjugate Vaccine 13-valent), MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), DT-IPV (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Poliomyelitis), and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus).

Vaccination is essential in preventing a wide range of childhood diseases and significantly reduces the risk of illness, disability, and death.

These include conditions such as cervical cancer, diphtheria, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, pertussis (whooping cough), pneumonia, polio, rotavirus, diarrhea, rubella, and tetanus.

CPS also highlights the importance of the HPV vaccine, which is recommended for girls between the ages of nine and 17. This vaccine offers long-term protection against cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of death among women, making early vaccination a vital preventive measure.

Maintaining routine vaccination coverage is crucial. According to PAHO, gaps in vaccination can leave children vulnerable to preventable diseases such as polio, tetanus, measles, and diphtheria, particularly those with weakened immune systems. Ensuring full immunization not only protects individuals but also strengthens community immunity.

Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in eliminating childhood diseases. CPS urges parents and guardians to treat vaccination records with the same importance as other essential documents, such as passports or identification, ensuring they are up to date and safely stored.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on May 25, 2026.

The Central Committee meeting, which started and was adjourned on January 16, 2026, with a continuation and adjournment on February 9, 2026, will be reconvened on Monday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure will be returning to Parliament to provide the answers to questions posed by the Members of Parliament.

The agenda point is:

Nature policy Plan Sint Maarten 2025-2029 (IS/365/2025-2026 dated November 18, 2025)

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 Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament

PHILIPSBURG:---   On Saturday, May 16, 2026, a team of Orco Bank Sint Maarten employees took to the streets of Sucker Garden as part of SXM Doet, completing two hands-on community improvement projects under the bank's newly launched Orco Cares program.
In partnership with the No Kidding With Our Kids Foundation, the Orco Cares team restored a youth greenhouse at the ASA location on Sucker Garden Road, replacing worn netting, reinforcing the structure, and repainting the exterior, ensuring the facility remains a safe, functional space for youth agriculture programs and environmental education.
Volunteers also worked alongside the Lion Civic Center to install wooden lattice fencing around an outdoor gazebo, a space used daily by children for structured programs and activities. The completed fencing significantly improves safety, reduces fall risks, and enhances the overall environment for youth programming.
"Our team was incredible," said Judy King of Orco Bank Sint Maarten. "Watching my colleagues give their Saturday, their energy, their tools, their hearts to improve spaces for the children of Sint Maarten is exactly what Orco Cares is about. We're proud of what we built together, and we're just getting started."
Orco Cares will continue with future community initiatives throughout 2026 and beyond.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Sunday, May 17 marked World Hypertension Day (WHD) under the theme, “Controlling Hypertension Together: check your blood pressure regularly, defeat the silent killer.”

This year’s theme highlights a simple truth: knowing your blood pressure numbers and taking early action saves lives.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and kidney disease, yet it can be detected easily and controlled through healthy living and appropriate medical care.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is joining the global community to raise awareness and encourage action against high blood pressure (hypertension)—often called “the silent killer” because it may have no symptoms while quietly damaging the heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels.

Many people only discover they have high blood pressure after a serious complication such as a stroke or heart event. CPS urges everyone to make blood pressure checks a routine part of life—just like checking weight or temperature.

CPS encourages adults to: Check blood pressure regularly, even if you feel well. Record your readings (date/time and results) and share them with a health professional. Seek care early if readings are repeatedly elevated.

Blood pressure targets can vary depending on age and medical history. A health professional can advise what is best for you.

Eat for a healthier blood pressure; reduce salt (sodium): limit salty snacks, instant noodles, processed meats, canned foods, and salty seasonings.

Choose more fresh foods: fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, lentils, and whole grains. Pick healthier fats: nuts, seeds, fish, and plant oils; limit deep-fried and highly processed foods.

Watch sugary drinks and excess sweets which can contribute to weight gain and metabolic risk. Be active most days of the week
Regular physical activity strengthens the heart and improves circulation.

Aim for consistent movement: brisk walking, dancing, cycling, swimming, yard work—whatever is safe and sustainable. Start small if needed (even 10–15 minutes at a time) and build up gradually.
Maintain a healthy weight (or work toward it). Even modest weight loss can reduce blood pressure for people who are overweight. Focus on realistic steps—portion control, fewer sugary drinks, and more daily activity.

Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol. Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke—tobacco damages blood vessels and increases cardiovascular risk. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation (or avoid it), as excess intake can raise blood pressure.

Manage stress and prioritize sleep. Chronic stress and poor sleep can contribute to elevated blood pressure.

On this World Hypertension Day, CPS calls on communities, employers, schools, faith-based groups, and families to work together to: Promote routine blood pressure checks; Support healthy food choices and physical activity; and encourage people diagnosed with hypertension to stay in care and follow treatment.

Hypertension can be prevented, detected, treated, and controlled. The first step is simple: check your blood pressure regularly by contacting your doctor.