PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- On Saturday, April 5, the free breast exam, and health screenings program for 2025 will continue for women aged 18 years and older, and first-time participants.
These events aim to educate and empower women about the risk factors and presentation of breast cancer while collecting data for the breast abnormalities survey, a research project.
This initiative is being spearheaded by the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC), Collection Prevention Services (CPS), and the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) in collaboration with the Positive Foundation.
Stakeholders encourage night shift workers, police officers, civil workers, store workers, and nurses who are 18 years and older to participate. First-time participants are especially welcome to join this year's AUC breast screenings.
Women interested in the screening program should mark their calendars, especially those who have not previously participated in the breast abnormalities project.
People are requested to make an appointment at least one week up to three days before the event by contacting F. Toussaint at +1 334 655-3502 (WhatsApp) or
Emailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The screening will take place at CPS located at the Vineyard Building #33 Buncamper Road.
While there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, it is the hope that through education and results from this research project, women can be empowered by knowledge, resulting in earlier detection and treatment.
The breast exam is performed by an oncologist and breast abnormalities expert, Dr. Chobanyan. Free health screenings include Blood Sugar, Total Cholesterol, Waist Circumference, Blood Pressure, Height, Weight, BMI, and Vision.
This initiative’s target is to reach 1,000 women, has already collected data from over 660 women. Help the team to achieve its proposed target number. By participating, you contribute to a significant community health project and help us achieve our goal.
Reserve the date and at least two hours in your schedule and register to be part of an opportunity to receive health information and a free clinical breast exam.
Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport and CLIMB Foundation Invite Public to Town Hall on Foundation Based Education (FBE) Evaluation.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport (MECYS), in collaboration with the CLIMB Foundation, invites the general public to a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. This important meeting will be held at the Dutch Quarter Community Center to discuss the ongoing evaluation of Foundation Based Education (FBE) in Sint Maarten.
During the Town Hall, attendees will receive detailed information about the methodology of the evaluation project and will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide valuable input. The Ministry and the CLIMB Foundation strongly encourage all stakeholders, including parents, educators, and community members, to participate in this open discussion, as their feedback is essential to the assessment and future development of the FBE system.
In the interim, the Ministry urges all parents of past and present FBE students to contribute to the evaluation process by completing the online survey available at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5PXZDGC. The information gathered through this survey will be instrumental in shaping the future of Foundation Based Education in Sint Maarten.
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports and the CLIMB Foundation appreciate the participation of the community and look forward to engaging in meaningful dialogue to enhance the educational system for the benefit of all students.
For more information, all inquiries can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Minister of Public Health Meets with the Diabetes Foundation of Sint Maarten.
PHILIPSBURG:--- On March 24, 2024, the Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, Mr. Richinel Brug, met with the Diabetes Foundation of Sint Maarten—an organization run entirely by volunteers. The foundation is highly visible within the Sint Maarten community, actively visiting various districts throughout the year to provide free diabetes testing for individuals.
During the meeting, Mr. Louis Wever from the foundation highlighted the significant costs associated with their work. A single test strip costs between $3 and $5, not to mention the expense of the testing machines themselves. He noted that many individuals in the community struggle financially, and those most affected by diabetes are often the least willing to get tested. A common response from individuals hesitant to take the test is that they already suspect they have diabetes but would rather not have it confirmed. Volunteers work dedicatedly to encourage these individuals to take the test, emphasizing that early detection is crucial for their health.
The discussion also covered the severe consequences of untreated diabetes, including the risk of limb amputations, a well-known issue in the community. Minister Brug acknowledged the seriousness of diabetes, noting that it ranks among the top five most prevalent diseases affecting the people of Sint Maarten.
A key concern raised was the lack of government funding for the foundation. While the Diabetes Foundation receives support from various sponsors, securing funding remains a constant challenge. Despite these financial hurdles, the foundation remains committed to expanding its reach and raising awareness. “Your body is the most important thing you have, and everyone should take good care of it. If we can contribute by providing insights and advice, we are happy to do so,” the foundation stated.
The foundation already collaborates with the Ministry of VSA through its partnership with the CPS department. Minister Brug expressed his determination in exploring opportunities for a stronger partnership to be implemented in 2026 to further support the foundation’s essential work.
Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-Parliamentary Relations (CKAIR) to discuss documents related to the proposed Windward Islands Economic Union.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Permanent Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-Parliamentary Relations (CKAIR) of Parliament, will meet on April 2, 2025.
The Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 15.00hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.
The agenda points are:
1. Incoming documents
2. Appointment of a vice-chairman of the committee
3. Discussion on the documents related to the proposed Windward Islands Economic Union in preparation for the SSS Cooperative meeting (IS/623/2024-2025 dated February 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 TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx
Continuation urgent Public meeting of Parliament regarding the issuance and regulation of licenses for casinos and other gambling activities.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on April 2, 2025.
The Public meeting which was adjourned on March 12, 2025, will be reconvened on Wednesday at 11.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication will be in attendance.
The agenda point is:
Deliberations with the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication regarding the issuance and regulation of licenses for casinos and other gambling activities (IS/671/2024-2025 dated March 5, 2025)
This meeting was requested by MP E.J. Doran, MP A.M.R. Irion, and MP D.T.J. York
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.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx