PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport recently hosted an intensive Train-the-Trainer course for Leeskracht! (The Power of Reading), held from April 7 to 9, 2026, at the Government Administration Building in Philipsburg.

The training was conducted by Bianca Versteeg of Taalkoffer, an experienced expert in language education, teacher training, and educational development across the Caribbean and Europe. The program was made possible through collaboration with Stichting Biblionef Nederland and with financial support from Stichting Lezen, the Taalunie, and NVT Carib.

A total of 32 participants from primary, secondary, and tertiary education took part in the program, including teachers, lecturers, reading consultants, language coordinators, and school leaders. Participants represented all school boards on Sint Maarten, united by a shared goal of strengthening reading promotion in a practical and sustainable way.

The Train-the-Trainer approach focused not only on what educators can do in their own classrooms, but also on how they can guide colleagues and contribute to a more cohesive, island-wide approach to reading education. In this way, the program supports the development of local expertise and fosters continuity, shared goals, and a stronger reading culture across the education system.

A key focus of the program was ensuring that every learner can experience success in reading. Through the use of inclusive and level-appropriate texts, engaging activities, and meaningful connections to students’ languages and lived experiences, educators can help build motivation, confidence, and a positive reading identity.

During the sessions, participants explored practical strategies for promoting reading in multilingual classrooms, making reading more interactive, and supporting their peers in implementing similar approaches. Each participant will receive a comprehensive toolkit to support implementation within their respective institutions. Follow-up sessions will also be organized to support ongoing application and knowledge sharing.

Evaluation results indicate that participants entered the training with a strong appreciation for the importance of reading, and that the program further strengthened their ability to make reading more active, meaningful, and effective in a multilingual context. Participants reported increased confidence in designing reading activities, facilitating reading discussions, selecting appropriate materials, and supporting colleagues. One participant noted that “small changes can make a big impact,” while another expressed enthusiasm about implementing the program within their school.

The  Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Melissa D. Gumbs, emphasized the importance of initiatives such as Leeskracht within the Ministry’s broader education agenda:
“Strengthening literacy is one of my key priorities, because it is the foundation for all learning. When our children learn to read with confidence and enjoyment, we set them up for success in school and in life.”

Through this initiative, the Ministry of ECYS and its partners are taking concrete steps to strengthen reading education on Sint Maarten. By investing in educators who will in turn train others, the program contributes to a sustainable, long-term approach in which reading is recognized as a foundation for learning, personal development, and opportunity.

PHILIPSBURG  (DCOMM):--- Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), is calling on the community to take a proactive approach to prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) as part of its annual health observances for the month of April.

In collaboration with the Sint Maarten AIDS Foundation and JCI SXM A.C.T.I.O.N., CPS is reinforcing safe health messages, particularly during the Carnival season.

CPS emphasizes that STIs are a real and present public health concern that can affect anyone. These infections do not discriminate, making it essential for individuals to stay informed and make responsible decisions regarding their sexual health. Education and awareness are key tools in preventing the spread of STIs within the community. Persons having multiple partners and not using condoms are putting themselves and their partners at risk.

Sexually Transmitted Infections are primarily spread through person-to-person sexual contact, especially during unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Individuals who may have been exposed to an STI, or who have engaged in unprotected sex with a partner whose status is unknown, are strongly encouraged to consult their general practitioner and get tested.

There are more than 30 different sexually transmitted bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Some of the most common infections include gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, genital warts, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis B. If left untreated, some STIs can lead to serious long-term health complications.

Practicing safer sex is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of infection. CPS advises the consistent and correct use of condoms—both male and female—as a key preventive measure. Making informed choices and taking responsibility for one’s health and that of one’s partner are essential steps in protecting against STIs.

CPS encourages residents to seek information, get tested, and know their status. For more information on STIs, individuals can contact their general practitioner or the Sint Maarten AIDS Foundation.

The message is clear: enjoy life, stay informed, and take control of your health.

PHILIPSBURG  (DCOMM):---  Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), is urging residents to take immediate action following the heavy rainfall experienced on Tuesday, which significantly increases the risk of mosquito breeding across the island.

Health authorities warn that the combination of rainfall, warm temperatures, and urban conditions creates an ideal environment for the Aedes aegypti mosquito to breed.

This mosquito, which is commonly found in and around homes, lays eggs in stagnant water collected in everyday items such as buckets, tires, flowerpots, and clogged drains. CPS is therefore calling on the community to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to eliminate standing water.

Dengue fever can cause symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, nausea, and rash. In more severe cases, it can lead to serious complications including bleeding and organ impairment. Chikungunya, while rarely fatal, is known to cause high fever and intense joint pain that can persist for weeks or even months, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life.

Residents are advised to remain alert for increased mosquito activity following the recent rainfall. CPS emphasizes that the most effective way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases is by eliminating breeding sites.

Households are encouraged to inspect their surroundings regularly, especially after rain, and to empty or remove any containers holding water. The use of insect repellent, proper window screening, and protective clothing is also recommended to reduce exposure to mosquito bites.

CPS is calling on the Sint Maarten community to take collective responsibility in protecting public health. Simple actions taken at the household level can have a significant impact in reducing mosquito populations and preventing the spread of disease.

To report mosquito breeding concerns or to request assistance, residents can contact CPS Vector Control at +1 (721) 520-4161, 542-1222/1570, or 914. The team can also be reached via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Wednesday morning, the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI), Patrice Gumbs, went to the Court of First Instance to represent VROMI in the case between Sun Resorts Ltd. N.V. and the Government of Sint Maarten concerning the legal status and ownership of the beach area at Mullet Bay. The dispute centers on the question of whether Sun Resorts, as owner of adjacent lands in the Mullet Bay area, can claim private ownership over (parts of) the beach and coastal zone. Sun Resorts has requested that the Court declare it the rightful owner of the land extending to the coastline, and that the Government has acted unlawfully by issuing permits, granting usage rights, and allowing third parties to operate businesses on the beach. Sun Resorts further seeks court orders prohibiting the Government from continuing such activities and requests the imposition of significant financial penalties for non-compliance.

The Government of Sint Maarten has firmly rejected these claims. The position of the Government is that the beaches of Sint Maarten, including Mullet Bay, form part of the public domain and belong to the people of Sint Maarten. This position is grounded in longstanding legal principles and statutory provisions, which establish a presumption that beaches are owned by the Country unless unequivocally proven otherwise. During the proceedings, the Government argued that Sunresorts had not provided any legally valid title demonstrating ownership of the beach itself. The Government emphasized that historical deeds and cadastral documents relied upon by Sunresorts refer to land adjacent to the sea, but do not establish ownership of the beach. The Government further highlighted that beaches have historically remained publicly accessible and have been managed accordingly, including issuing permits to local entrepreneurs providing public services. In addition, the Government maintained that it has acted lawfully in managing and regulating the use of Mullet Bay Beach in the public interest, and that there is no basis for the claims of unlawful conduct or damages. “We can not let one document set a precedent that will steal the most popular beach from our people and allow others to try and lay claim to our shores,” Minister Gumbs stated when asked.

The case raises fundamental questions about public access to beaches, the scope of private property rights, and the protection of Sint Maarten’s coastal heritage. The Court has indicated that judgment in this matter is expected on June 9, 2026.

The Ministry of VROMI will continue to act in the interest of the people of Sint Maarten and remains committed to safeguarding public access to the island’s beaches. “Our beaches belong to the people and always will.” Minister Gumbs declared.