PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) is pleased to announce the completion of Sint Maarten’s first National PAHO/WHO STEPS Survey on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). The final report has now been officially submitted to the Minister of VSA.

Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Hon. Richinel S. J. Brug, expressed his appreciation for the timely submission of the report, noting that the STEPS results come at a pivotal moment.
“I am grateful to receive the full findings at this time,” Minister Brug stated. “The data and recommendations will be directly integrated into the Ministry’s Health in All Policies approach, which will be launched in the first quarter of 2026. This report strengthens our foundation for coordinated, evidence-based action across all sectors.”
Conducted between July 2023 and October 2024, the STEPS Survey represents Sint Maarten’s first nationally representative assessment of the behavioral and biological risk factors that contribute to chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, cancers, respiratory illnesses, and kidney disease. Using the internationally recognized WHO STEPS methodology, the survey included interviews, physical measurements, and blood testing among 2,042 adults aged 18–69 across every district in the country.

The successful implementation of this national survey was made possible through strong collaboration and support from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the Tijdelijke Werkorganisatie (TWO), dedicated field teams, VSA staff, community partners, and the many residents who generously participated. The Ministry extends its sincere gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to this important national milestone. The STEPS findings will play a central role in shaping future health policies, strengthening prevention programs, and guiding coordinated action across sectors.

As part of the next steps, the Ministry of VSA will host a stakeholder information session at the end of November, during which key partners from government, and within the community, will receive a detailed presentation on the results and recommendations included in the final report.

More information regarding the session will be shared in the coming days.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Antek IT Solutions proudly hosted a special anniversary event at Emilio’s Restaurant to celebrate a major milestone: 30 years of Payroll Pro HRM, the leading payroll application in St. Maarten and trusted across the Dutch Caribbean. The gathering brought together loyal clients, partners, and friends of the company for an
evening of reflection, appreciation, and celebration. Guests enjoyed light snacks, drinks, and music as they reconnected and commemorated Payroll Pro’s three decades of service to the region.
Donovan Smith, Director at Antek IT Solutions, opened the event by highlighting the enduring collaboration between Antek and Gamma IT Solutions, the creators of Payroll Pro HRM. “This milestone is more than a celebration of a product — it’s a celebration of partnership,” Smith said. “For 30 years, Antek and Gamma
have worked hand-in-hand to support organizations in St. Maarten. It’s a relationship built on trust, innovation, and the shared mission of helping businesses take care of their employees.”
Long-serving Antek team member Louis Bute and former director Klaas van Sloten were also invited to share their insights and memories, reflecting on the product’s early days and the continued commitment behind its success.
The celebration was further enriched by the presence of representatives from Gamma IT Solutions, including Managing Director Frank Baks, who joined Antek in commemorating the milestone and honoring the longstanding partnership between both companies.
Giovanni Wester of Gamma IT Solutions also delivered remarks on the future of Payroll Pro HRM. West spoke about the ongoing evolution of the software and offered an exciting teaser of what’s ahead - the upcoming integration of artificial intelligence to enhance payroll processing and user experience.
As Antek IT Solutions looks toward the future, the company remains dedicated to supporting Payroll Pro users with local expertise, training, and deep collaboration with its development partners.

PHILIPSBURG---  Move over red carpet, make way for emerald green! This Saturday November 22nd at 9:30 AM sharp—yes, morning people, this is your moment—DJ, founder and managing director of the FREEGAN Food Foundation, will once again celebrate his birthday in what has now become an annual cinematic tradition. For the fifth glorious year, DJ is inviting everyone to join him at Caribbean Cinemas for a morning of laughter, friendship, free popcorn, and sodas—because nothing says “community” like making a responsible breakfast out of movie snacks.

In true theatrical fashion, this year’s theme is WICKED—and attendees are encouraged to turn up in full costume. Whether you arrive pink and bubbly like Glinda, mysteriously green and misunderstood like Elphaba, or just confused but fabulous, prizes await the best dressed! Think magic, think sparkle, think “Defy Gravity” but make it tropical.

“Every year I try to celebrate with as many people as possible,” DJ said while possibly humming Popular under his breath. “Why keep joy small when you can supersize it—just like the popcorn?”

This event is free of charge—yes, really. Free movie, free popcorn, free sodas, free good vibes. All you need to do is RSVP via WhatsApp at +1 (721) 580-7174 (messages only, because we’re modern like that).

So whether you’ve known DJ for years, met him once, follow him on social media, heard about him through a cousin, or simply enjoy forming lifelong bonds over cinema snacks—don’t be shy, just text and say you’re coming. Because if there’s one thing the FREEGAN founder stands for, it’s sharing—food, joy, and apparently movie theaters.

Event Details

📍 Caribbean Cinemas, St. Maarten
📅 This Saturday
⏰ 9:30 AM (Yes, that’s morning. Coffee optional; popcorn mandatory.)
🎭 Theme: WICKED – Come in costume for a chance to win enchanting prizes
🎁 Free movie, free popcorn, free sodas
📱 RSVP via WhatsApp only: +1 (721) 580-7174

Join us for a morning that promises to be unusually magical, inexplicably early, and undeniably fun. After all, five years in, it’s officially a tradition.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) is pleased to announce the official launch of the IVSA Strengthening Project, which kicked off last week. This initiative marks a step toward enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of the Inspectorate of Health, Social Development, and Labor (IVSA).
Earlier this year, the TWO approved the IVSA project as part of Sint Maarten’s broader institutional strengthening agenda under the Country Package. The project focuses on modernizing IVSA’s organizational structure, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and ensuring its operations are supported by a coherent legislative framework.
The first phase of the project, approved by the Council of Ministers (CoM), establishes the project team:
•
Mrs. Jorien Wuite – Project Manager
•
Mrs. Noella Ruivenkamp – Organizational Developer
•
Mr. Jan Egbert Temmink – Legislative Draftsman
The team will work closely with the Ministry’s leadership and staff to assess the Inspectorate’s current functions and develop proposals aimed at strengthening oversight, compliance, and service delivery in public health, social development, and labor.
Minister of VSA, Richinel Brug, welcomed the initiative, stating: "Strengthening the IVSA is essential to ensuring that the Ministry can continue to effectively safeguard the health, safety, and well-being of our community. This project represents an important step toward a more modern and responsive."
Regular updates on the progress of the IVSA Strengthening Project will be shared as implementation advances.