PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- It’s a new year – 2026 - and many set out their goals, which also include achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
As we step into the second half of the decade, the landscape of personal wellness is shifting from restrictive dieting toward long-term, sustainable health integration.
Every year the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA), as part of its annual health observances calendar, highlights and creates awareness about health matters.
For the month of January, CPS is profiling healthy weight and nutrition.
CPS would like to offer some tips designed to help individuals set realistic goals that prioritize both physical vitality and mental well-being.
The beginning of a new year often brings a surge of ambitious health resolutions that can be difficult to maintain. However, 2026 is being hailed as the year of "Functional Longevity."
Experts suggest that the most successful individuals are those who move away from "all-or-nothing" mentalities and instead focus on incremental habits.
The key nutrition and wellness tips for 2026 are: prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods where you focus on "adding" rather than "subtracting." Incorporate a wider variety of leafy greens, ancient grains, and lean proteins to support gut health and steady energy levels.
Hydration with intention. Beyond simple water intake, focus on maintaining electrolyte balance, especially for those with active lifestyles.
Mindful movement. Instead of grueling, unsustainable workout schedules, aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week that you actually enjoy, such as brisk walking, swimming, or functional strength training.
Rest as a pillar of health. Sleep hygiene is now recognized as being just as critical as diet. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep to regulate metabolic hormones and cognitive function.
The role of professional guidance. While self-motivation is vital, CPS emphasizes that the foundation of any health journey must be built on professional medical advice. Individual health profiles vary wildly based on genetics, age, and pre-existing conditions.
The most important health goal anyone can set this year is to schedule an annual physical. Do It Yourself health can only take you so far.
Regular screenings and consultations with a primary care physician are essential to catch underlying issues early and to ensure that your nutritional or fitness changes are safe for your specific body chemistry.
CPS recommends that all individuals maintain a "Health Log" to share with their physicians, noting any significant changes in energy, mood, or physical performance.
Contact your family physician or CPS at 914 for more information on maintaining a healthy weight and the nutritional benefits for 2026.
In Remembrance of Marc Marshall.
On behalf of the Board and staff of the Sint Maarten Library
The passing of Marc Marshall invites us to pause — not only in sorrow, but in reflection.
Marc served as General Manager of the Sint Maarten Library for a period of two years. His time with the institution unfolded during a demanding chapter, marked by transition, pressure, and complex challenges. It was not an easy season, nor a simple role to carry.
Yet even in turbulence, Marc showed up.
He accepted responsibility at a time when the Library was navigating significant change, and he did so with commitment and resolve. He understood the weight of the position and the expectations that came with it. While circumstances were often difficult, Marc remained present, engaged, and willing to shoulder the task entrusted to him.
Beyond roles and outcomes, we remember Marc foremost as a person. A man who cared deeply, who tried, who bore responsibility in the public eye while carrying his own private battles. Those who worked with him knew his humanity — his moments of warmth, his sincerity, and his desire to do right by the institution he served.
As a Board, we believe it is important to honor Marc not by overstating his tenure, but by acknowledging his willingness to serve during a challenging period and his contribution to the ongoing story of the Sint Maarten Library. Institutions are shaped not only by their successes, but also by those who step forward when the road is uncertain.
Marc Marshall was one of those people.
We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew him beyond his professional title. May he be remembered with compassion, fairness, and grace —and may his memory remind us of the human beings behind the positions we hold.
To honor and acknowledge his life, the Sint Maarten Library will host a Celebration of Life tribute on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., in Room 202 at the University of St. Martin (USM). The tribute will include a short program reflecting on Mr. Marshall’s life, leadership, and contributions to the Sint Maarten Library and the wider community.
In observance of this tribute, the Cay Hill and Belvedere Library locations will be closed on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The Main Library will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All locations will reopen on Friday, January 23, 2026, for regular service.
Board of Directors and staff of
Sint Maarten Library
Central Committee meeting of Parliament regarding the nature policy plan for Sint Maarten 2025-2029.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on January 16, 2025.
The Central Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday at 10.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure will be in attendance.
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
Sint Maarten Marine Trades Association Celebrates a Successful Crew Year’s Eve 2026.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA), in collaboration with the Simpson Bay Fireworks Association, is pleased to reflect on the successful execution of Crew Year’s Eve 2026, held on Friday, January 9, in Simpson Bay.
Crew Year’s Eve once again proved to be a highlight on St. Maarten’s maritime calendar, bringing together yacht crew, marine professionals, residents, and visitors for an evening celebrating the island’s vibrant marine community. The festivities culminated in a spectacular fireworks display at 10:00 PM, lighting up the Simpson Bay skyline and creating a memorable moment for attendees both on land and on the water.
Beyond the celebration itself, Crew Year’s Eve generated a noticeable positive ripple effect across the island’s economy. Restaurants and bars experienced increased activity throughout the evening, while visitors and tourists actively sought information about the event, reinforcing St. Maarten’s reputation as a lively and welcoming destination. The timing of Crew Year’s Eve also encouraged many visitors to extend their holiday stays, allowing for greater flexibility in travel plans and contributing to sustained economic activity beyond the traditional holiday period. This extended engagement highlights the value of the event not only to the maritime sector, but to the wider tourism and hospitality industries on the island.
Following the strong turnout and enthusiastic response, the SMMTA is proud to see Crew Year’s Eve continue to grow as a meaningful moment of appreciation for the hard-working crews and marine businesses that contribute year-round to St. Maarten’s reputation as a leading yachting and maritime destination.
In addition to the main fireworks celebration, several marinas hosted events open to the maritime community and the wider public, further enhancing the island-wide atmosphere. Palapa Marina welcomed guests with a vibrant Gatsby-themed celebration, while Isle de Sol Marina and Yacht Club port de Plaisance also hosted themed events, reinforcing the inclusive and collaborative spirit that defines Crew Year’s Eve.
The SMMTA extends its sincere appreciation to the event partners and sponsors whose support made Crew Year’s Eve 2026 possible: IGY Marinas, Yacht Club Port de Plaisance, Palapa Marina, Port of St. Maarten, Skyport Marina, Simpson Bay Resort, Nowhere Special, ProServ Marine, Island Water World, NAPA, BWA Yachting, Carrefour, Steve Coetzer, PDG Supplies, and Bluwater Construction.
Their commitment reflects the strength of collaboration within the marine sector and a shared pride in celebrating the people who power it.
The Sint Maarten Marine Trades Association thanks all partners, marinas, sponsors, and attendees for contributing to a safe, festive, and successful Crew Year’s Eve 2026 and looks forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.
Minister Brug releases third Youth Mental Health video addressing bullying and online harm.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Mr. Richinel S.J. Brug, has released the third video in an ongoing awareness series focused on youth mental health, this time addressing the serious issue of bullying and online exploitation. The video was produced in collaboration with local artist King James.
This third installment follows two earlier videos launched by the Ministry: the first centered on emotional well-being and the message “You good? Are you okay?”, encouraging young people to reach out to trusted individuals and not suffer in silence; the second highlighted the negative impact of vaping on youth health and development.
The latest video focuses on bullying, particularly in the digital space, and tells the story of a young girl who shared a private image with someone she trusted, only to have that image later shared widely without her consent. The video sheds light on the emotional harm, shame, and long-lasting mental health consequences that can result from such actions, while also emphasizing responsibility, empathy, and the importance of speaking up.
Minister Brug emphasized that the goal of the series is not to shame or frighten young people, but to create open conversations, promote awareness, and encourage safer choices, both online and offline. Bullying, including the sharing of private images without consent, is never acceptable and that young people who experience such situations should know they are not alone and that help is available.
Through this video series, the Ministry of VSA continues its commitment to supporting youth mental health by addressing difficult but relevant topics in a way that is relatable and locally grounded. Minister Brug emphasized the importance of respect, empathy, and accountability, calling on parents, educators, community leaders, and young people to work together to create safe and supportive environments. The Minister highlighted that addressing bullying requires early intervention, education, and consistent support for those affected.
The project reflects government’s priorities for 2024–2028, which focus on strengthening social well-being, empowering young people, and fostering safe, inclusive communities. These priorities emphasize protecting vulnerable groups, promoting positive social behavior, and encouraging collaboration among public institutions, schools, families, and community organizations.
Further information on support services and youth assistance programs will continue to be shared through the Ministry’s official communication channels.