MARIGOT, Saint Martin:---  Every mother deserves access to information and support as she begins one of life's most important journeys. With that belief in mind, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset presented a large digital television screen to the maternity ward of Louis Constant Fleming Hospital on June 17, 2026, to help strengthen maternal and child health education for families across the island.

The television will be installed in a dedicated educational room where expectant and new mothers will be able to view instructional videos and demonstrations on essential topics such as breastfeeding, bathing newborns, infant care, and other important practices that contribute to the health and well-being of both mother and child.

The donation reflects Rotary's commitment to Maternal and Child Health, one of Rotary International's key areas of focus. Through projects such as this, the club continues to invest in healthier futures for families and provide resources that empower parents with the knowledge and confidence needed to care for their children.

"One of the greatest gifts we can give a child is a healthy start in life, and that begins with supporting mothers," said Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset President Alex Pierre. "We are honored to partner with Louis Constant Fleming Hospital in creating opportunities for learning that will benefit families long after they leave the maternity ward. Every parent deserves access to information that helps them give their child the best possible start."

The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset remains dedicated to answering the needs of the community through service projects that create lasting impact and improve lives. By supporting education and wellness initiatives, the club continues to make a difference for the most vulnerable members of society and help build stronger, healthier communities.

The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset meets every second and fourth Monday at 7:00 p.m. at Carl & Sons Unique Inn in Cole Bay.

For more information about the club and its community service projects, follow the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset on Facebook at Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset and on Instagram at @rotarysxmsunset.

ORANJESTAD, ARUBA:--- The Ombudsman of Aruba, Ms. Jurima Bryson, LL.M., has received an increasing number of complaints and reports from individuals experiencing difficulties obtaining an appointment to register at the Civil Registry Office (Censo).

Based on the complaints received, many citizens are unable to secure an appointment within a reasonable period to register in Aruba’s civil registry. According to the Ombudsman, there appears to be a structural imbalance between the number of registration requests and the available processing capacity.

The issue affects not only individuals who have recently obtained a residence permit, but also Arubans returning to Aruba after living abroad who need to register again. As a result, citizens are faced with long waiting periods and uncertainty regarding when they will be able to complete their registration.

The consequences are significant. Registration in the civil registry is an essential requirement for access to various services. Without registration, citizens may encounter difficulties in obtaining access to healthcare (AZV), education, social services, employment, banking services, insurance, and housing.
The Ombudsman considers it undesirable that citizens, as a result of Censo’s capacity and organizational challenges, are unable to access an essential public service within a reasonable timeframe. According to the Ombudsman, government services should be organized in such a way that citizens can effectively exercise the rights to which they are entitled.

In light of this situation, the Ombudsman sent a letter of concern to the Minister of Justice and Social Affairs, Mr. Arthur Dowers, LL.M. on June 15, 2026.

As an independent and impartial institution, the Ombudsman has issued several recommendations aimed at improving the accessibility, timeliness, and continuity of the registration process. These include reducing existing backlogs, expanding appointment opportunities, strengthening processing capacity, and improving information provided to the public.

More information on this matter can be found in the Ombudsman’s letter of concern regarding access to the registration process at the Civil Registry Office (Censo). The full letter is available on the Ombudsman’s website at www.ombudsman.aw/en/publications/.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Service (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), is encouraging men across Sint Maarten to make their health a priority by taking advantage of preventive healthcare services and regular medical check-ups during Men's Health Month.

Men's Health Month, observed annually in June, seeks to raise awareness about preventable health conditions affecting men and boys and to encourage healthy lifestyle choices that can lead to longer, healthier lives.

One of the most important messages of Men's Health Month is the value of preventive healthcare. Many serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and kidney disease, can develop gradually and without noticeable symptoms. Regular health screenings and routine medical examinations can help detect these conditions early, when treatment is often more effective and health outcomes are generally better.

CPS notes that many men are less likely than women to seek medical attention unless they are experiencing symptoms or a health emergency. However, waiting until symptoms appear can sometimes mean that a condition has already progressed. Preventive healthcare focuses on identifying risk factors and health concerns before they become serious medical problems.

Men are encouraged to schedule regular visits with their healthcare provider and discuss important health screenings based on their age, family history, and individual risk factors. Routine health assessments may include blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, cholesterol screening, weight management evaluations, and discussions about heart health and cancer prevention.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also an essential part of preventive health. CPS encourages men to adopt habits that promote overall well-being, including eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, engaging in regular physical activity, getting adequate sleep, avoiding tobacco products, limiting alcohol consumption, and managing stress in healthy ways.

Preventive healthcare not only benefits individuals but also families and communities. When men take care of their health, they are better able to support their families, participate in community life, remain productive in the workplace, and enjoy a higher quality of life.

CPS also encourages family members, friends, employers, and community organizations to support and promote men's health initiatives. Open conversations about health and wellness can help reduce stigma and encourage men to seek medical advice when needed.

"Men's Health Month serves as an important reminder that good health begins with prevention," CPS stated. "Taking time for regular check-ups and health screenings is an investment in one's future. Early detection and healthy lifestyle choices can prevent many illnesses and help men live longer, healthier lives."

As Men's Health Month continues throughout June, CPS encourages all men to take proactive steps toward protecting their health and to speak with their healthcare provider about preventive care and recommended health screenings.

Persons seeking additional information should contact their family physician or CPS at telephone numbers: 542-1570 or 542-1222.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Here at the Sint Maarten Library, we are kicking off the countdown to Freedom and Emancipation Day with an inspiring cultural celebration for the island’s youth. On Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the library will host a special Saturday Story Time event featuring acclaimed local author Joselyne Arnell. Young readers are invited to the library’s Philipsburg location, upstairs in the Adolphus Richardson Building, for an unforgettable morning of literature and history.

During this special event, Arnell will bring her wonderful new book, New Moon for Quashiba, to life through a vibrant live reading. Tailored specifically for children ages 6 to 12, the interactive session offers a unique opportunity for local youth to engage directly with the author, connect with their heritage, and foster a lifelong love of reading.

The Sint Maarten Library encourages parents and guardians to arrive early, as space for this memorable experience is limited. For more details, community members can view the official event flyer through local school communication channels or visit the library directly.

Bring your children to celebrate culture, community, and the power of storytelling this Saturday.