~Minister Brug reaffirms commitment to transparency and the continued work of the ministry~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), Mr. Richinel S.J. Brug, has acknowledged recent allegations involving his Chief of Staff and emphasized his commitment to transparency while reaffirming that the work of the Ministry continues without interruption.
Minister Brug stated that matters concerning integrity and public accountability must always be treated with seriousness and addressed through the appropriate processes.

“I am aware of the allegations that have been raised involving my Chef de Cabinet. Matters of integrity must always be taken seriously. While this process is ongoing through the proper legal channels, I have also requested the Integrity Chamber to conduct an investigation into matters that have taken place within the Ministry of VSA since I assumed office.”
At the same time, Minister Brug underscored that the Ministry remains fully engaged in advancing several important policy initiatives and concrete projects to strengthen public health, social development, and labor opportunities in Sint Maarten.

Over the past months, the Ministry has continued to implement its Health in All Policies approach, ensuring that public health considerations are integrated across policies and initiatives. This approach recognizes that health outcomes are influenced not only by healthcare services but also by social conditions, employment opportunities, food security, and community well-being.

As part of these efforts, the Ministry recently participated in a health mission to Colombia, where discussions were held with key partners to explore opportunities for cooperation in healthcare services, training, and strategic partnerships to strengthen Sint Maarten's healthcare system. A key accomplishment of this mission was the establishment of relationships with medical institutions and professionals already registered in the European BIG registry, making it easier for qualified healthcare professionals to meet the legal requirements to work in Sint Maarten and help address ongoing workforce shortages, including the issue of rotating physicians at the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC).

In addition, the Ministry continues to receive technical and legal support to mitigate the ongoing shortage of professionals within the Government and to advance several key reforms currently underway. These include continued work on the General Health Insurance (GHI) legislative framework, the establishment of a Healthcare Professionals Registry, and broader efforts to modernize healthcare governance and oversight.
The Ministry has also maintained a strong focus on mental health awareness and the strengthening of mental health services. Recognizing the growing importance of mental health support within the community, the Ministry continues to work with stakeholders to improve access to services, strengthen the mental health care infrastructure, and advance the development of the new mental health facility, which will expand the country’s capacity to provide appropriate care and treatment.

Minister Brug also highlighted the Ministry’s continued focus on the well-being of the elderly population, recognizing the importance of ensuring that seniors receive adequate support, access to services, and opportunities to maintain their health and independence within the community.
“Our elderly deserve dignity, care, and attention. As a Ministry, we remain committed to ensuring that policies and initiatives reflect the needs of our senior citizens and that their well-being remains a priority in our work,” the Minister noted.
The Ministry has also continued expanding community outreach initiatives, including the Community Help Desk in Hope Estate, in addition to other direct engagement efforts designed to bring government services closer to residents.

Minister Brug reiterated that both he and the Ministry remain focused on their mandate.
“My focus remains on serving the people of Sint Maarten. While processes take their course, the work of the Ministry continues. Our responsibility is to keep advancing policies and initiatives that strengthen the health and well-being of our community.”
The Ministry of VSA will continue to provide updates on its initiatives and remains committed to maintaining open communication with the public.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Residents across the island are losing sleep and gasping for clean air. From Simpson Bay to Dutch Quarter, a relentless blanket of toxic smoke is poisoning built-up neighborhoods. For people living in these communities, breathing has become hazardous, and their frustration is reaching a boiling point.

In Dutch Quarter, along Christiansted Drive—a street formerly known as Nick Spring Drive to honor a beloved local matriarch—the air is thick with hazardous fumes. Families report drowning in toxic smoke up to three times a day. The constant exposure forces people to keep their windows bolted shut, turning homes into suffocating traps. Nights offer no relief, with residents in both Dutch Quarter and Simpson Bay reporting endless sleepless nights as the smoke settles heavily over their roofs.

The health risks of inhaling these toxic fumes are severe. Children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory issues face immediate danger. Yet, despite the obvious threat to public health, pleas for help have hit a brick wall.

Residents have repeatedly sounded the alarm. They have filed complaints with their local community officer. They have directly notified leaders, including Chief Commissioner of Police Carl John and Minister of VSA Richinel Brug. The response? Absolute silence. No investigations, no citations, and no effort to trace or stop the burning. The very people tasked with protecting the community are leaving citizens to fend for themselves.

"We are tired," shared one exhausted local. The sentiment echoes across the island. Families watch their neighborhoods turn into hazardous zones while the authorities look the other way.

This crisis demands immediate intervention. Leaders must step up, enforce environmental protections, and hold those responsible for the burning accountable. The people of Simpson Bay and Dutch Quarter deserve to sleep through the night without fearing for their health.

It is time to clear the air. The community refuses to be ignored any longer.

French Quarter, St. Martin:---  A new book by Roland Richardson launches at Amuseum Naturalis in French Quarter this Saturday. The book is titled The Last Frontier: Sir Roland Richardson’s French Quarter. It features artwork of people and places in French Quarter, and Richardson’s memories of the time he lived there. It is bilingual in English and French. The public is invited to the free, launch event. It will be held at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House in French Quarter from 9 am to noon this Saturday, March 28th. The book was produced by the Les Fruits de Mer association.

“We are so excited to share this with St. Martin,” said Amuseum co-founder Mark Yokoyama, who developed the book with Richardson. “It is a book about art, about French Quarter, and about St. Martin’s past.”

The Last Frontier features 26 paintings and etchings by Roland Richardson. Subjects include an etching of the house where Richardson lived in the French Quarter, and The Old House, the historic building where Amuseum Naturalis is located. The text, taken from oral history interviews with Richardson, reveals a French Quarter where traditions still survived on a rapidly changing island. He also shares insights into his artistic process.

Roland Richardson remembers his time in the French Quarter fondly, “

felt that was part of my real privilege, that opportunity to sleep with my doors open. I didn't have any worries, and I felt totally at home, but I felt really privileged to have, out of every door or window where I looked, the natural landscape. I did a huge, huge body of work during those years.”

Amuseum Naturalis is located at The Old House in the French Quarter. It is always free to visit, and all displays are outdoors. Guests are welcome to make a self-guided visit any day of the week during daylight hours. 

This book was produced with the support of the Fonds pour le développement de la vie associative (FDVA). The project was a collaboration between the Les Fruits de Mer association and the Roland Richardson Heritage Association. The funding includes providing copies of the book to all schools on the French side of the island. Teachers and youth group leaders interested in copies are encouraged to contact Les Fruits de Mer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Companies, organizations or individuals interested in sponsoring copies for schools are also encouraged to contact the association.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), joined the international community in observing World Oral Health Day (WOHD) on Friday, March 20, under the theme “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Life” with students at the St. Joseph Primary School with second graders.

The students were given vital information on what is necessary for good oral hygiene. They were taught the brushing

and flossing technique.

Each child got the opportunity to brush their teeth for two (2) minutes using their individual timer. The book "Melvin the Magnificent Molar," written by Julia Cook & Laura Jana, MD, was presented to the school, along with an enlarged tooth mouth model.

Parents and guardians are reminded of the importance of teaching children good oral hygiene habits from an early age. Encouraging children to brush properly and consistently helps lay the foundation for lifelong dental health.

Good oral care practices established in childhood can prevent many common dental problems later in life.

The annual observance highlights the importance of good oral hygiene and reminds the public that maintaining healthy teeth and gums is an essential part of overall health and well-being.

Oral health plays a major role in everyday life. Healthy teeth and gums help people eat properly, speak clearly, smile with confidence, and avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort.

Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and other health complications that may affect a person’s quality of life. CPS is encouraging residents of all ages to make oral care a daily priority and to understand that prevention begins at home.

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is one of the most important steps in protecting oral health.

Regular brushing helps remove plaque, prevent cavities, and reduce the risk of gum disease. CPS also encourages the public to floss daily, reduce sugary foods and drinks, drink plenty of water, and visit a dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. These simple habits can make a significant difference in keeping the mouth healthy.