PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has called on countries to accelerate efforts to achieve cervical cancer 2030 elimination targets in the Americas, warning that, with only five years remaining, the current pace puts reaching the goals at risk, despite progress in vaccination.

Each year, over 78,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the Americas, and more than 40,000 die from the disease.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by persistent infection with certain high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a very common sexually transmitted infection.

The cancer typically develops very slowly, often beginning as pre-cancerous cell changes (known as dysplasia) that, if left undetected and untreated, can take many years to progress into invasive cancer. This slow progression is what makes routine screening so effective.

While this disease is a significant health challenge in our region, the Collective Prevention Service (CPS) wants every resident to know the most important fact: Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, provided it is detected early.

Cervical cancer rates in the Caribbean are among the highest in the Americas. CPS recommends a three-tiered approach to eliminating cervical cancer in our community: HPV Vaccination: The First Line of Defense.

Vaccination is most effective when given to girls (and boys) between the ages of nine (9) and 14, before they are exposed to the virus. By vaccinating our youth, we are providing them with lifelong protection against the primary cause of cervical cancer.

Screening is not about looking for cancer; it is about looking for pre-cancerous changes. If these changes are found, they can be treated long before they ever become "cancer." The pap smear is a simple test that looks for abnormal cells in the cervix.

Women should begin regular screening at age 21 (or as advised by their healthcare provider). Don't wait for symptoms as cervical cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. If you wait until you feel pain or notice unusual bleeding, it may be more difficult to treat.

While vaccination and screening are the most powerful tools, overall health plays a role in how our bodies fight infections like HPV. Smoking doubles the risk of developing cervical cancer because it weakens the immune system’s ability to clear HPV infections.

A diet rich in Caribbean fruits and vegetables provides the antioxidants necessary for cellular health. At CPS, our goal is to ensure that no woman in our community suffers from a disease that we have the power to prevent.

Prevention is primarily achieved through the HPV vaccine, which protects against the strains of the virus most likely to cause cancer. Early detection relies on regular cervical cancer screening, which includes the Pap smear (to look for pre-cancerous cell changes) and the HPV test.

When these screenings are performed routinely, abnormal cells can be found and removed before they ever become cancer, making the prognosis for women who participate in regular screenings excellent.

CPS advises women who need additional information to contact their physician. Early detection is your best protection. Let us work together to keep the women of the Caribbean healthy, vibrant, and strong.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is currently investigating an altercation that took place on Back Street on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, shortly after 11:00 AM.

Central Dispatch received several calls reporting a disturbance in the Back-Street area. Patrol officers were immediately dispatched to the location, where they encountered an ongoing altercation involving two male individuals.

After intervening and conducting a preliminary investigation, officers determined that the incident stemmed from a parking dispute. During the confrontation, one of the individuals, identified by the initials C.L.C., allegedly struck the other party in the face.  (French tourist.)

The suspect was arrested for ill-treatment and transported to the Philipsburg Police Station, where he is being held for further questioning.

KPSM reminds the public that violence is never the solution to resolving disputes. Individuals are urged to remain calm and seek peaceful means of addressing conflicts.

The investigation into this incident remains ongoing.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) extends its best wishes to the community and visitors for a safe, peaceful, and enjoyable Easter weekend.

As the Easter holiday is traditionally a time when many families and friends gather, particularly at popular beach locations, KPSM will be increasing its presence across the island to ensure public safety and maintain order.

In connection with the expected large crowds at Mullet Bay, KPSM wishes to inform the public that strict traffic and parking regulations will be enforced throughout the Easter weekend, from Friday, April 4, through Monday, April 7, 2026.

KPSM understands the importance of this holiday and encourages everyone to enjoy the festivities responsibly. To facilitate a safe and smooth flow of traffic in the Mullet Bay area, the following measures will be in place:

Parking along Rhine Road is strictly prohibited at all times during the Easter weekend.

Designated parking areas have been identified, and police officers will actively monitor them to ensure compliance.

Vehicles that are illegally parked, obstructing traffic, or parked in undesignated areas, including sections of the Mullet Bay Golf Course, will be towed at the owner’s expense.

KPSM also strongly advises motorists to refrain from parking on the Boardwalk in Philipsburg. Parking in this area is not permitted, and any vehicles found parked on the Boardwalk will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Motorists are urged to follow all instructions given by police officers on duty and to adhere to all traffic regulations. Failure to comply may result in fines or the removal of vehicles.

KPSM also takes this opportunity to remind the public to act responsibly, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and refrain from any behavior that may endanger themselves or others.

The cooperation of the community is essential in ensuring a safe and orderly Easter weekend for all.

~NAf is now only exchangeable at CBCS~

Willemstad/Philipsburg:--- One year after the introduction of the Caribbean guilder, the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) looks back on a smooth transition to the new currency. As of 1 April 2026, Netherlands Antillean guilder (NAf) banknotes and coins can only be exchanged at the CBCS. Exchange at commercial banks will no longer be possible from this date. The public can continue to exchange NAf at the CBCS until 31 March 2055.
On March 31st, 2025, the Caribbean guilder was officially introduced in the monetary union of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. Since then, citizens and businesses have gradually switched from the NAf to the new currency. By the end of February 2026, a total of approximately 385.9 million (about 77%) of the NAf banknotes and coins that were in circulation on 31 March 2025 have been exchanged.
The CBCS expresses its appreciation to all institutions and individuals who contributed to the efficient progress of the transition. Special thanks go to the commercial banks, which played a crucial role in the exchange process.
Individuals visiting the CBCS in Curaçao for the first time who wish to exchange an amount under Cg 20,000 may do so without an appointment from Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. Returning visitors, or first-time visitors who wish to exchange more than Cg 20,000, are asked to make an appointment via www.centralbank.cw/exchange-request.
Exchange transactions at the CBCS in Sint Maarten are only possible by appointment via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Additional conditions apply for exchanges of amounts above 20,000 guilders. Further information is available in the exchange policy on the CBCS website: https://www.caribbean-guilder.com/exchange-procedure.
Willemstad, March 31, 2026
CENTRALE BANK VAN CURACAO EN SINT MAARTEN