~Third annual edition of the “For Women in Science – Young Talents Caribbean Region” program opens applications for emerging researchers~

SAN JUAN, PR:---   L’Oréal Caribe and the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean announce the opening of the 2025 For Women in Science – Young Talents Caribbean Region program, inviting doctoral and post-doctoral women researchers from across the Caribbean to apply for one of two $15,000 USD grants to advance their scientific careers. Applications are open from May 22, 2025, to August 07, 2025, with winners to be celebrated in fall 2025.

Entering its third edition, the Young Talents Caribbean Region program continues to expand the global reach of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science movement. In this region, it is made possible through a collaboration between L’Oréal Caribe, the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean, and regional academic partners including the Caribbean Academy of Sciences and the AAAS Caribbean Division.

This initiative works to close the gender gap in scientific research by uplifting the next generation of women in STEM. Through direct financial support and increased visibility, it helps emerging scientists in fields such as biology, environmental science, climate change and adaptation, engineering, mathematics, AI and digital technologies advance their research and leadership potential.

“This initiative is more than a recognition—it’s a vehicle for impact,” said Liana Camacho, Vice President of Market at L’Oréal Caribe. “We’re proud to support the brilliant minds shaping the Caribbean’s future through fields such as environmental science, engineering, computer science, and life sciences—while inspiring the next generation of women in science.”

In 2024, the program honored Dr. Savanna Lloyd and Gillian Rowe, both from Jamaica, for their outstanding research in organic semiconductor materials and sustainable agriculture, respectively. Their work highlights the critical role of Caribbean women in tackling global challenges through innovation, from improving electronics manufacturing to protecting local crops and ecosystems.

The program seeks to address a persistent global challenge: despite their leadership in scientific innovation, women remain underrepresented in research and rarely receive the recognition they deserve. According to the UNESCO Science Report, women account for only 33% of researchers worldwide, while men make up the remaining 67%. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the figures are more encouraging, with women representing 45.1% and men 54.9% of researchers. However, regional disparities in visibility, funding, and leadership opportunities persist. By providing targeted support, initiatives like For Women in Science contribute to closing these gaps and fostering a more equitable and inclusive scientific landscape across the Caribbean and beyond.

“UNESCO is working to recognize and promote the talent of women in science, bring diverse perspectives to the forefront and dismantle the barriers that hinder women from realizing their full potential in science,” added Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO

For more information about eligibility criteria, the application process, and key deadlines, visit https://www.forwomeninscience.com/challenge/show/141.  

Join us in celebrating and supporting the women shaping the future of science in the Caribbean.

PHILIPSBURG:---The Ministry of VSA is pleased to announce the upcoming “Minister in Your Neighborhood,” the SZV edition. This VSA and SZV collaboration aims to foster direct engagement with community members. It provides an opportunity for residents to discuss SZV concerns, ask questions, share ideas, and be informed in a relaxed and accessible setting. The Minister looks forward to meeting neighbors, listening to their voices, and working together to build a stronger, more connected community.
Date: Friday, June 6th, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Government Administration Building, Rooms 1 & 2.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  Thursday, June 5 is World Environment Day (WED). WED is the biggest international day for the environment.

World Environment Day 2025 is focused on beating plastic pollution. Plastics are an important part of the modern world, used in everything from car parts to medical devices.

Since the 1950s, researchers estimate humanity has produced 9.2 billion tonnes of material, some 7 billion tonnes of which have become waste.

A major source of plastic pollution is single-use plastic products, which are not circulated in the economy, overwhelming waste systems and entering the environment.

Some of the most common single-use plastic products are water bottles, dispensing containers, takeaway bags, disposable cutlery, freezer bags and packaging foam.

The world generated an estimated 400 million tonnes of plastic waste last year. This torrent of water and shampoo bottles, dispensing containers, polyester shirts, PVC piping and other plastic products is part and parcel of a plastic pollution crisis that experts say is ravaging ecosystems, exposing people to potentially harmful pollutants and stoking climate change, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The UNEP says countries worldwide are now negotiating an international legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution. Against that backdrop, this year’s World Environment Day will focus on ways to prevent plastic waste from escaping into the environment, such as curbing pollution from single-use plastic products and redesigning plastic products so they last longer.   

Collective Preventive Services (CPS) department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, as part of its annual calendar of awareness activities, is calling on the community to join the global movement to bring about awareness to the ongoing balance among human activity, economic development and nature in the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability.

This year’s focus is also in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 which provides a blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.

CPS points out that SDG-3 ‘Good Health and Well-being’ is part of the agenda for the well-being of humanity.

Since 1973, World Environment Day on June 5 has been the biggest international day for the environment.  It is led by the United Nations Environment Program and is held annually to raise awareness and generate political momentum around growing environmental concerns, such as toxic chemical pollution, desertification, and global warming.

PHILIPSBURG:---  As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation, and Communication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has issued a call for preparedness, collective action, and vigilance. Addressing residents during the Council of Ministers press briefing, the Minister emphasized the shared responsibility of the community in ensuring safety during the season.

“I extend my heartfelt wishes for a safe and uneventful season to every one of you,” the Minister stated. “Preparedness is a shared responsibility, and I urge our residents to begin taking actions now.”

Community Preparedness Measures

The Minister outlined practical steps that residents should take immediately to safeguard their homes and families. These include reviewing emergency plans, checking supply kits, and securing homes and properties. Special emphasis was placed on assisting vulnerable groups within the community.

“Most importantly, reach out to our seniors and vulnerable neighbors to ensure they are not left behind,” Minister Heyliger-Marten urged.

The call reflects the government’s priority to foster a united and resilient community capable of withstanding the challenges of hurricane season.

Updates on Essential Disaster Items Price List

The Ministry of TEATT has been proactive in preparing for the season. Minister Heyliger-Marten announced that the Ministry is in the final stages of updating the maximum price list for essential disaster items. This annual initiative ensures that critical goods remain accessible and affordable for all residents in the event of a disaster.

“This list will be circulated to stakeholders in the coming week, providing ample time to review and align their pricing with the approved regulations,” the Minister shared.

The essential items list includes necessities such as bottled water, extra batteries, non-perishable food, and other emergency supplies. By regulating prices, the Ministry aims to prevent price gouging and ensure equitable access to supplies.

Compliance Inspections to Enforce Regulations

To uphold the integrity of the price controls, the Department of Inspection, Economic Affairs, and IATA (Inspectorate of the Department) will conduct routine compliance inspections. Businesses will be monitored to ensure adherence to the established price list once it is officially published.

“Further information will be shared next week on how businesses can contact the relevant department and how the public can report any instances of non-compliance,” Minister Heyliger-Marten stated.

These measures are designed to protect consumer interests while promoting cooperation and accountability within the business sector during hurricane season.

Call for Unity and Vigilance

Minister Heyliger-Marten underscored the importance of standing together as a community to mitigate the potential impact of hurricanes. “Let us all do our part to prepare, to protect, and to support one another,” she said.

Her message was one of hope and perseverance, highlighting the island’s longstanding resiliency. “Together we will stand strong and weather the storm.”

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and prepared. With government measures in place and a clear commitment to safety and fairness, the people of Sint Maarten are encouraged to work collectively for a secure hurricane season.

By preparing now, both residents and businesses can build a stronger foundation of readiness, ensuring that Sint Maarten remains resilient in the face of nature’s challenges.