PHILIPSBURG:--- NOW Member of Parliament (MP) Lyndon Lewis has issued a strong call to all school boards, specifically Catholic school boards, to respect the pending legislation prohibiting discrimination against students based on hairstyles, respectively, long hair, as announced by Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Melissa Gumbs, during recent Parliamentary meetings.

MP Lewis stated that while the legislation will formally take effect later in the school year, schools are already expected to align with the principle that no child should be denied access to education because of their hairstyle.

“It is unacceptable that in 2025, we still face situations where parents are being told their children cannot register for school due to the way their hair is styled. Education is a right, not a privilege subject to arbitrary and outdated rules,” MP Lewis emphasized.

MP Lewis would like to address all school boards, especially Catholic school boards, in Sint Maarten, whom he has been receiving numerous complaints about regarding the pending legislation. “I’m urging them to lead by example and adhere to both the letter and the spirit of the pending legislation”.

“I remind the Catholic school boards that even within their statutes and symbols of faith, they revere depictions of Jesus Christ with long hair. If the Son of God himself is shown with flowing hair, it is contradictory and discriminatory to deny children access to learning based on long hair,” MP Lewis said.

He further noted that Catholic schools, as institutions entrusted with shaping the minds and values of the nation’s children, have a moral duty to demonstrate inclusivity and compassion.

“I call on Catholic schools to open their doors fully, without prejudice, to all parents and students, regardless of hairstyle. Long hair does not determine one’s education or character. Let us not perpetuate practices that hurt children and families. Instead, let us embrace a more modern and humane approach to education in Sint Maarten,” Lewis concluded.

MP Lewis added that he will continue to support a more modern-day society and the legislation against hair discrimination and expects all schools (public and private) to respect and implement this progressive policy without delay.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Department of Community Development, Family and Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA), in collaboration with Leaders For Change Foundation, has launched the “Homelessness Crisis Response and Empowerment Project” – a six-month initiative spanning the second half of 2025 to provide both immediate relief and sustainable support for individuals experiencing homelessness.

This project is directly aligned with the Ministry’s vision, falls within CDFHA’s mandate, and is in accordance with the Government’s Governing Program under the pillar of social development. It underscores the importance of collaboration between government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), recognizing NGOs as essential grassroots partners who champion innovative ways to address challenges faced by vulnerable groups.

The project will respond to urgent needs through the distribution of hygiene kits, clean clothing, reusable water bottles, and meals, while also conducting weekly outreach visits to assess needs, build trust, and offer continued support. Beyond immediate aid, the initiative will explore long-term solutions such as skills training, livelihood opportunities, and partnerships to help beneficiaries work toward self-sufficiency.

Over 100 individuals are expected to receive direct assistance through the project, along with resources to improve their health, dignity, and quality of life. Data collected during the initiative will guide future interventions, strengthen policy development, and ensure a more targeted and effective response to the homelessness crisis.

“ Homelessness is not merely a housing issue, but a human issue that demands compassion, collaboration, and concrete action,” stated Minister Brug, Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA)“Through this project, we are combining immediate relief with long-term empowerment to restore dignity and provide real opportunities for those in need. By working hand-in-hand with NGOs like Leaders For Change, we are strengthening resilience and building a community where no one is left behind.”

If you know someone who is homeless, sleeping rough, or at risk of homelessness, please contact +1 (721) 523-4160 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, extends heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Peggy-Ann Dros Richardson, her dedicated team within the Department of Social Services, and Notary Mingo for organizing and executing a highly successful public information session on “Preparing for the Unexpected: Estate Planning & Wills” held on August 13, 2025. The event, hosted in collaboration with the Mingo Civil Law Notary Office, addressed the critical topics of estate settlement procedures, the importance of wills, and the steps involved in their preparation. But in addition to recording your wishes, there was also plenty of room for clarification about relationships that are not formally documented. For example, when living together, certain rights can be acquired. This led to interesting conversations with significant consequences. The Government Administration Building’s Room 1 and Room 2 were filled, with a number of attendees unfortunately turned away due to space limitations. “I knew this event would be a success,” stated Minister Brug, “especially given that similar sessions were hosted twice last year, both of which drew strong attendance. The fact that we had such an overwhelming turnout once again shows how deeply this topic resonates with our community across all walks of life.” The Minister expressed hope that the program would be repeated and suggested that future sessions be recorded and shared with the wider public to ensure that as many residents as possible can benefit from this important information. “These sorts of initiatives, developed and implemented by the hardworking teams within the Ministry of VSA, make me proud to serve,” Minister Brug added. “It is clear that our ministry is not only working but also making a meaningful impact in people’s lives by providing them with knowledge that empowers and protects them and their families.” The Ministry of VSA encourages residents to remain engaged with future public information sessions and to take proactive steps in their estate planning.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Collective Prevention Services (CPS), in collaboration with the White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF) and the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), successfully concluded World Breastfeeding Week 2025 (WBW 2025) with a series of engaging and impactful events held from August 1–9, 2025 under the theme “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.”

On August 1, an Opening Ceremony hosted by SMMC launched the WBW 2025 activities. On August 2, mothers gathered on the Philipsburg Boardwalk for the Mother’s Walk, creating a vibrant display of solidarity and awareness.

Education sessions were held on August 5 and 6 at Dr. Friday’s Clinic, Women's Health Services, and SMMC, which covered important topics on breastfeeding health and support for new mothers.

On August 7, a Sip & Paint hosted at the SMMC classroom brought together 15 mothers for an evening of art and storytelling, providing a space for creativity, connection, and shared experiences.

On August 8, a Story Time activity was held at the WYCCF in collaboration with the Sint Maarten Library. Eight children, accompanied by their parents, enjoyed animated readings by Melackia Spencer and Maryland Powell of the Sint Maarten Library, highlighting the importance of literacy alongside maternal health awareness.

The week concluded on August 9 with the Mom’s Health Fair, where attendees engaged with over 25 vendors and service providers covering topics ranging from prenatal to postnatal care, childcare, and self-care resources for parents. 

Attendees also heard from notable stakeholders and speakers: Social & Health Insurance (SZV), which outlined registration procedures during pregnancy and subsequent processes.

Orlando-Simon J. Gesner, student midwife under Stichting Building Bridges Saving Lives, discussed postpartum depression, preparation, and when to seek help.

Tadzio Bervoets shared his personal journey as a father and encouraged active paternal involvement.

During the fair, winners from CPS’s annual breastfeeding photo competition were announced: Winner: Inger Van Den Zanden and partner; First Prize: Laura Vialenc-Joseph; Second Prize: Iriesmyra Euson.

This year’s World Breastfeeding Week highlighted the ongoing commitments of CPS, WYCCF, and SMMC to promoting breastfeeding, maternal wellness, and family support in Sint Maarten. 

For more information, the community can view the social media accounts of Collective Prevention Services Facebook Page, Government of Sint Maarten Facebook Page, White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation Facebook Page and the St. Maarten Medical Center Facebook Page.