Friday is World Oral Health Day - “A Happy Mouth is…A Happy Life”

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), joins the international community in observing World Oral Health Day (WOHD) on Friday, March 20, under the theme “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy 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.

Parents and guardians are also 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.

In observance of WOHD, CPS calls on the Sint Maarten community to reflect on the connection between oral health and overall wellness. A healthy mouth contributes to a healthier body, greater self-esteem, and improved daily living. Taking care of your teeth is not only about appearance, but also about protecting your health and preventing avoidable problems.

CPS encourages everyone to use World Oral Health Day as an opportunity to recommit to proper oral hygiene and to share this important message with family and friends.

By working together to promote good oral health practices, the community can help ensure that more people enjoy healthier smiles and happier lives.


CPS Reminds Women to Sign-up for Free Breast Exam & Health Screening No Later than March 25.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  On Saturday, March 28, the American University of the Caribbean (AUC) will launch their annual free breast exam and health screening program for 2026. Women 18 years and older, and first-time participants, are encouraged to sign up.

This activity is aimed to educate and empower women by increasing awareness of breast cancer risk factors while simultaneously collecting data for ongoing health research on breast abnormalities.

Women interested in the screening program should mark their calendars, especially those who have not previously participated in the breast abnormalities project.

Interested women are requested to make an appointment no later than March 25 by calling: +1-721-545-2298 (ext. 404-2248) or
Emailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The screening will take place at CPS located at the Vineyard Office Park Building #33 W.G. Buncamper Road.

This initiative is being spearheaded by AUC, Collection Prevention Services (CPS), Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) in collaboration with the Positive Foundation.

The breast exam is performed by a board-certified AUC physician. Free health screenings include Blood Sugar, Total Cholesterol, Waist Circumference, Blood Pressure, Height, Weight, BMI, and Vision.

Reserve the date and at least two hours in your schedule and register to be part of an opportunity to receive health information and a free clinical breast exam.

The Committee of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure of Parliament, to discuss the current state of national housing in Sint Maarten, the cemetery capacity, development planning, and related infrastructure policy.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Permanent Committee of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (CVROMI) of Parliament will meet on March 20, 2025.

The Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday at 10.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure will be in attendance.

The agenda points are:
1. Discussion on the current state of national housing in Sint Maarten, including government planning, (land use), and institutional capacity (IS/1057/2024-2025 dated May 19, 2025)

2. Follow-up discussion with the Minister of VROMI on cemetery capacity, development planning, and related infrastructure policy (IS/396/2025-2026 dated November 26, 2025)

These agenda points were requested by MP D.T.J. York

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament

MP Lyndon Lewis to Minister of VROMI: start working on the deplorable public infrastructure.

lyndonlewis16022026PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament (MP) Lyndon Lewis is urgently calling on the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI), Patrice Gumbs, to take immediate and decisive action to address the worsening state of road infrastructure across Sint Maarten, following a deeply concerning incident highlighted by the police union, NAPB Sint Maarten.

The recent report by the union outlines a serious accident involving police officers responding to an emergency on Sucker Garden Road, where hazardous road conditions — including a significant pothole — are believed to have contributed to the crash. This incident has once again brought to light the dangerous reality faced daily by law enforcement officers and the wider public due to neglected infrastructure.

MP Lewis expressed grave concern over the situation, stating:

“While our officers were carrying out their sworn duty to protect and serve, they were exposed to life-threatening danger caused not by criminal activity, but by preventable failures in infrastructure. This is unacceptable and demands immediate intervention. Sint Maarten roads are in a deplorable state, and the Minister is doing absolutely nothing about it.”

He emphasized that safe and properly maintained roads are essential to national safety and public welfare. Emergency responders — including police, ambulance personnel, and firefighters — rely heavily on functional infrastructure to perform their duties effectively and safely. The current conditions not only hinder response times but also place lives at risk.

MP Lewis is therefore calling on the Minister of VROMI to:

  • Conduct an urgent and comprehensive assessment of Sucker Garden Road and other critical roadways.
  • Execute immediate repairs to hazardous potholes and deteriorated road surfaces;
  • Establish and communicate a clear, structured road maintenance plan;
  • Introduce consistent monitoring and accountability measures to prevent further incidents.

 “The people of Sint Maarten deserve better. Our first responders deserve better. We cannot continue to wait for tragedies before action is taken,” MP Lewis added.

He further voiced his full support for the officers involved in the incident and prayed for their full recovery. He commended the police union, NAPBSint Maarten, for bringing this critical issue to attention. He stressed that safeguarding infrastructure is a fundamental responsibility of the Government and must be treated with the urgency it requires.

“Enough is enough, the Minister needs to act without delay. I have raised the deplorable state of our public infrastructure many times in parliament, and the Minister isn’t taking heed of the urgency of the matter at hand. Immediate action must be taken to restore safety on our roads and protect all who depend on them. ” MP Lewis stated. 

VROMI Issues Statement on Sucker Garden Road Accident.

patricegumbs04022026PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI), Patrice Gumbs, expressed his gratitude to the KPSM for their efforts in combating crime, as demonstrated by the actions that resulted in the unfortunate accident on Suckergarden Road today.

Minister Gumbs also took note of the allegations by community members that the accident was related to the conditions on Suckergarden Road. While not dispelling the need for interventions, the Minister asked the community to allow the traffic police investigation to run its course.

Regarding the status of Suckergarden Road repairs, Gumbs indicated that the Ministry has been proactive in repairing and upgrading infrastructure, some of which has formed part of the private-public partnerships being rolled out. The Ministry is in the final stages of awarding the contract for repairs for Suckergarden Road. While persons may expect these things to proceed faster, the government is limited in how quickly work can be executed by procurement regulations, internal and external capacity, and budgetary constraints.

The Minister thanks the public for their understanding and expresses his heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to the KPSM officers involved.

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