PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), Mr. Richinel Brug, extends his sincere congratulations to Mr. Urbain Javois on the occasion of his 100th birthday, celebrated today, May 25, 2026.
Reaching 100 years of age is a rare and remarkable milestone. While people are living longer than ever before, Sint Maarten now has four centenarians for the first time in its history. This achievement reflects resilience, wisdom, perseverance, and a lifetime of experiences that have contributed to our community and heritage.
Born in La Savane, Saint Martin, on May 25, 1926, Mr. Javois is a true embodiment of the spirit of the Treaty of Concordia and the shared heritage of our island. Throughout his life, he lived and worked in several Caribbean islands, including Guadeloupe, St. Croix, Aruba, and Curaçao, before returning to Sint Maarten.
Mr. Javois later contributed to the island's development through his work at F.W. Vlaun & Sons while residing in Cole Bay. A skilled mechanic who received specialized training at the Chrysler plant in Detroit, he eventually became an entrepreneur, demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to his profession.

His legacy continues through his children and family members, who contribute to both sides of the island and reflect the enduring spirit of One St. Martin.
“Mr. Javois’ life is an inspiration and a testament to hard work, perseverance, and dedication. On behalf of the Government and people of Sint Maarten, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and wish him continued health, happiness, and blessings,” Minister Brug stated.
Minister Brug also expressed his respect and appreciation for the invaluable contributions of the island’s elders to the Sint Maarten community and continues to encourage the community to respect, honor, and celebrate its senior citizens for their wisdom, guidance, and lasting impact on society.
The Ministry of VSA joins Mr. Javois’ family, friends, and the wider community in celebrating this extraordinary milestone and wishing him a happy 100th birthday.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Rotary Club of St. Maarten is excited to announce the extension of its highly anticipated community raffle, culminating in a live drawing on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in celebration of Emancipation Day.

The winning ticket will be drawn at 10:30 AM at Carrefour Market on Bush Road, where one lucky participant will drive away in a brand-new Changan CS55/Q05 Hybrid SUV.
Originally scheduled for March, the raffle has been extended to give even more community members the opportunity to participate in this meaningful fundraiser and support the Rotary Club's expanding community service initiatives throughout St. Maarten.

Raffle tickets are only $10 each, and all proceeds will directly benefit the Rotary Club of St. Maarten's annual community service projects, such as, the Annual Dictionary Distribution of 600 dictionaries to all grade 3 students in St. Maarten public schools, the preparation and delivery of over 300 Food Baskets for our neighbors and communities, serving over 300 Thanksgiving Day lunches to our elderly at the White/Yellow Cross, and our Annual Christmas Boxing Day Toy Drive for many of our children on the island.

Participants do not need to be present at the drawing to win.

"The Rotary Club of St. Martin is proud to continue investing in projects that strengthen and support our community," said Adelena Chandler. "This raffle is more than just a chance to win a fantastic new vehicle, it's an opportunity for the public to contribute directly to meaningful work across the island." Tickets remain available through The Rotary Club of St. Maarten members until the time of the drawing.

For additional information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Rotary Club of St. Maarten.

Notary Keshia Richardson will be on site for drawing. The change of date was approved by TEATT

The public can listen to the drawing live on Island92 (91.9) FM, and online at island92.com by clicking listen live.

For additional information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Rotary Club of St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), through its Youth Health Care Baby Wellness Clinic has a vaccine outreach for members of the community for Wednesday, May 27.

Parents and guardians can bring the children and teenagers to the clinic at the Vineyard Office Park between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, Wednesday, May 27. You should also bring along your child’s vaccination record.

For those who would like additional information to verify their child(ren’s) status or would like to make an appointment, you can call 721-542-3003 or message CPS via WhatsApp 721-520-4163.

The vaccine outreach is geared primarily towards children four to nine-years-old who have not yet gotten their vaccine boosters. If parents have missed recent appointments for vaccines, CPS encourages them to make use of this opportunity for children from two months to 17-years-old.

The vaccines that are provided include: DTaP-IPV-Hib (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, and Poliomyelitis and Haemophilus influenza type B), PCV13 (Pneumococcus Conjugate Vaccine 13-valent), MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), DT-IPV (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Poliomyelitis), and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus).

Vaccination is essential in preventing a wide range of childhood diseases and significantly reduces the risk of illness, disability, and death.

These include conditions such as cervical cancer, diphtheria, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, pertussis (whooping cough), pneumonia, polio, rotavirus, diarrhea, rubella, and tetanus.

CPS also highlights the importance of the HPV vaccine, which is recommended for girls between the ages of nine and 17. This vaccine offers long-term protection against cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of death among women, making early vaccination a vital preventive measure.

Maintaining routine vaccination coverage is crucial. According to PAHO, gaps in vaccination can leave children vulnerable to preventable diseases such as polio, tetanus, measles, and diphtheria, particularly those with weakened immune systems. Ensuring full immunization not only protects individuals but also strengthens community immunity.

Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in eliminating childhood diseases. CPS urges parents and guardians to treat vaccination records with the same importance as other essential documents, such as passports or identification, ensuring they are up to date and safely stored.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on May 25, 2026.

The Central Committee meeting, which started and was adjourned on January 16, 2026, with a continuation and adjournment on February 9, 2026, will be reconvened on Monday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure will be returning to Parliament to provide the answers to questions posed by the Members of Parliament.

The agenda point is:

Nature policy Plan Sint Maarten 2025-2029 (IS/365/2025-2026 dated November 18, 2025)

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 Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament