PHILIPSBURG:--- The American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC), Collective Prevention Services (CPS), and the Positive Foundation have successfully concluded another round of free breast cancer and health screenings for women as part of the breast abnormalities project. Led by an oncologist and breast abnormalities expert, Dr. Chobanyan, these events aimed to educate and empower women about breast cancer risk factors and presentations while collecting valuable data for the breast abnormalities survey.

On April 5, the Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labor (VSA) for St. Maarten, Mr. Richinel Brug, paid a courtesy visit to the screening session. "These screenings are a vital service to our community, providing women with the opportunity to take proactive steps in monitoring their health," said Minister Brug. "I commend AUC, CPS, and the Positive Foundation for their dedication to improving breast health awareness and early detection."

Participants received breast exams performed by Dr. Chobanyan and health screenings for Blood Sugar, Total Cholesterol, Waist Circumference, Blood Pressure, Height, Weight, BMI, and Vision performed by Fellows and students of AUC.

AUC students actively participated, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to the community's health and well-being. Their involvement underscores AUC's commitment to fostering future healthcare professionals who are both skilled and compassionate.

This initiative has already collected data from 726 women, with a target of reaching 1,000 women. Women participate in a significant community health project and help achieve this goal. If you were not able to secure a time slot for the last two activities, we apologize and do recommend that you monitor social media and the newspapers for updates on the project.

“We are committed to educating the women on St. Maarten about being breast aware and the importance of early detection,” said Shelly Alphonso, President of the Positive Foundation. “By partnering with AUC and CPS for these free screenings, we hope to reach women who might not otherwise have access to these vital health services. Our goal is to educate and empower women to take charge of their breast health.”

“Early detection is crucial in the fight against breast cancer. These screenings provide an invaluable opportunity for women to monitor their health proactively. We are proud to offer these services and support the community in this important initiative. First-time participants are especially welcome to join this year’s AUC breast screenings,” said Dr. Chobanyan.

The Positive Foundation extends special thanks to the Honorable Minister Richinel Brug, Maria Henry and Irma Knight of CPS, the Elektralyets Foundation, Fellows Dr. Toussaint, Dr. Hodge, Dr. Baghdadi and all the student volunteers from AUC, and Dr. Chobanyan for spearheading this specific project.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport (MECYS) has formally handed over the first out of thirteen sports facilities under her authority by signing the respective repair agreements as part of the Emergency Recovery Project I (ERP-I).

The facilities to be renovated include the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex, Jose Lake John Cooper Ball Park, Dutch Quarter Basketball Court, and others. This effort is part of a larger Trust Fund initiative to restore 12 school gyms and 13 sports facilities across the island, enhancing resilience and sustainability.

The agreements, signed by Minister of ECYS Melissa D. Gumbs and NRPB Director Claret Connor, ensure that repairs will proceed under structured oversight. The contractor appointed by the NRPB will execute the work, with quality control and adherence to timelines overseen by an engineering firm. The contractor has already taken possession of two facilities in Cole Bay and Cay Bay, marking the start of the physical work.

Minister Gumbs emphasized the significance of well-maintained sports centers in these localities: "These facilities are more than just buildings—they are community anchors where young people develop discipline, teamwork, and pride. Ensuring their full restoration is a matter of infrastructure and national development. The Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to providing safe, accessible, and high-quality spaces that support the well-being and aspirations of our athletes, students, and surrounding communities."

NRPB Director Claret Connor noted that the project plays a critical role in Sint Maarten's recovery and long-term resilience. "These repairs will not only extend the lifespan of the facilities but also contribute to the well-being of the community."

The project is being implemented by the NRPB on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten, funded by the Trust Fund, which is financed by the Government of the Netherlands and managed by the World Bank.

PHILIPSBURG, April 9, 2025 — RBC Royal Bank N.V. (‘RBC’) announced today adjustments to its
branch hours of operation. This change aligns with client and consumer changing needs and
preferences, ensuring a consistent client experience while enhancing the workplace for its employees.
Effective Monday, May 5, 2025, the new hours of operation for the branch in St. Maarten will be adjusted
to the following:

Days of Business Hours of Business
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

More and more, clients and consumers prefer the convenience of self-serve options for their everyday
financial transactions and are turning to digital banking and ATM services while leveraging personalized,
in-branch support for more complex financial advice, like buying a home or car, investing for retirement,
or saving for their children’s education.
RBC continues to focus on enhancing its channels, technology and talent. The bank has made
significant investments in its self-serve channels and has made progress in the digital environment,
making branch visits for clients quicker, easier, and more efficient, enhancing the client experience.
RBC’s multiple distribution channels ensure clients can meet with the bank anytime, anywhere and at
their own convenience, supporting their needs and financial goals, based on their choice and flexibility.
RBC also expects these changes will improve the work environment for its employees, allowing them to
serve clients with dedicated and focused attention, contributing to employee engagement and providing
the best client experience.
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PHILIPSBURG DCOMM):--- The application process for the annual Hurricane Passes for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which starts June 1 and runs through November 30, will start on Monday, April 14.

There are two types of passes: the Disaster Pass and the Hurricane Pass. No passes will be issued to business owners, except for some exemption categories, as noted below.

The pass allows the bearer to access the public road to visit the place of business to assess possible damage to the property. No company passes will be accepted during curfew hours. This can only take place during certain hours that will be stipulated and announced by the Prime Minister in a curfew situation.

Potential applicants have until Friday, May 30, 2025, to present all relevant information related to the process of requesting a pass.

Disaster Passes are issued to the following crucial disaster relief organizations and are valid for three years. The disaster relief organization consists of the following: Emergency Operations Center staff, Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) staff, Crucial governmental organizations, and entities involved in disaster management such as medical institutions, general practitioners and pharmacies, Red Cross, WIEMS, White & Yellow Cross Foundation, National Security Service VDSM, Sea Rescue, Shelter Management, Ministers, and their drivers.

The following categories qualify for a Hurricane Pass which is valid for two-years: Essential Government personnel without a disaster pass; Essential personnel of crucial companies or organizations: NV GEBE, Seven Seas Water, Telecom and Internet providers, Princess Juliana International Airport, Port St. Maarten, Hotels and Guesthouses, Marinas, Fuel distributors and gas stations, Commercial banks, Hardware stores, Security companies (supervisors only), Medium and large sized supermarkets, Restaurants (those providing food services to emergency services), Importers and Wholesale Companies for perishable goods (Only requests can be submitted for refrigeration and or generator technicians).

The crucial organizations listed above (disaster & hurricane passes) can request personal passes for their key personnel.

The Office of Disaster Management that falls under the Ministry of General Affairs is handling the application process for the passes on behalf of the Prime Minister.

The Hurricane Pass is valid for the 2025 and 2026 hurricane seasons and will remain the property of the Government of Sint Maarten.

Please note that company passes will be accepted during curfew hours from the following institutions: Sint Maarten Medical Center, and White & Yellow Cross Foundation.

The pass system is a mechanism to maintain public order during emergency situations. The Prime Minister assesses the damage in conjunction with Emergency Disaster Management entities of the Government after a disaster has occurred and can impose a curfew if the extent of the damage poses a threat to the safety and security of the community.

An application form can be requested by sending an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Emails should include the following: Name of business or organization; A short description of activities of the business or the organization; Request for either disaster or hurricane pass.

When submitting the application, the following documents need to be attached:
- copy business license fee paid (or receipt) for 2025 for businesses.
- proof of 2025 registration at the Chamber of Commerce, for organizations.
- copy valid Sint Maarten ID-card of applicant.
- Nafl. 50,- in leges stamps per application (to be obtained at the Receiver’s Office or the Simpson Bay Public Service Center), this is a non-refundable handling fee; a copy of a digital payment transfer is accepted as well.
- One (1) passport picture for new applicants, to be sent in JPEG-format to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the name of the person clearly indicated.

The application form has to be completed and submitted to the offices of the Fire Department & Disaster Management – in print form, to the attention of the secretary located at Jackal Road 5 (Office hours Monday-Friday 9.00AM to 4.00PM), Cay Hill, by Friday, May 30, 2025, with all necessary documents attached.

Applicants will be informed by email or telephone when to pick up the pass at the aforementioned address.