Food safety
The food safety division of the Inspectorate has been, for the past 2 weeks, conducting audits on Ice manufacturing plants that sell and/or distribute ice for consumption to the public. These audits are being conducted in accordance with the ordinance on "Waren", the ordinance on "Drinking water" and the ordinance on "Drinking water Quality". The plants are being audited for compliance with hygiene standards and the quality of the ice is measured by having samples analyzed by the water lab of SLS. All producers of ice also need to have a mandatory sample testing program of their own in place for safety and quality assurance and keep a log of the results for future inspections.
So far Cole Bay Ice, Younique Ice and Cake House Ice have been audited. Cole Bay Ice was in violation of basic minimum hygiene requirements for a manufacturing plant and the samples contained E. Coli, bacteria that may cause gastro-intestinal illness. Consequently there operation was closed by the Inspectorate until the minimum requirements as set by legislation are met. Younique Ice and Cake House Ice were in compliance.
All producers selling ice must have minimum their company name, contact information and production date on the ice bags.
Hotels and large restaurants producing ice for them a/o for sale will also be audited during the regular inspections.
The Inspectorate is also in the process of setting up a bottled water testing program. The same legislation applies to bottled water. Importers and/or distributors must be in compliance and must have a mandatory sample testing program in place before distributing to the public.
The Food safety division of the Inspectorate urges anyone producing, importing, distributing, and selling any of these products to be in compliance. For more information the Inspectorate can be contacted.
Health care
SMMC
The SMMC was placed under intensified supervision as of September 2012. Since the termination of the contract with Dr. Scot as of mid. December, the hospital was governed by the supervisory council and the management team. On April 1st an interim director was appointed in the person of Mrs. van Ameijden. Her contract ended by July 31st. During the transition period much effort have been put by the supervisory council, the board of directors and the Inspectorate upon improving the relationship towards a more transparent one with better communication and also following up on an action plan containing all important matters from the Inspection report that need to be addressed.
A new (financial) director, Mr. Klarenbeek has been appointed for 5 yrs. as of August 1st. The Inspectorate is working very intense with him and the hospital staff on the action plan to improve matters, so the intensified supervision can be lifted soon and also hopes a much needed medical director will be appointed on short term.
Ambulance Service
The ambulance service was audited on July 12th. Some findings concerning quality of care and patient safety from this audit demanded immediate actions to be taken by the Ministry and management. The fact that there was no medical supervisor whilst medication was administered and other medical procedures were performed by ambulance staff were reasons to urgently take some necessary measures. As a result he Ambulance service was also placed under intensified supervision as of July 19th.
Through quick intervention by Minister de Weever these problems were addressed in short time and the prohibition by the Inspectorate on the administration of medication and medical procedures was lifted on July 29th .
There are still many other matters that will be addressed in a timely manner and according to an actionplan that the Inspectorate VSA and the Ambulance service have agreed upon and will be monitored closely by the Inspectorate, reason why the intensified supervision has not been called of as yet.
Dr. A. Arrindell
On July 21st Dr. Arrindell was suspended temporary by the Inspectorate based on complaints received, the investigation carried out and in expectation of an evaluation of her health status. Meanwhile she appealed the decision taken by the Inspectorate in court. On August 22nd the judge ruled in favor of Dr. Arrindell, purely based on the lack of a legal basis for the authority of the Inspectorate to take such a measure against a medical professional and not considering the circumstances and not withstanding the received report on her medical status.
Although the Inspectorate realizes the need for new legislation regarding medical professionals, she still has the legal task of safequarding the community against poor quality of care and unsafe care and had hoped the judge would have taken this into consideration. By law the Inspectorate has to guarantee that care provided to the community of Sint Maarten is being given in a responsible manner.
In the meantime the Inspectorate is reconsidering its position and the Ministry VSA has marked the announcing of the so called ordinance BIG( Individuele Beroepen in de gezondheidszorg) as a very high priority.
The Inspectorate will continue to strive and work towards internationally accepted quality standards of care and patient safety for the community of Sint Maarten.
Pharmaceutics
The Inspectorate of Pharmaceuticals has been and will continue to supervise the import of pharmaceuticals by importers and pharmacies hereby combatting the illegal import and distribution of unregistered and black market medications.
In addition to this the department has been inspecting supermarkets and cosmetic stores to ensure that they are not retailing any pharmaceuticals such as pain killers and antibiotics amongst others to consumers. For safety reasons we advise consumers not to buy medication from any other sources than your local pharmacy. The Inspectorate cannot guarantee the origin or safety of any pharmaceuticals sold outside the pharmacies.
Labor
The Labor inspectorate conducted a number of random joint inspections with IGD(formerly known as IND), SZV, Coastguard & Maritime during June and July throughout various areas on the island to ensure that businesses are up to labor standards.
The establishments inspected were advised on regulations, some were issued written warnings and others fined dependent upon the violation.
A total of 25 establishments were inspected including cleaning companies, recruitment agencies, construction sites, night clubs, security companies, watersports companies, boat repair companies and a casino. 22 employees were found working illegally. Four fines were issued to companies for not complying with the Labor laws. The most common violations encountered were having illegal employees (violation of the ordinance LAV), not having a personnel list and not being registered with Labor Services. This report shows that our businesses on St.Maarten are still ignoring the need of being fully compliant.
However, no child labour was encountered during the joint inspections and all businesses were in compliance with the minimum wage ordinance (Landsverordening Minimumlonen ).
These inspections will continue during the month of September. The Inspectorate hereby advises all businesses to have all of their documents in order, such as business registration, personnel list, overtime register, accident insurance, work schedule.
All persons should carry on them a valid identification and their residence and work permits.
And for safety compliance by all businesses measures to be taken, if not present, should include:
- cleanliness
- procedures in case of accidents
- clean drinking water for employees
- sufficient daylight and efficient artificial lighting
- sufficient ventilation
- safe and healthy working environment including availability and use of personal protective equipment(PPE)
The community of Sint Maarten is encouraged to report irregular findings on consumable products, unhygienic conditions where food is prepared a/o sold, illegal sale of pharmaceuticals, medical interventions by non-registered professionals and all other possible violations of legislation and regulations to the Inspectorate.
