HNLMS Van Amstel briefly relieves HNLMS Groningen for regular maintenance. HNLMS Van Amstel was in the region for an international exercise on the American East Coast. After the completion of this exercise, the Amstel departed for the ABC Islands. As soon as the Groningen's maintenance is completed, the Amstel will depart to resume her role as flagship of SNMG1. The Amstel will be active in the Caribbean in the coming week.

The maritime military presence is usually filled by patrol vessels; the change from the OPV (Ocean Patrol Vessel) type to M-Frigate is due to the availability of resources. HNLMS Van Amstel also sailed in the region in September to fill the gap between two station ships.

With the permanent presence of a station ship in the region, the Ministry of Defence contributes to peace and security in the Caribbean Region.

~ SZV celebrates the leadership of Glen A. Carty, whose 15 years of service redefined customer experience, strengthened healthcare access, and positioned the organization for a digital and sustainable future.~

PHILIPSBURG:---  Social and Health Insurances (SZV) proudly celebrates the leadership and legacy of its Director, Mr. Glen A. Carty, whose tenure concludes after 15 years of dedicated service to the people of Sint Maarten.

Mr. Carty’s leadership represents a defining chapter in SZV’s transformation into a modern, people-centered, and future-ready organization. Guided by his vision of teamwork, accountability, and innovation, SZV has become a regional model of digital progress and service excellence.

“For me, leadership has always been about people,” said Mr. Carty. “What we have accomplished is the result of collective effort, shared purpose, and the belief that progress must always begin with people.”

Under his direction, SZV achieved major milestones driven by digital transformation and innovation. The launch and enhancement of the Employer Portal, MySZV portal, and HECINA Health Provider portal modernized access, transparency, and service efficiency for citizens, employers, and healthcare partners alike.

Mr. Carty championed modernization not as a goal but as a way to empower citizens and strengthen trust in public services. His focus on technology, data-driven decision-making, and transparency improved efficiency and reinforced accountability across the organization.

Equally impactful was his dedication to improving healthcare access, affordability, and sustainability. Through cost-management strategies, regional partnerships, and preventive care programs, SZV expanded access to essential and specialized medical services.

The E-Health Program is one of the key initiatives introduced under his leadership, expanding digital links between SZV and healthcare providers, allowing faster, more secure sharing of medical information and more coordinated, data-driven decisions that enhance patient access and care quality.

Similarly, the Lifestyle Interventions Pilot Project promotes healthier living and prevention among residents managing non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, conditions that continue to drive the need for long-term care and rising healthcare costs. Both initiatives reflect Mr. Carty’s belief that sustainable healthcare begins with empowering individuals and using innovation to strengthen the systems that support them.

Throughout his tenure, Mr. Carty has consistently and openly highlighted the structural challenges behind the financial sustainability of Sint Maarten’s healthcare system. He cautioned that the country’s current base of compliant, premium-paying residents is too small to generate the revenues needed to finance the level of healthcare that the population requires and deserves. He also underscored the combined impact of rising global healthcare costs, the increasing number of persons living with chronic diseases, outdated laws, limited local medical specialties, and the resulting dependence on overseas treatment, all of which place significant strain on the system.

“This challenge is not new, and I have spoken about it often,” said Mr. Carty. “The truth is, Sint Maarten’s social insurance model cannot sustain itself on the current contributor base. Too few are contributing to support the growing healthcare demands of our population. But the solution lies not in blame, rather in bold, collective reform. Government, social partners, and institutions must come together to modernize our laws and financing structures, ensuring that access to quality and affordable care is never jeopardized.”

He emphasized that meaningful reform requires courage, leadership, and collaboration across all levels of society. “This is a national challenge that requires all of us; government, employers, healthcare professionals, and citizens to act. We must work together to safeguard the future of healthcare for generations to come.”

Within SZV, Mr. Carty led a cultural transformation rooted in teamwork, transparency, and professional growth. He empowered employees to embrace innovation and service excellence, creating a workforce grounded in compassion and accountability.

“None of this would have been possible without the dedication and heart of the SZV team,” he reflected. “Every milestone was achieved together, through professionalism, integrity, and the shared belief in the power of service.”

The Management and Staff of SZV extend heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Carty for his visionary leadership, transformative contributions, and commitment to the people of Sint Maarten. His legacy of courage, service, and innovation will continue to guide SZV’s Beyond 3.0 journey toward a more connected, transparent, and people-first organization.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Mental Health lives in our homes, our communities, and in the quiet moments we all face.

Over the years, our resilience has been tested. The devastation of Hurricane Irma and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic left lasting impacts—not just on our economy and infrastructure, but on our hearts and minds.

But beyond these major events, many among us continue to face daily battles. The pressure of making ends meet, the struggle to put food on the table, the weight of trying to provide a better future for our children—all of these take a toll.

And for our single parents, many of whom carry these burdens alone, the emotional and mental strain can be overwhelming. We see you. We hear you. And we are working to build a system that supports you—not just in crisis, but every day.

As Minister of Public Health, I have placed mental health high on the Ministry’s agenda. Our goal is clear: to make mental health care more accessible, to reduce stigma, and to create a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength—not weakness.

Take a moment for yourself. Check in with a friend. Be kind—to yourself and to others. Our strength as a country lies in how we care for one another.

PHILIPSBURG:---  As Sint Maarten commemorates the 15th anniversary of 10-10-10, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has praised the extraordinary resilience of the Sint Maarten people, affirming that even amid the passage of Tropical Storm Jerry and the challenges of building a young country, the island’s strength and unity continue to shine through.

“Today, we celebrate not only a milestone in our political history but the unshakable spirit of our people,” Prime Minister Mercelina declared. “Fifteen years ago, Sint Maarten embraced a new beginning, standing proudly as a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Though our journey has been marked by challenges, our resolve remains firm. Sint Maarten continues to rise, no matter the storm.”

Despite the inclement weather brought by Tropical Storm Jerry, Prime Minister Mercelina emphasized that the people of Sint Maarten will still take time to honor one another and reflect on how far the country has come. “As we celebrate this 15th anniversary of our Constitutional Day, we do so in recognition of every citizen, each worker, student, parent, and elder, who contributes daily to the progress of our beloved country. Together, we form the heart and soul of Sint Maarten.”

The Prime Minister noted that the official 15th anniversary celebrations will take place on Monday, October 13, 2025, providing an opportunity for the community to unite in gratitude, reflection, and renewed determination.

PM Dr. Mercelina also extended heartfelt appreciation to the forefathers and pioneers who laid the groundwork for Sint Maarten’s autonomy. “We stand on the shoulders of those whose courage and vision gave life to the idea of self-determination,” he said. “Their sacrifices and foresight made this day possible. While there is still much work to be done, we honor their legacy by continuing to build a country that is just, inclusive, and resilient.”

Reflecting on the country’s progress, PM Dr. Mercelina highlighted that every challenge, whether environmental, economic, or social, has tested but never broken the Sint Maarten spirit.

“Our country’s strength is not measured by the storms we face but by how we rise after them,” he stated. “We have rebuilt, reimagined, and reignited hope time and again. That resilience is our greatest achievement and it belongs to every citizen of Sint Maarten.”

As Sint Maarten marks this significant milestone, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his government’s dedication to advancing national unity, strengthening governance, and securing a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

“Let us celebrate with gratitude, humility, and pride,” Dr. Mercelina concluded. “Even as Tropical Storm Jerry reminds us of nature’s unpredictability, our people remind the world of Sint Maarten’s enduring strength. Fifteen years strong, and forever resilient, this is the Sint Maarten we celebrate today.”