MARIGOT:--- The Regional Cancer Screening Coordination Center (CRCDC) for Guadeloupe, St. Martin, and St. Barthélemy has launched its 2026 "Juin Vert" (Green June) campaign, an ambitious initiative aimed at encouraging more women to undergo cervical cancer screening and to break long-standing taboos surrounding women's health.

Held annually throughout June, the national awareness campaign places a strong emphasis this year on prevention, self-care, and female well-being through a more modern, positive, and digital approach designed to reach younger women, particularly those between the ages of 25 and 35.

The campaign carries a simple but powerful message:

"Taking care of yourself also means getting screened."

A preventable cancer that still claims lives

According to the CRCDC, cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can largely be prevented through two complementary measures: vaccination against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and regular screening.

When precancerous lesions are detected early, treatment can prevent the disease from developing into cervical cancer. Despite these advances, health officials say the disease continues to have a significant impact in the region.

Statistics presented by the CRCDC show that Guadeloupe records approximately 30 new cases of cervical cancer annually, with 32 cases reported in 2022. The disease claimed 16 lives in 2022, while the five-year survival rate stands at 57 percent, compared to 63 percent in mainland France.

Health officials say these figures underscore the urgent need to improve access to prevention, early detection, and public education.

Screening participation remains too low

CRCDC is particularly concerned about participation rates in organized screening programs.

Women between 25 and 29 years old are encouraged to undergo cervical smear testing, while women aged 30 to 65 should receive HPV screening.

Between 2023 and 2025:

• 8,958 women aged 25-29 were eligible for screening, but only 2,771 were screened.
• Among women aged 30-65, 112,201 were eligible, yet only 21,686 participated, representing a participation rate of just 19.3 percent.

Overall participation reached 56 percent in Guadeloupe, compared to the national average of 60.9 percent.

The CRCDC hopes the new campaign will encourage women to make cervical cancer screening a regular part of their healthcare routine.

Jalylane Maës Named Campaign Ambassador

Leading this year's awareness campaign is Jalylane Maës, Miss Guadeloupe 2023 and second runner-up in Miss France 2024.

The CRCDC selected Maës to serve as the face of the campaign because of her ability to connect with younger generations and promote a positive message about women's health.

Officials believe her influence will help normalize conversations about cervical cancer screening, encourage women to seek preventive care, and reinforce the message that looking after one's health is an act of confidence, strength, and self-love.

Community Outreach and Public Events

Throughout June, the CRCDC organized several activities to raise public awareness.

These included community outreach events offering cancer screening information and prevention services, a professional dinner conference bringing together physicians, gynecologists, oncologists, pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare specialists to discuss improving cervical cancer care, and a large Self-Care Village featuring educational presentations, wellness workshops, HPV awareness sessions, yoga, nutrition advice, artistic activities, and public discussions centered on women's health.

Healthcare professionals also examined challenges affecting cervical cancer prevention, including expanding HPV vaccination coverage, improving access to screening in underserved communities, increasing the number of specialists available to patients, and strengthening coordination throughout the healthcare system.

Breaking the Taboo

Unlike traditional public health campaigns that often rely on fear-based messaging, the CRCDC says this year's initiative embraces a more positive, inclusive and empowering approach.

Officials hope to remove the stigma surrounding intimate health by presenting screening as an important form of self-care rather than a medical obligation.

The campaign also seeks to expand its digital presence through social media, educational videos, testimonials, and partnerships with community ambassadors to reach younger audiences and encourage both women and men to become active participants in cancer prevention.

"The goal is to make prevention more accessible, encourage open conversations about women's health, and remind everyone that early detection saves lives," the CRCDC stated.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is seeking the assistance of the general public in locating Shamarr Hodge, a 16-year-old boy who has been reported missing.

According to the information received, Shamarr left his residence on Monte Video Drive shortly after 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. At the time he left home, he was wearing a shirt and pajama bottoms and was not wearing shorts.

Shamarr was born on Sint Maarten and is a student at the Charlotte Brookson Academy. He is described as being of slim build with a dark complexion.

KPSM is asking anyone who may have seen Shamarr or who has any information regarding his whereabouts to immediately contact the Police Station at +1 (721) 542-2222 or call 911.

Shamarr, if you see this message, please contact your guardian as soon as possible at +1 (721) 522-0032 so that your family knows you are safe.

PHILIPSBURG:  Prime Minister Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina, in his capacity as Acting Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), officially administered the oath of office to Ms. Xaviera Doekhie as a Pharmacist Assistant during a ceremony held on Monday, June 22, 2026, at Orange Grove Pharmacy.

The ceremony marks the Prime Minister's first official swearing-in of a healthcare professional since assuming the responsibilities of Acting Minister of VSA and underscores the Ministry's continued commitment to safeguarding professional standards within Sint Maarten's healthcare sector.

In accordance with the applicable legal requirements, pharmacist assistants must take the prescribed oath before the Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor before they are authorized to carry out their professional duties. The signed Proces-Verbaal of the swearing-in ceremony will be submitted to His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten as part of the official process.

Prime Minister Mercelina congratulated Ms. Doekhie on reaching this important professional milestone and emphasized the significance of the oath in protecting the health and well-being of the community.

 "An oath is far more than a legal formality—it is a solemn promise to serve with integrity, professionalism, and respect for human life. Every healthcare professional entrusted with the care of our people carries a profound responsibility. I congratulate Ms. Doekhie on this achievement and wish her every success as she begins this important chapter of service to the people of Sint Maarten."

The Prime Minister also highlighted the indispensable role pharmacist assistants play within the country's healthcare system.

 "Pharmacist assistants are an essential part of the healthcare team. Through their knowledge, accuracy, compassion, and daily interaction with patients, they help ensure the safe and responsible use of medication. Their professionalism strengthens public confidence in our healthcare system and contributes directly to better health outcomes for our community."

The Ministry of VSA remains committed to upholding the highest professional and ethical standards across the healthcare sector while supporting the continued development of qualified healthcare professionals who dedicate themselves to serving the people of Sint Maarten.

The Ministry congratulates Ms. Xaviera Doekhie on her successful swearing-in and wishes her a rewarding and distinguished career in the service of public health.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina has expressed the heartfelt condolences of the Government and people of Sint Maarten to all those affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Venezuela, resulting in tragic loss of life, injuries, and widespread destruction.

"On behalf of the Government and people of Sint Maarten, I extend our deepest sympathies to every individual, family, and community affected by this tragedy," Prime Minister Mercelina said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones, those recovering from injuries, those who remain displaced, and the dedicated emergency responders and humanitarian personnel working tirelessly to bring assistance to those in need."

The Prime Minister noted that natural disasters remind the region of the importance of compassion, cooperation, and support for those facing immense hardship.

"In times of tragedy, our shared humanity calls on us to extend compassion to those who are suffering. Our hearts are with the people whose lives have been profoundly impacted, and we hope that those affected will find strength, comfort, and resilience in the days and weeks ahead."

"Our prayers remain with everyone affected by this disaster."

The Government of Sint Maarten joins the wider Caribbean and the international community in expressing sincere condolences to all those impacted and wishes the people of Venezuela strength, healing, and hope as recovery efforts continue.