Cole Bay:--- Algemeen Pensioenfonds Sint Maarten (APS) proudly hosted its 2nd edition of the APS Walkathon on Saturday, November 29th, 2025, and it was a tremendous success! With 300 enthusiastic participants, this year’s event more than doubled last year’s turnout and exceeded all expectations.

“We are thrilled by the incredible response from the community,” said Managing Director Oscar Williams. “The level of participation this year shows that our message of promoting health, wellness, and community spirit is truly resonating. We are grateful for the overwhelming support from people of all ages.”

The walkathon’s goal remains the same: to encourage a healthy lifestyle, highlight the benefits of walking and staying active, and strengthen community bonds. The impressive turnout demonstrates that Sint Maarten is committed to embracing healthier habits and fostering a positive, active community spirit.

This year, APS introduced special incentives to make the event even more memorable:
-Every participant received a remembrance participation token, creating a fun tradition for walkers to collect tokens each year.
-Medals were awarded to the top three finishers in three categories: Regular Participants, Pensioners, and Children, celebrating achievements across all age groups.

The event began with an energizing warm-up session and concluded with a lively cooldown Zumba session. Participants were treated to a delicious breakfast and received goodie bags as tokens of appreciation for their support.

APS extends heartfelt thanks to all participants, volunteers, and supporters who made this event possible. “We could not have achieved this without you,” said Mr. Williams. “We look forward to welcoming even more participants next year as we continue building on this momentum.”

Mr. Williams reaffirmed that the APS Walkathon will remain an annual event, taking place every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, further promoting health and wellness across the island.

Stay tuned for details on next year’s walkathon and in the meantime, keep walking towards that healthy future!

PHILIPSBURG:--- What should have been a dream honeymoon for a newlywed couple at the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort in Sint Maarten has turned into a nightmare after a series of break-ins and robberies left them and other guests shaken, cashless, and frustrated with the resort's response.
On the night of November 30, seven guest rooms, including the honeymoon suite of an Ontario couple, were broken into. The thieves made off with valuables, including $850 USD in cash, credit cards, and personal identification such as an Ontario Driver's License and Health Card. While the couple’s passports and an emptied purse were later recovered by other guests, the emotional and financial toll has been devastating.
“We came here to celebrate our honeymoon, but instead, we’ve been left without cash, credit cards, and peace of mind,” the couple shared. “We’ve had to cancel all our plans for dinners and activities across the island because we have no access to money. It’s been so upsetting for what should have been a memorable and exciting week.”

Lack of Security and Accountability
The couple and other affected guests have raised serious concerns about the lack of security at the resort. Despite the break-ins, the resort’s response has been underwhelming. The general manager offered the couple a small food voucher and advised them to contact the resort’s legal department for any claims. Immediate assistance, such as financial support or enhanced security measures, has not been provided.
Adding to the frustration, the resort no longer has an on-site ATM, leaving the couple reliant on the resort to transport them to an off-site ATM—a service that has yet to materialize. Meanwhile, the police report, which is critical for filing claims and recovering losses, has been delayed. Promised first thing in the morning, then by 3 PM, the report has still not been delivered, leaving both the couple and the resort in limbo.

Silencing the Victims
In a shocking turn of events, the resort has reportedly sent security personnel to the couple’s room, instructing them to stop discussing the incident with other guests. “We’ve been talking to other guests to help ensure they stay safe and vigilant,” the couple explained. “But the resort doesn’t want people to know what happened.”
This attempt to suppress information has only added to the couple’s distress. “People have a right to know what’s happening so they can protect themselves,” they said.

A Call for Transparency and Action
The couple’s experience highlights a troubling lack of preparedness and accountability at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. Guests expect not only a safe environment but also a swift and compassionate response when incidents occur. Instead, this couple and others have been left to navigate the aftermath of the robberies with minimal support.
As the couple continues to grapple with the fallout of the incident, they are urging the resort to take immediate action to improve security, provide adequate support to affected guests, and ensure transparency about the situation.
For now, what should have been a joyous honeymoon has been overshadowed by fear, frustration, and disappointment. The couple hopes their story will serve as a warning to others and a wake-up call to the resort to prioritize guest safety and well-being.

Philipsburg — During his first year in office, Minister Richinel Brug and the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) focused on strengthening Sint Maarten’s healthcare system through a combination of immediate improvements, long-term strategic planning, and expanded support services aimed at improving health outcomes for the population.
In accordance with the Governing Program 2024–2028, the Ministry’s main priorities for 2024–2025 included: the BIG healthcare-professionals registration legislation, reform of the “Krankzinnigen” legislation and related mental-health policy, the finalization of the General Health Insurance legislation (SAAHA), and mental health reform, with a particular focus on youth mental health.
Recognizing that the Ministry’s primary responsibility lies in developing and updating legislation and policy, as well as promoting public awareness on health matters, the Ministry focused on accelerating the creation of the legal and policy frameworks needed for a stronger healthcare system. While the Ministry does not provide medical services or manage day-to-day healthcare delivery, responsibilities that rest with our country’s health care institutions and medical professionals, it plays a critical role in establishing the conditions for quality care through effective legislation and policy development.

Registry (BIG)
The Ministry secured funding through the TWO initiative to execute the Health Care Registry project (BIG). Two (2) key project team members were selected via an open public bidding process, while confirmation by the Council of Ministers is pending.

General Health Insurance Legislation (SAAHA)
With the recently received advice from SER, the draft Ordinance has now finalized an important step in the legislative process. The next phase will be submission to COA, which is the final step before the legislation can be formally submitted to the house of Parliament.

Mental Health Reform
The Ministry secured funding for the implementation of national mental health reforms and finalized the multi-annual National Mental Health Strategic Plan (2025–2035). Implementation has officially begun. Additionally, the Kingdom Framework for Involuntary Care legislation was approved by all four Ministers of Health, with country-specific laws to be developed in 2026.

Key initiatives include:
1. Partnership with Trimbos Institute — The Ministry signed an agreement with the international mental-health research and advisory institute to support Sint Maarten’s mental-health reform, including technical expertise, professional training, strengthened referral systems, and sustainable community-centered services.
2. Youth Mental Health Awareness Campaign — Launched under the theme “It’s OK Not 2 B OK” in collaboration with local artist King James, with continuation planned in 2026.
3. 10-Year Mental Health Strategic Plan: “Stronger Minds, Stronger Communities (2025–2035)” — A comprehensive, person-centered, prevention- and recovery-oriented mental health system structured around four pillars: support networks, early intervention & prevention, mental health in all sectors, and robust monitoring & evaluation.
4. Planning for the Mental Health Facility — Minister Brug directed efforts to clarify service capacity and design needs, review financing options, secure additional funding, and align the facility with long-term policy goals.

Prevention
The Ministry published the WHO/PAHO STEPS Survey Report, providing critical data on non-communicable diseases and lifestyle-related risk factors. In collaboration with Social & Health Insurances (SZV), the Ministry launched prevention-focused pilot programs aimed at promoting sustainable lifestyle changes and improving overall health outcomes.
Community outreach activities — including health screenings, educational sessions, and public awareness campaigns — were organized across Sint Maarten to foster engagement and improve knowledge of healthy living.

Regional and Kingdom-Wide Cooperation
The Ministry strengthened Kingdom-wide cooperation through the Four-Country Conclusion Document, reinforcing commitments in public health, crisis preparedness, and mental-health collaboration. Technical partnerships with PAHO through the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) continue to support public-health system development, disease prevention, and capacity building in Sint Maarten.

Insurance coverage for sole proprietors and taxi drivers
Contrary to recent statements regarding the 1B legislation, which includes insurance coverage for sole proprietors and taxi drivers, Minister Brug instructed SZV and the Department of Public Health to revisit and finalize the draft amendment that previously received negative advice from the Council of Advice in 2023. This draft forms part of a broader effort to address structural issues in existing SZV legislation. The project resumed in July 2025 and is now being advanced alongside the development of the Ordinance regulating Access to Health Insurance for All, which will provide a comprehensive, updated framework to include sole proprietors and taxi drivers in a sustainable and legally sound manner.

SZV
As it relates to SZV, decisive steps were taken to strengthen SZV, ensuring its long-term financial sustainability and inclusiveness.
Key measures included reviewing and revising the 1B legislation in accordance with the advice of the Council of Advice to address structural issues, and advancing the Ordinance regulating Access to Health Insurance for All, which will provide sustainable coverage for sole proprietors, taxi drivers, and other currently uninsured groups.
The Ministry also instructed SZV to conduct a comprehensive financial assessment to identify gaps and improve operations, while implementing initiatives to increase employer compliance with mandatory contributions — boosting SZV’s funds. A stronger collaboration was also established with the CFT, ensuring joint efforts to safeguard SZV’s sustainability.
In addition, public awareness campaigns were enhanced to educate employers and residents about their obligations under the social-insurance system, reinforcing transparency and long-term financial stability.
Minister Brug stated:
“These steps lay a solid foundation for a sustainable and inclusive SZV, ensuring that the system remains financially strong and able to serve all residents effectively in the years ahead.”

Health in All Policies
During his first year, Minister Brug emphasized the integration of health considerations across all sectors of government, in particular within VSA, through the Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach. Recognizing that health outcomes are influenced not only by medical care but also by social, environmental, and economic factors, the Ministry worked to ensure that health would be systematically incorporated into decision-making across all VSA departments in 2026 and beyond.
One key milestone in 2025 to reinforce this approach is the allocation of XCG 1,000,000 in the draft 2026 budget toward food programs and nutrition-related initiatives, linking policy decisions directly to the promotion of health and well-being across the community.
Minister Brug stated: “In 2025, we laid the foundation for Health in All Policies. In 2026, our focus will be on ensuring that every policy and program considers health first, so that all residents of Sint Maarten can thrive in a healthier, more supportive environment.”
“While we are not yet where we need to be, this year we successfully expedited the creation and updating of key health legislation and policies, laying a strong foundation for the future. With additional staff joining next year, we will continue along this trajectory, ensuring that our legal and policy frameworks are fully aligned with the health needs of the people of Sint Maarten.”

~Featuring a Nature Reserve and Conservation area~

Indigo Bay, St. Maarten:--- –Vie L’Ven Resort & Residences has presented a comprehensive eco tourism and sustainability plan for Indigo Bay, developed together with global environmental consultancy Mac & Field and a team of independent scientists. The plan is built on a voluntarily commissioned Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and is intended to guide the long-term protection, restoration and responsible enjoyment of Indigo Bay’s land and marine environment by guests and the people of St. Maarten.
Planned as a 280-room resort with branded residences, Vie L’Ven states that its goal is to be a good neighbor in Indigo Bay and a long-term partner for St. Maarten. The eco tourism plan sets out concrete measures for conservation, low-impact design and environmental education, covering both the shoreline and the hillsides surrounding the property.
This initiative follows the completion of the EIA on October 27th, 2025, underscoring the property's commitment to a sustainable and responsible coastal development. A member of Leading Hotels of the World, Vie L’Ven appointed internationally recognized environmental consultancy Mac & Field, with headquarters in Amsterdam and Bonaire, to conduct the study and guide the resort’s sustainable development approach.
To further strengthen its environmental stewardship, the resort will spearhead an Environmental Monitoring Committee that will support conservation initiatives, eco-tourism opportunities, and advise on marine and coastal preservation practices in partnership with local experts.
Vie L’Ven intends to join the internationally recognized Green Globe program, further demonstrating a commitment to sustainable operation and management across all aspects of the resort. Through this certification, the property will implement Green Globe standards from the very start, guiding its energy, water, waste, and community engagement initiatives.
In collaboration with the commissioned environmental scientists and specialists, Vie L’Ven will embrace Beach Nourishment policies aligned with local regulations, including procedures to manage breakwaters, docks, and “no-go” zones to protect marine habitats. Guests will have designated access points for watersports, snorkeling, and shipwreck exploration, with specific guidelines to ensure safe and respectful interaction with coral and marine life. These efforts are supported by broader sustainability initiatives across the property, including the use of best-in-class water and greywater treatment systems.
At the heart of the eco-tourism plan is Vie L’Ven’s Nature Reserve and Conservation area, a protected wildlife zone designed as an immersive experience for guests. Within the open-air habitat, nature trails and viewing areas will allow visitors to connect with the environment while preserving the integrity of native habitats. Vie L’Ven also plans to introduce educational programming centered on local flora, fauna, and sustainable tourism practices, including interactive sessions for both adults and children. Interpretive signage throughout the reserve will highlight local wildlife, their ecological significance, and ways to engage responsibly with the natural environment.
Residents and visitors will also be invited to participate in Vie L’Ven’s hands-on conservation efforts, such as beach cleanups and marine monitoring programs, designed to deepen understanding of St. Maarten’s rich biodiversity. Guided snorkeling tours, coral restoration activities and sea turtle nesting observations will give guests the opportunity to engage directly with the natural world. Vie L’Ven will also establish designated protected zones, intended to safeguard coral colonies and other ecologically sensitive areas through local best practices of protection, such as surface buoys to mark sensitive habitat.
These efforts are supported by broader sustainability initiatives across the property, including the use of recyclable materials, energy-efficient appliances, alternative energy sources, and a no-plastics policy that extends across all operations. The resort will also prioritize sourcing local produce and products, supporting St. Maarten’s economy.
In addition to these measures, the development of a 280-room resort and residences at Indigo Bay is expected to generate a wide range of opportunities for St. Maarten residents and businesses. From construction and maintenance to hospitality services, transportation, tours and cultural experiences, the project will rely on local talent and suppliers wherever possible. Vie L’Ven intends to deepen cooperation with local contractors, farmers, fishers, artists and entrepreneurs so that the economic benefits linked to the resort are broadly shared within the community.
Vie L’Ven Resort & Residences is working closely with the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI), local partners, and the community to ensure the successful implementation of the EIA’s recommendations and long-term protection of Indigo Bay’s marine and terrestrial ecosystems.