PHILIPSBURG(DCOMM):---  The American University of the Caribbean (AUC) School of Medicine, in collaboration with the Positive Foundation and the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), hosted a successful free breast and health screening event in Philipsburg on March 28.

To date, the total number of local women served within the breast screening project is 756, with the target goal of 1000. Over 250 students benefited from the project's educational components, which will continue next academic semester.

More than a dozen AUC students under the supervision of clinical medicine fellows, Drs. Simelda and Skinner provided women with general health assessments that include taking a history, checking vital signs, calculating body/mass index, measuring waist circumference, visual acuity, blood glucose, and cholesterol level.

Each screening also included a free clinical breast examination by Dr. Naira Chobanyan, clinical oncologist and professor of clinical medicine at AUC. 

The Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, 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. I commend AUC, CPS, and the Positive Foundation for their dedication to improving breast health awareness and early detection,” said Minister Brug.

The educational part of the participants includes a presentation of the risk factors for breast cancer, demonstration of the clinical breast exam and breast abnormalities on plastic models, as well as assessment of individual risk for breast cancer in participating women over 35. 

Results of this study are vital for understanding the prevalence of breast abnormalities within population of Sint Maarten. All results will be reported to the Ministry of Health. Social Development and Labor to help establish policies for the screening of breast abnormalities and cancer.

Major educational outcome of this project is development of Learners-as-Educators model, which is unique teaching tool for medical students to cascade medical knowledge from Faculty to Fellows to Medical Students to Community.

It was developed by Dr. Chobanyan, a principal-investigator of the project from AUC team.  For medical students and clinical medicine fellows, each health and breast screening event is an opportunity to work side-by-side with patients while practicing clinical and communication skills.

Students spend much of their time explaining the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of breast cancer, and answering questions about personal breast health and self-care.

In addition to the benefits this research brings to the community of Sint Maarten breast cancer awareness and education, clinical fellows and medical students are afforded an opportunity to gain real-world clinical experience. 

By working with real patients, conducting interviews, and performing an overall health assessment, medical students could enhance their preparedness for clinical rotations.

WILLEMSTAD, CURACAO:---- DNV is strengthening its presence in the Caribbean with the appointment of Wesley Eleonora as Caribbean Relations Partner, based in Curaçao.
With this step, DNV responds to the growing regional demand for local support combined with international expertise. From Curaçao, Wesley Eleonora will focus on strengthening relationships with organizations, governments, and other stakeholders, and on facilitating access to DNV’s services.
The role focuses on connecting regional needs to appropriate solutions, based on concrete challenges and market developments. Collaboration with local organizations and partners is central to this approach.
Organizations across the Caribbean are increasingly facing the need to meet international standards in areas such as quality, safety, sustainability, and digital development. DNV supports this through services in certification, assurance, risk management, and advisory.
This includes support with internationally recognized standards and schemes such as ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), ISO 45001 (health & safety), ISO 22301 (business continuity), ISO 42001 (AI management), ISO 27001 (information security), ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 (food safety), as well as IFS and other relevant frameworks.
“In the Caribbean, trust and collaboration are closely linked to local presence,” said Wesley Eleonora. “By being closer to organizations in the region, we can better respond to their needs and contribute to sustainable growth and development.”
Wesley Eleonora brings over 16 years of experience in digital transformation and advisory across the Caribbean. He works closely with governments, public organizations, and businesses, focusing on connecting local challenges with sustainable and internationally proven solutions.
With this appointment, DNV reinforces its commitment to the region and its ambition to contribute, together with local partners, to the continued development and strengthening of organizations across the Caribbean.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is currently investigating a shooting incident that occurred earlier today in the Dutch Quarter area.

Central Police Dispatch received a call shortly after 12:30 p.m. reporting a man walking along Nazareth Road who was bleeding. Upon arrival at the scene, officers encountered a male victim who had sustained a grazing gunshot wound to his lower body.

Preliminary information indicates that the victim reported being shot at by an unknown suspect. Ambulance personnel arrived shortly after and provided medical treatment to the victim at the scene.

Detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident. Further information will be made available as the investigation progresses.
KPSM urges anyone with information related to this incident to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is informing the general public of the upcoming Jump-Up opening, scheduled for Friday, April 10, 2026. The event will begin at 8:00 p.m. from the South Reward area and proceed toward the Festival Village as part of the official opening of the Carnival season.

KPSM is once again calling on the community to cooperate fully and behave responsibly during this and all upcoming Carnival activities. Officers will maintain a strong presence throughout the parade to ensure public safety and order.

The police will take action against all individuals who disturb public order. This includes, but is not limited to, persons wearing masks, sale of alcohol along the roadside, especially to minors, and the distribution of beverages in glass bottles. A list of punishable offenses and corresponding fines has already been shared with the public, and strict enforcement will be carried out during the Jump-Up and subsequent events.

In addition, KPSM urges parents and guardians to have open and serious discussions with their minor children regarding appropriate behavior during the Jump-Up and the remainder of the Carnival period. Parental guidance is essential to ensuring that young persons understand the importance of respecting public order, safety regulations, and law enforcement instructions.

Attention will also be given to the movement of scooters and motorcycles during the event. Riders are strongly warned not to drive through or interfere with the Jump-Up parade. Such actions pose a serious risk to public safety. KPSM will take immediate action against any rider whose behavior endangers participants or disrupts the flow of the event.

KPSM remains committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable Carnival experience for all residents and visitors. The cooperation of the community is essential in achieving this goal.