June 03, 2026 No comments
Literacy and Numeracy Training Launched in Collaboration with UNESCO and the Division of Public Education
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Division of Public Education, in collaboration with the Sint Maarten National Commission for UNESCO, is pleased to announce the launch of a Literacy and Numeracy Training initiative aimed at strengthening early childhood education across public schools. This professional development program is designed to equip kindergarten teachers (Cycle 1, Groups 1 & 2) with effective instructional strategies to support foundational learning in reading, writing, and mathematics, with a particular focus on kindergarten-level education. Training sessions commenced on May 20, 2026, and are being held at the University of St. Martin from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The program will run from May to June and from August to September. The six scheduled sessions will provide ongoing opportunities...
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June 03, 2026 No comments
J&IS Concludes Successful Foster Care Awareness Month Campaign
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Judicial & Institutional Services Foundation (J&IS), through its Foster Families Central unit, has successfully concluded Foster Care Awareness Month following a month-long campaign dedicated to raising awareness, promoting foster care, strengthening community partnerships, and encouraging greater support for children in need of safe, stable, and nurturing homes. Held under the theme “Foster the Future” and guided by the message “Be the Village, Foster a Child,” the month brought together government officials, foster families, family guardians, child protection workers, social workers, educators, volunteers, community leaders, artists, businesses, and members of the public in a collective effort to highlight the importance of foster care and the role the community plays in supporting vulnerable children. The campaign officially launched...
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June 02, 2026 No comments
CPS Advises Persons with Respiratory Conditions to Take Precautions during Sahara Dust Events
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The Collective Prevention Service (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), is advising residents and visitors, particularly those with respiratory illnesses, to take precautionary measures during periods of increased Saharan dust activity. During this time of year, Saharan dust plumes become more prevalent across the Caribbean region and can affect air quality in Sint Maarten. These dust events can pose health risks, especially for small children, older adults, and individuals with underlying respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Persons living with asthma, allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other breathing-related illnesses may experience worsening symptoms when Saharan dust concentrations are elevated. Common symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, throat...
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June 02, 2026 No comments
Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell attends Parliamentary Committee Debate on Kingdom Relations
THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE) – Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita Arrindell recently attended the public debate on the Standing Committee for Kingdom Relations of the Dutch House of Representatives (Second Chamber). The debate focused on matters relating to a number of important issues concerning Sint Maarten, Aruba and Curaçao and provided an opportunity for the minister to personally follow these discussions on issues of importance to the countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The debate was convened by members of the Standing Committee for Kingdom Relations and attended by Dutch State Secretary for the Interior and Kingdom Relations Eric van der Burg. Members of Parliament participating in the discussion included Annabel Nanninga, Heera Dijk, Laura Bromet, Ruben den Hollander and Tijs van...
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June 02, 2026 No comments
ODM Urges Food Wholesalers and Warehouse Operators to be Storm Ready
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) is urging food wholesalers, warehouse depot operators, and business owners across the country to ensure their facilities are hurricane-ready for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season as it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad one. With the hurricane season now underway and storm activity expected to increase in the coming months, ODM emphasizes that the best time to prepare is before a storm threatens the country. National Disaster Coordinator and Fire Chief Clive Richardson is calling on operators and owners of warehouses, distribution centers, and storage facilities to review and activate preparedness measures well in advance of any approaching weather system. "A key part of hurricane preparedness is understanding...
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