June 23, 2026 No comments
ACTING MINISTER OF VSA SIGNS WORLD VITILIGO DAY STATEMENT WITH V.E.I.S.S. FOUNDATION
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Acting Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Hon. Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina, on Monday met with representatives of the Vitiligo Education and Inspiration Support Society (V.E.I.S.S.). V.E.I.S.S. Foundation and signed an Official Statement recognizing World Vitiligo Day 2026, reaffirming the Government of Sint Maarten’s commitment to awareness, inclusion, and support for persons living with vitiligo. The meeting focused on education, public awareness, and reducing the stigma often experienced by individuals affected by the condition. Acting Minister Mercelina commended the Foundation for its ongoing efforts to promote understanding and acceptance throughout the community. “World Vitiligo Day reminds us that every person deserves to be respected, valued, and treated with dignity,” said Acting Minister Mercelina. “Through greater...
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June 23, 2026 No comments
SZV REPORTS SUCCESSFUL FIRST QUARTER FOR SENIOR PRIORITY HOURS AND IN-PERSON SERVICES
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - SZV Social & Health Insurances is pleased to share the positive results of its recently launched 'Senior Priority Hours' and overall in-person service improvements, following a full review of the first quarter of 2026. Introduced in late January, Senior Priority Hours was designed to improve access and provide dedicated support for clients aged 60 and above. Data collected between January and April 2026 shows that the program is meeting its goals, with strong client satisfaction and a clearer picture of service needs. During the first quarter, SZV recorded over 4,499 in-person visits across its departments. The highest number of visits occurred in March, largely due to requests for Wage Tax cards. The newly introduced Kiosk ticketing system...
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June 23, 2026 No comments
Legacy of Hair Event Honors Ancestry, Identity, and the Cultural Significance of Black Hair
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Legacy of Hair event, held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Inglot, Carrefour Bush Road, brought together community members, models, creatives, vendors, and cultural supporters for an evening dedicated to honoring the history, resilience, and identity connected to Black hair and headwraps. Held under the theme “Wear Your Crown. Honor the Journey,” the event was developed as a visual storytelling and cultural awareness initiative highlighting the historical and ancestral meaning of Black hair, particularly within the context of slavery, survival, resistance, and reclamation. The project was supported by the Slavery Memorial Committee and led creatively by Kenty Lichtenberg of Keraï Kreative Style / Be Your Own Brand, with the goal of creating a meaningful space where...
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June 22, 2026 No comments
VROMI SWEARS IN EIGHT BAVPOL OFFICERS TO STRENGTHEN ENFORCEMENT CAPACITY
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) had eight (8) BAVPOL officers sworn in today by the Minister of Justice, the great majority being from the inspection department, strengthening the ministry’s capacity to enforce and hand out fines. In March, the eight (8) candidates undertook training for BAVPOL certification. While the Ministry continued to issue warning letters, the additional certification allows for follow-through to have consequences that are more immediate. In his address at the ceremony, Minister Gumbs emphasized the broader purpose behind enforcement: "Enforcement is not only about rules or penalties. It is about service. It is about creating order, strengthening trust, and ensuring that every person is protected by the law." From...
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June 22, 2026 No comments
Ministry of VSA Marks Completion of Nibud Study Visit and Training on Cost of Living in Sint Maarten
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), with the support of the Tijdelijke Werk Organisatie (TWO), has completed an important phase in its collaboration with the Nationaal Instituut voor Budgetvoorlichting (Nibud), as part of the ongoing study into the cost of living on Sint Maarten. The study was carried out to gain evidence-based insight into the actual cost of living for individuals and families in Sint Maarten and forms part of the ongoing implementation of the Country Reform Packages. It focuses on the buildup of necessary household expenditures for different household compositions, including the resources residents need to meet their basic needs and participate fully in society. From June 2 to June 11, 2026,...
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