DFS next Diabetes testing program is at Cost U Less on Saturday

Published in Soualiga Newsday Top Stories

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Diabetes Foundation of Sint Maarten (DFS) hereby would like to inform the general public that they will be having their next testing morning on Saturday April 20, 2024, at “Cost U Less” Supermarket” on Bush Road.

The program for the general public consists of testing and information dissemination about diabetes (glucose), cholesterol, blood pressure and BMI at “Cost U Less.” The testing and information will take place from 10.00 till 12.00 noon.

The DFS tests are free of charge for the public.

“We would like to encourage the general public to continue testing on a regular, because you might have diabetes and don’t know.

“Diabetes and other chronic diseases are of epidemic proportions in the Caribbean and continue to be a threat to the economic development of the region.

“Factors driving this dramatic rise include overweight and obesity. If we are to make any headway in halting the rise in diabetes, we need to rethink our daily lives: to eat healthily, be physically active and avoid excessive weight gain.

“We want to keep warning the general public to keep monitoring your food intake and try to keep checking yourself,” DFS said on Thursday in a media statement.

The DFS foundation is looking for volunteers to help them with their aim to prevent diabetes, give support and care to persons with diabetes and to increase more awareness about diabetes and its consequences on St. Maarten.

For more information you can contact DFS at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Da Big Bad XP Hosts Spectacular Final Road to Carnival Event: Da Backyard Jam Session III

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SINT MAARTEN (MIDDLE REGION) - Da Big Bad XP hosted the grand finale of the Road to Carnival series with an unforgettable evening of music, community, and celebration. Da Backyard Jam Session III, held at the Da Big Bad XP Headquarters in the Middle Region, brought together a diverse audience eager to soak in the rhythm and vibes of the Caribbean.

Kicking off the festivities was the talented DJ Prince, setting the stage for an evening of musical mastery. Skillful Band, Tonez Band, Acha and RudyNumb4 captivated the audience with their dynamic performances, each bringing their unique flair to the stage.

As anticipation built, Da Big Bad XP graced the stage, delivering a performance that had attendees on their feet, dancing and singing along. To cap off the night in true Caribbean style, the legendary Onyan from Antigua delivered a performance that left the audience in awe.

"The atmosphere was electric, and the show couldn't have been better," remarked Darnel ‘MixX!E’ York, Founder of Da Big Bad XP. "I am immensely grateful to everyone who came out to support us. It truly was a jam session to remember."

Despite the threat of rain, the weather held up until the very end, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the music and festivities. The sweet sounds of Onyan had the crowd swaying until the last note, a testament to the power of Caribbean music to unite and uplift. One of the standout features of the event was its accessibility, with free admission for all attendees. Guests were treated to delicious Chicken Leg or Spare Ribs, courtesy of Captain’s Rib Shack ensuring that everyone could indulge in the flavors of the Caribbean.

Mr. York extended heartfelt thanks to the sponsors whose generous support made the event possible. "Without the backing of our sponsors, both financially and in-kind, this night would not have been the success it was," he acknowledged.

Da Big Bad XP extends heartfelt gratitude to the following sponsors for their invaluable support - REAL Auto, CC1, SXM Airways, The Captain’s Rib Shack, SXM Crazy Beach Bar & Restaurant, Sound2000, Beaver Builders B.V, Dalia Noor B.V, Pressure Detailing & Cleaning, Handled Consultancy, Brooks & Associates, Mr. Peter Blackman, Mr. Clement Richardson, The Parents of Darnel and Dwayne York, Ms. Linaisa Mardenborough, Powerline Automotive, SOS Radio, Laser 101 and PJD2.

Their contributions, whether financial or in-kind, played a pivotal role in making this event an overwhelming success. Additionally, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to MC Dutty Sham for his exceptional hosting across every edition, and to Da XP Soljahs for their unwavering support and willingness to lend a helping hand. As the final notes of Da Backyard Jam Session III fade into the night, Da Big Bad XP looks forward to continuing its mission of fostering community spirit and celebrating Caribbean culture in all its splendor.

Investigation Underway into Ill-Treatment Incident at Prison. Inmate slashed by another one

Published in Soualiga Newsday Top Stories

Point Blanche Prison entrance gate.(file photo)

SINT MAARTEN (POINT BLANCHE) - The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is currently investigating a disturbing incident of ill-treatment that occurred at the prison facility located in Point Blanche (HVB). On Monday, personnel from the Detective Department were alerted to an incident involving the ill-treatment of a prisoner by another inmate.

According to initial reports, the victim sustained slash wounds to several parts of their body during the altercation. Immediate medical attention was administered, and the victim was swiftly transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for further treatment.

Upon receiving the complaint from the victim, detectives promptly initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Our investigative team is diligently working to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and piece together the events that led to this distressing occurrence.

The safety and well-being of all individuals within our jurisdiction, including those within correctional facilities, are of paramount importance to the Sint Maarten Police Force. Any acts of violence or mistreatment will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken to ensure accountability and justice.

Collaborative Conservation in the Dutch Caribbean

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SABA (THE BOTTOM) - On April 16^th, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) organized a seminar on Saba on the critical role of collaboration in ecosystem restoration for the Dutch Caribbean. Aimed at promoting collaboration to safeguard nature, this seminar brought together key individuals from across the Dutch Caribbean to share existing examples and future goals.

The United Nations has declared this decade ‘the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration’, highlighting the importance of ecosystem restoration and promoting related activities. As the leading network organization regarding nature conservation in the Dutch Caribbean region, the DCNA has emphasized the message of working together for more than 25 years. The necessity of working together also accounts for ecosystem restoration on for example coral reefs and mangroves.

The half-day seminar, titled "The Success of Conservation Projects Hinges on Effective Collaboration” brought together members from each of the six island’s Park Management Organizations, local experts, researchers, governments, the local community, and NGOs from the Dutch Caribbean.

The seminar included presentations on various collaborative projects, including the Coral Reef Early Warning System (CREWS), the RESEMBID Reforestation Project, DIADEMA RAAK II project, COastal Resilience Needs Assessment (CORENA) Project, Sea and Learn’s projects, and the DCNA’s and World Wide Fund for Nature – Netherlands (WWF-NL) ‘s Coastal Feasibility Study. Speakers highlighted the need for collaboration between nature-focused and non-nature-focused organizations and between local, regional, and international partners to maximize efforts for nature restoration.

Arno Verhoeven, Stationary Director of the DCNA, remarked: "In a world where ecological boundaries know no borders, the fight to conserve local biodiversity cannot be shouldered by individuals or a single island alone. It is a collective effort that requires collaboration from diverse stakeholders, including local communities, governments, and international organizations. This seminar aims not just to discuss, but to catalyze action, reinforcing our commitment to this cause."

The DCNA extends sincere thanks to all who contributed to the success of the seminar. Your dedication and expertise are invaluable in advancing conservation efforts. The DCNA eagerly anticipate continued collaboration in our shared pursuit of a sustainable future.

Mental Healthcare and Forensic Care Aim to Improve Collaboration

Published in Soualiga Newsday Top Stories

SINT MAARTEN/CURACAO - Mental healthcare (MH) and forensic care (FC) in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom aim to enhance collaboration. Speakers from all parts of the Kingdom will share insights on 'best practices' and challenges within MH and FC during a conference in Curaçao on April 15, 16, and 17.

The signatories of the Four-Party Consultation on Justice and the Four-Country Consultation on Public Health have instructed both the FC and MH working groups to propose ways to improve collaboration in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. Challenges such as outdated legislation which limits options for care and treatment in mental health forensic are important focal points.

Participants will share experiences, gain inspiration, and meet stakeholders within the mental health forensic care chain. Together, they will make recommendations to improve various forms of mental health forensic care, which will ultimately lead to improving the overall mental health care chain. The outcomes and recommendations of the conference will be presented to the signatories the Four-Party Consultation on Justice and the Four-Country Consultation on Public Health

The conference will cover various topics such as legislative developments on forced MH, FC within detention, outpatient forensic care, addiction care, and aftercare. So far, 125 participants from the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, the BES Islands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba), and Suriname have registered.

Dutch Caribbean Mental Health

The conference will also take further steps to strengthen and formalize the collaboration between various MH parties in the Caribbean part of the kingdom into the Federation Dutch Caribbean Mental Health. This includes the foundations FSMA Respaldo (Aruba), GGZ Curaçao, Brasami (Curaçao), PSI Skuchami (Curaçao), Mental Health Foundation Sint Maarten, and Mental Health Caribbean. The federation aims to promote the quality of mental healthcare on all islands within the kingdom. It will facilitate the exchange of substantive and organizational expertise, particularly in the areas of quality and further development, legislation, and education.

663 Women are Screened in the AUC-Ministry of VSA Breast Abnormalities Project

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CPS representatives and AUC medical students.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – For the past two weekends, 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 (Ministry VSA), hosted two successful free breast and health screening events in Philipsburg.

About two dozen AUC students under supervision of clinical medicine fellows, Drs. Luna Emogene and Pathik Patel, provided 63 women with general health assessments that included background health history, checking vital signs, calculating body-mass index (BMI), measuring waist circumference, visual acuity, and blood glucose and cholesterol levels.

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

The educational part included a presentation of the risk factors for breast cancer, demonstration of the clinical breast exam 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 the population of Sint Maarten. All results will be reported to the Ministry of VSA to help establish policies for the screening of breast abnormalities and cancer.

The major educational outcome of this project is the incorporation of the Learners-as-Educators model, which is a 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 the AUC team. For medical students and clinical medicine fellows, each health and breast screening event are an opportunity to work side-by-side with patients while practicing clinical and communication skills.

Students had the opportunity to explain the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of breast cancer, while answering questions about personal breast health and self-care.

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

By working with individual people, conducting interviews, and performing an overall health assessment, medical students are able to enhance their preparedness for clinical rotations.

Up-to date the total number of local women served within the breast screening project is 663, with the target goal of 1000. The project will continue in the next academic semester with the aim to reach its estimated total to obtain a representative sample of the target population.

NPOwer launches 2024 series of capacity building workshops

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Representatives of various non-profits attending one of the many workshops, which focus on capacity building. (photo contributed)

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - NPOwer, an initiative of the Foresee Foundation (4C), is set to launch its 2024 workshop series with a renewed focus. Observant non-profit organisations (NPOs) will now receive invitations that include the term 'Academy', a subtle yet significant shift highlighting the foundation's commitment to elevating and professionalising the NPO sector in St. Maarten.

Foresee Foundation has planned a series of twenty workshops for 2024, starting from Tuesday, April 16. The first workshop is titled "How Can Community Psychology Empower My Organization?" The presenter for this workshop is Jalika Breaux, a Clinical and Community Psychologist. According to Director of Foresee Foundation Jose Sommers, the workshop aims to engage non-profit organizations in self-reflection on their mission and implementation. It will apply principles of community psychology to their work to promote positive change, health, and empowerment at individual and systemic levels. Community psychology goes beyond an individual focus and integrates social, cultural, economic, political, environmental, and international influences.

The second workshop is set for Thursday, April 18 and will offer an intensive two-hour workshop designed to equip NPOs with the essential skills needed to craft effective budgets for grant applications. This workshop will delve into the core of budget planning, covering various types of costs, co-financing strategies, and the incorporation of valuable in-kind donations. Participants will gain practical insights and hands-on experience through interactive exercises and real examples of SMDF, R4CR, Prince Bernhard Culture Fund Caribbean, Samenwerkende Fondsen Cariben and Fonds Culture participation. This workshop will be presented by Sommers, who brings extensive experience in both writing and evaluating grant applications and budgets gained from various roles throughout her career.

With a mission to 'empower' St. Maarten's non-profit sector, NPOwer's evolution into an ‘Academy’ signifies a commitment to advancing learning, capacity building, and professional growth within the NPO community. The initiative offers a platform for sharing expertise, enhancing organisational capacity, and exploring innovative strategies in funding, fundraising, marketing, and governance. Central to this endeavour are the workshops, designed to bolster NPOs' capabilities, facilitate knowledge sharing, and foster collaborative efforts, thereby fortifying the resilience of the sector in St. Maarten.

NPOwer is committed to helping non-profit organizations streamline their operations and increase their impact through capacity building. The workshops are financed by St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF) and Samenwerkende Fondsen Cariben. Local foundations are urged to monitor their organisation’s registered email accounts and NPOwer’s social media platforms to find more information and register.

Known for its tagline, "Where NPOs connect", NPOwer is situated at Illidge Road #60, Unit 1, alongside R4CR and Samenwerkende Fondsen Cariben. For further information or inquiries, please contact the NPOwer team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., +1 721 581 5050, or visit www.npowersxm.com

SMYC and Club de Voile de Friars Bay Host Successful Third Friars Bay Race

Published in Soualiga Newsday Top Stories

SAINT-MARTIN (FRIARS BAY) - Last weekend witnessed the spectacle of the third Friars Bay Race, organized by the Sint Maarten Yacht Club together with Saint Martin voile Pour Tous. This two-day regatta, held on April 6 and 7, showcased competition between six Diam 24s. Besides the Diams, there was also one monohull in the CSA 1 fleet: Carib Diesel.

Saturday's racing festivities commenced with two races: the first from Simpson Bay to Galisbay, followed by a second race from Galisbay to Friars Bay. The competitors raced in light weather conditions. Following the day's competition, participants came together for a lunch BBQ on the beach of Friars Bay and for the daily prize-giving ceremony. While enjoying some nice food from the BBQ and drinks the 3 first placed Diams and the only monohull received their daily prizes. Standings after the first race day saw Cry Baby securing third place, Karibuni claiming second, and the Buzz Racing Team in first place.

Sunday's morning action unfolded with a race from Friars Bay back to Simpson Bay, with the day beginning with light winds that gradually intensified, ensuring an exhilarating experience for all competitors. The Diams engaged in an additional race within Simpson Bay.

All the races on both days had different end results for the Diam fleet, which made it very exciting for the final results. Ultimately, as the full regatta concluded, the overall victors emerged, with Karibuni clinching third place, the Buzz Racing Team in second, and Cry Baby claiming first place. The Prize giving took place in the Sint Maarten Yacht Club bar and restaurant.

Organizers would like to thank all volunteers for their time and enthusiasm for making this third edition of the Friars Bay race a great success. Pictures and results can be found online on the SMYC website.

Next Keelboat race will be on May 5th, the third race day of the Grant Thornton Keelboat Season Championship.

SMYC FRIARS pix1

SMYC FRIARS pix2

Inspectorate of Public Health to Assess Water Production Facilities

Published in Soualiga Newsday Top Stories

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The Inspectorate of Public Health which is part of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA), would like to inform the general public and water production facilities that its Food Safety/Water Surveillance Division will continue to perform inspections at all accommodation facilities that either produce or (internally) distribute potable water during the year 2024 to ensure compliance with potable water legislation.

The requirements for the production and (internal) distribution of potable water are laid down in the Potable Water Ordinance (Landsverordening Drinkwater, AB 2013, GT no 803 as mentioned lastly by AB 2015 no 9, hereinafter “PWO”) and National Decree regulating the Quality of Potable Water (Landsbesluit Kwaliteit Drinkwater, AB 2013, GT no 754, hereinafter “PWD”).

Potable water is defined as ‘any water intended for human consumption that is – untreated or after treatment – intended for drinking, cooking, food preparation or other household purposes.’

Inspectorate VSA is charged with the supervision and enforcement of the legislation pertaining to potable water. In addition to this, the potable water legislation attributes several specific tasks and authorities to the Inspectorate.

During the inspection, the Inspectorate will perform a site inspection mostly aimed at verifying proper implementation of and adherence to the water control plan and water monitoring program submitted to and approved by the Inspectorate.

The following updated documents must be available during the inspection: reverse osmosis control plan/logs; legionella control plan/logs; cistern/reservoir monitoring program/logs; and water sampling results.

These documents can be submitted to the Inspectorate for the inspection by email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you require additional information about the process, you can contact the Inspectorate at email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you would like additional information on waterborne diseases, you can contact the Collective Prevention Service (CPS) at phone number 914 or email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

UPDATE: NV GEBE announces load shedding for Saturday

Published in Soualiga Newsday Top Stories

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – “Dear valued community members, We regret to inform you that load shedding has commenced today, April 6, 2024. Our team is working diligently around the clock to restore full power and resolve all issues promptly,” NV GEBE said in a statement on Saturday morning.

“We understand the frustration and inconvenience this situation may cause, and we sincerely apologize for the disruption to your daily routines. Your patience and understanding during this challenging time are deeply appreciated.

“Please be assured that we are doing everything in our power to minimize the impact and restore normal service as soon as possible. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation,” NV GEBE concludes.

ARCHIVED - SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – NV GEBE announced on Friday morning that they will be implementing temporary load shedding today. The utility company stated on Friday that it is having challenges with its main production unit and that several areas will experience interruptions in power supply for approximately 90 minutes. This measure is necessary to ensure the stability of our power grid according to the utility company.

NV GEBE apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and assure you that they are working diligently to restore full power as soon as possible.

Soualiga Newsday Top Stories (4297)

DFS next Diabetes testing program is at Cost U Less on Saturday

Da Big Bad XP Hosts Spectacular Final Road to Carnival Event: Da Backyard Jam Session III

Investigation Underway into Ill-Treatment Incident at Prison. Inmate slashed by another one

Collaborative Conservation in the Dutch Caribbean

Mental Healthcare and Forensic Care Aim to Improve Collaboration

663 Women are Screened in the AUC-Ministry of VSA Breast Abnormalities Project

NPOwer launches 2024 series of capacity building workshops

SMYC and Club de Voile de Friars Bay Host Successful Third Friars Bay Race

Inspectorate of Public Health to Assess Water Production Facilities

UPDATE: NV GEBE announces load shedding for Saturday

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