SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - Aqua Mania Adventures proud to announce the 11th annual Pink Sunset Sail, set to take place on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026. The eagerly awaited Pink Event, raises awareness and funds for local breast cancer foundations: The Elektralyets and Positive Foundations.

Not to be missed is the Pink Mixer that kicks off the event, starting at 3:00 PM at the Marina at Simpson Bay Resort. Guests will enjoy sweet steel pan tunes, snacks and a welcome drink. People reconnect at the Mixer and enjoy themselves taking group photos and selfies. Before boarding organizers reward the best dressed guests, which is always a highlight.

At 5.30pm guests will board Lambada, Tango, and the Golden Eagle Catamarans, for a scenic cruise along St. Maarten’s stunning coastline. The sail includes an open bar, snacks, and breathtaking sunset views. We are grateful to Eddie and his team from the Golden Eagles for supporting the growth of the event by making his boats available.

The Pink Sunset Sail brings together past guests, new friends, supporters and unites everyone for the cause to raise breast cancer awareness and promote annual check-ups to ensure early detection.

Most significant about the event are the many fantastic prizes to be won at the raffle, where tickets are sold and drawn onboard each vessel. So many amazing businesses give generously to support the Pink Sunset Sail and with many businesses confirming their contributions, the excitement is building.

Part of the proceeds from ticket sales and all raffle ticket purchases will be donated to local breast cancer awareness foundations, the Positive Foundation and Elektralyets Foundation. Shelly Alfonso and Elektra are tireless in supporting vital education, early detection campaigns, and much needed assistance for those affected by breast cancer.

“The Pink Sunset Sail is more than a beautiful event; it reminds our community that early detection saves lives. We are deeply grateful to Aqua Mania Adventures for their unwavering commitment to breast cancer awareness. Their support helps us reach women with education, screening campaigns, early detection initiatives and assisting uninsured women with mammograms across St. Maarten. Every ticket purchased and every raffle contribution helps us to continue to make a meaningful difference in the fight against breast cancer.” Said Shelly Alfonso and Elektra from the POSITIVE Foundation and ELEKTRALYETS Foundation

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, October 3rd, 2026

3:00 PM Pink Mixer | Boarding from 5:00 PM | Sail: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Departure: Aqua Mania Adventures, Marina at Simpson Bay Resort

Price: $50 per person (includes Pink Anniversary T-shirt, open bar, snacks, and sunset sail)

Book online: www.stmaarten-activities.com/tours/pink-sunset-sail

About Aqua Mania Adventures:

Aqua Mania Adventures is a premier boat excursion and adventure company in St. Maarten, offering a wide range of excursions and activities for tourists and locals alike. With a strong commitment to safety, quality, and community, Aqua Mania Adventures is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences on the beautiful waters of the Caribbean.

SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - The University of St. Martin (USM) is reminding all new students enrolling in degree programs, as well as students registering for Continuing Education Program (CEP) or individual courses with prerequisite requirements, that placement testing will take place this Friday July 31 and Saturday August 1 at the USM campus. 

Placement testing is an important part of the admissions process and helps determine a student's readiness for specific courses. Depending on the program or course selected, students may be required to complete one or more placement assessments before they can register for classes. 

Students who have already registered for placement testing are encouraged to arrive on time and bring a valid form of identification. Those who have not yet registered, or who previously missed their scheduled placement test, are urged to contact the USM Admissions Office as soon as possible to make the necessary arrangements. 

The placement test applies to:

• New students entering USM degree programs.
• Students enrolling in Continuing Education Program (CEP) that require prerequisite assessment.
• Students registering for individual courses where placement is required.
• Students who missed a previous placement testing session. 

USM encourages all prospective students to complete this requirement promptly to avoid delays in registration and course placement.

Students who have questions about the placement process or are unsure whether they are required to complete a placement test are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office for further assistance. 

For more information, contact the USM Admissions Office at +1 (721) 542-5171, WhatsApp +1 (721) 523-4876, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Additional information is also available on the USM website.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Department of Communication (DCOMM) recently interviewed the Interim Inspector General Dr. Joe Alcalá to provide the public with general information and an update on the latest developments at the office of the Inspectorate of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (IVSA).

On DCOMM’s SXM Gov Radio 107.9 FM, host Cedric Peterson spoke with Dr. Alcalá about the importance of the IVSA, its key priorities, the responsibilities of the various divisions of the inspectorate, and the latest developments within that affects the community.

Since November 2025, IVSA has been undergoing a reform project to review, assess, and update internal operations, policies, and related laws. The initiative focuses on strengthening operational standards, addressing personnel needs, improving execution, modernization, and enhancing the Inspectorate's efficiency, effectiveness, and independence. This reform project is funded by the Temporary Work Organization.

Dr. Alcalá, who studied medicine at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands and brings extensive experience as a general practitioner and as a Public Health official in Curaçao, discussed the ongoing reforms within IVSA and the organization's priorities moving forward and how these reforms are intended to strengthen the Inspectorate's ability to serve.

Each sector has a role in the operations at the Inspectorate, Dr. Alcalá pointed out. Established policies, rules, regulations, and procedures guide the work of the organization and support greater accountability, improved service delivery, and more effective execution of its responsibilities for the community.

Within the Public Health & Safety aspect, IVSA is responsible for monitoring food safety and water quality of the medical practices, pharmaceutical practices & pharmacies, medical professionals, dentists, midwives, and healthcare facilities. The Labor & Social Development/Affairs oversees that businesses are inspected for labor standards, worker safety, contracts, and fair employment practices.

The IVSA also works jointly with Immigration, Customs, Economic Affairs, Education Department, and the Tax Administration to execute supervisory role and evaluate compliance with existing laws and regulations.

Dr. Alcalá acknowledged that manpower remains a challenge. Nevertheless, the IVSA continues to investigate complaints, identify possible violations, analyze incidents, and implement corrective actions where appropriate. Depending on the nature and severity of an infraction, enforcement measures may range from warnings, directives and fines, or more, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, when applicable.

He also explained that within IVSA, there is an intentional set up whereby tasks and duties are separated, meant to uphold the checks and balances of the activities of the Inspectorate distinct, judicious, and independent internal operations.

Members of the public who wish to report concerns or file complaints relating to the Inspectorate's areas of responsibility may do so by visiting the office or submitting a written complaint by letter or email. Dr. Alcalá emphasized that all complaints are handled with discretion and that every effort is made to protect the privacy of those involved while ensuring each matter is appropriately addressed.

Looking ahead, Dr. Alcalá said the Inspectorate's long-term goal is to build public trust, be transparent and collaborate with residents, businesses, and organizations in the best interest of the community. There are opportunities for change, and improvements to be made. As we work to improve the system, with baselines and benchmarks, IVSA aims to become a stronger, more efficient, and more responsive supervisory authority.

IVSA advances a reform agenda focused on strengthening governance, operations, clarifying roles and responsibilities that are supported by a coherent legislative framework supervisory capacity, and improving compliance and enforcement. These efforts are intended to better protect workers, patients, and vulnerable groups while strengthening public health, social development, and labor oversight throughout Sint Maarten.

To contact the Inspectorate General Office for health and/or labor regulations, issues, or complaints, call +1 (721) 520-8113 and/or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The interview will premiere on SXM Gov Radio 107.9 FM and will also be released as an edition of Inside Government on Friday, July 31^st at 8:00pm. Members of the public are invited to tune in and watch the full interview on the Government of Sint Maarten's official Facebook page and YouTube channel to learn more about the ongoing reforms and priorities of the Inspectorate of Public Health, Social Development and Labor.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Ministry of Justice is aware of recent public commentary regarding food provision and inmate privileges at Point Blanche Prison.

The Ministry wishes to clarify that at no point were inmates denied their regular daily meals. An operational change relating to a food supplier resulted in a substitution of one chicken provider for another, which is not uncommon within institutional catering arrangements and did not interrupt meal provision.

Separately, a food-related family activity operated as an extended privilege within the prison regime. In line with internal rules and operational procedures, certain privileges may be temporarily restricted where behavioural or compliance concerns arise. This measure affected participation in the activity for specific inmates only and did not impact access to standard meals.

The Ministry is concerned that a number of public claims and articles have been circulated without formal verification being sought from either prison management or the Ministry itself. The publication of incomplete or inaccurate information risks creating unnecessary disruption and confusion.

The Ministry of Justice remains committed to maintaining safe, secure and humane detention conditions in accordance with applicable standards and operational procedures.