SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - The University of St. Martin (USM) proudly welcomed six Erasmus+ exchange students and three coordinators from Bavaria, Germany, to campus today as part of its ongoing international academic and cultural exchange program. The visiting delegation, all specializing in media and communications-related fields, will spend the next three weeks on St. Maarten collaborating with USM students, faculty, and staff.

The visiting students were warmly welcomed by the USM management team, faculty, staff, and students. USM President Dr. Antonio Carmona Báez greeted the delegation and shared insights on the university’s history, current developments, and vision. A highlight of the visit was a surprise piano performance by USM’s Art Club students.  

The Art Club is led by CAFY student Melisa Cukier, who warmly welcomed the visiting students with words filled with passion, creativity, and encouragement, setting the tone for a collaborative and inspiring exchange.

During their visit, the students also met with USM Marketing Consultant Ms. Shobhan Giterson and Dr. Raymond Jessurun, USM Research Coordinator, to exchange ideas and explore creative approaches to developing multimedia content to support the marketing and visibility of the university. Equipped with drones, cameras, and other professional media equipment, the students arrived fully prepared to collaborate and contribute their skills to various USM initiatives.

The Erasmus+ exchange focuses not only on cultural immersion but also on hands-on media production. Throughout their stay, the students will work on creating multimedia pieces while engaging closely with USM’s academic community. This marks the third consecutive year that Erasmus+ exchange students have visited St. Maarten through this partnership.

During their three-week stay, the students will interact with USM’s CAFY students, attend classes alongside degree-seeking students, and participate in the HIS190 – USM History and Cultural Heritage course. Through this course, they will learn about, experience, and engage directly with the rich history and culture of St. Maarten.

The University of St. Martin expresses its sincere gratitude for this continued international collaboration and looks forward to strengthening its partnership through shared learning, cultural exchange, and creative engagement.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – It’s a new year – 2026 - and many set out their goals which also includes achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

As we step into the second half of the decade, the landscape of personal wellness is shifting from restrictive dieting toward long-term, sustainable health integration.

Every year the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA), as part of its annual health observances calendar, highlights and creates awareness about health matters.

For the month of January, CPS is profiling healthy weight and nutrition.

CPS would like to offer some tips designed to help individuals set realistic goals that prioritize both physical vitality and mental well-being.

The beginning of a new year often brings a surge of ambitious health resolutions that can be difficult to maintain. However, 2026 is being hailed as the year of "Functional Longevity."

Experts suggest that the most successful individuals are those who move away from "all-or-nothing" mentalities and instead focus on incremental habits.

The key nutrition and wellness tips for 2026 are: prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods where you focus on "adding" rather than "subtracting." Incorporate a wider variety of leafy greens, ancient grains, and lean proteins to support gut health and steady energy levels.

Hydration with intention. Beyond simple water intake, focus on maintaining electrolyte balance, especially for those with active lifestyles.

Mindful movement. Instead of grueling, unsustainable workout schedules, aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week that you actually enjoy, such as brisk walking, swimming, or functional strength training.

Rest as a pillar of health. Sleep hygiene is now recognized as being just as critical as diet. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep to regulate metabolic hormones and cognitive function.

The role of professional guidance. While self-motivation is vital, CPS emphasizes that the foundation of any health journey must be built on professional medical advice. Individual health profiles vary wildly based on genetics, age, and pre-existing conditions.

The most important health goal anyone can set this year is to schedule an annual physical. Do It Yourself health can only take you so far.

Regular screenings and consultations with a primary care physician are essential to catch underlying issues early and to ensure that your nutritional or fitness changes are safe for your specific body chemistry.

CPS recommends that all individuals maintain a "Health Log" to share with their physicians, noting any significant changes in energy, mood, or physical performance.

Contact your family physician or CPS at 914 for more information on maintaining a healthy weight and the nutritional benefits for 2026.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - This Valentine’s season, The Windward Islands Bank is giving Kompa Leon cardholders a simple way to turn everyday spending into an unforgettable experience.

From January 15^th through February 14^th, anyone who uses their Kompa Leon card will be eligible to win one of three Valentine’s prizes for two: a romantic picnic, a sunset cruise, or a couple’s spa day. All prizes are experiences for two.

The campaign is designed to reward customers for using their Kompa Leon card for regular purchases, while adding a little extra excitement during the Valentine’s season. The more customers use their card during the campaign period, the more chances they have to win.

“We wanted to create something fun, simple, and rewarding for our Kompa Leon cardholders,” said Daisy Tyrol-Carolus, Country Head at The Windward Islands Bank. “It’s a great reminder that your Kompa Leon card can do more than pay. It can unlock experiences.”

Customers are encouraged to follow The Windward Islands Bank on Facebook for campaign reminders and updates.

Terms and conditions apply.

SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - The University of St. Martin (USM) is well known as a hub of activity and opportunity. One of the many options USM offers the community of St. Maarten is the GED Program.

GED stands for General Education Diploma, and it was originally developed in the mid-20^th Century to fill a need for the soldiers and service people who came home after World War II.

Many had enlisted and fought without completing high school, and upon returning home, they wanted to attend universities, and these former soldiers had no interest in going back to get their high school diplomas. They had grown up and needed to move forward, not back.

Since those days, the GED has grown to become an internationally recognized accreditation that stands in for the traditional high school four+ years degree. Students in St. Maarten have been taking advantage of the GED Program at USM for more than 25 years.

If they didn’t finish high school, or if they earned a diploma that doesn’t give them a level of accreditation that would allow them to be accepted to a university, they often turn to USM to earn their GED.

This semester, Spring 2026, is set to begin a new GED class on February 23^rd. The class is held five days per week for 15 weeks, approximately four hours per day. There are four subjects that are presented: Mathematics, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies.

Dedicated instructors provide lessons that prepare students to succeed in this program. After the classes conclude, in June, students can sign up to take their exams in those four subject areas.

The exams are delivered on campus at dedicated computers that receive the exams straight from GED International. Once all four exams are passed, they have their diploma and are ready to move on to a university of their choice or perhaps a career in health care, law enforcement or the Coast Guard.

The GED diploma is accepted in Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and many other locations around the globe. FYI: Applying to the University of St. Martin is a very affordable way to start that journey, and the staff and instructors are excited to help everyone achieve their goals.

Call 542-5171 or stop by the University offices for more information on how the GED Program can provide a way for anyone to earn the equivalent of an academic high school diploma.