SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The New Era Solutions Foundation in collaboration with the Foundation Judicial Institutes St. Maarten (SJIS) held the Foster Care Awareness March on May 10^th in Philipsburg under the slogan “Be the Village, Foster a Child!”. The march formed part of the Foster Families Central Month of May Awareness Campaign.

It started at the Erwin “Baco” Richardson Little League Ballpark with an opening prayer by Reverend Javed Intiaz and winded its way through the streets of Philipsburg. It culminated at the Cyrus Wathey Square with speeches by Mr. Dimitri Beauperthuy, president of New Era Solutions Foundation and Ms. Meredith Concincion SJIS Foster Families Central Coordinator.

The event continued with musical renditions by NIA’s Orchestra and a dance selection by NIA dancers and the participants to the tune of “Happy”. Just A Rose was also on hand to show support for the cause by leading a Soca session.

All participants and well-wishers were served refreshments and goodies as they enjoyed the event. 

Thank you is extended to members of various organizations and individuals in our community who took the time to show solidarity for this wordy cause. As such, thank you is also extended to the following organizations, namely New Start Foundation, Ujima Foundation, SJIS Youth Home, Sister Basilia Center, Omega Leo’s Club, St. Maarten Sports Federation, St. Maarten Basketball Federation, Grand Piano Studios and other supporters.

Special thank you to the New Generation Drumband, National Institute of Arts, DJ Wilson, Dedicated Brothers Entertainment Services NV, St. Maarten Little League Association, St. Maarten Media and individual volunteers for the active role they played in the success of the event.

This event would not have been possible without the assistance of corporate citizens Audit Team Sint Maarten, which was our main sponsor and Domino Pizza. We extend heartfelt thank you to them.

Thank you to SJIS for allowing us to partner with them to bring much needed awareness to our community about Foster Families Central St. Maarten. Our children need us!

To learn more about Foster Care in St. Maarten, please call SJIS at +1 721 5264310/+1 721 5423449 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – This week marks Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week which is from May 13-17. The theme for the week is: Small Bite Big Threat! “Stop Disease Transmission, Start Source Reduction.”

At the 17th Special Session of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government on public health threats held in November 2014, the Heads approved a proposal for the establishment of an annual Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) says the burden of vector borne diseases in the Caribbean remains a significant challenge, and Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week (CAMAW) is vital to addressing this issue by ensuring that you, the public, are informed and empowered to make a difference.

CARPHA says in the past year, communities have faced daunting challenges with dengue outbreaks in several member states. 2,307 suspected and 927 laboratory confirmed cases were reported to CARPHA from 15 of its Member States.

Additionally, in 2024, there have been cases of Zika, Chikungunya and malaria among others. There is great risk of hospitalizations and tragic loss of lives with Zika and malaria.

CARPHA adds that the theme, "Small bite, big threat," alongside this year’s slogan, ‘Stop disease transmission, start source reduction,’ serves as a powerful reminder of the critical need for proactive measures against these arboviral vectors. By destroying mosquito breeding sites, we prevent them from multiplying and potentially limit the spread of these terrible diseases.

The objective of such a week is to strengthen existing initiatives and mobilize the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites from public and private places.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) has registered 216 confirmed dengue cases from 2023 to the present and is committed to keeping the public informed and making frequent ‘calls to action’ to the community to take action and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

CPS supports the CARPHA campaign this week and appeals to the community to always be on alert to act right after a rainfall event to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a half-inch of water. This is not a lot of water, and plant saucers are one of those unassuming places that can gather a small amount and still be a huge breeding site for your backyard mosquito.

Source reduction is the key to decreasing the mosquito population. Due to the tropical nature of our climate, breeding habitats are in abundance, and many of them are unfortunately man-made.

For issues surrounding mosquito breeding sites, contact CPS’ vector control team by calling 542-1222/1570 or 914. Ask to be connected to the vector control team.

You can also email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with supporting pictures and contact information to report a mosquito nuisance or request assistance.

Eradicating mosquito breeding sites should become a habitual lifestyle of each citizen, let us minimize the mosquito population at its source!

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - On Wednesday, the Acting Minister responsible for Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport, Lyndon Lewis, convened a meeting with the administration of Ruby Labega School alongside members of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) to address several issues affecting the institution.

The Minister visited the school on his own initiative after hearing about the heat situation and out of grave concern for the students.

Of paramount concern is the oppressive heat within the classrooms, which both teachers and students endure. Following a briefing from the school's management, Minister Lewis pledged to gather necessary information promptly to implement a short-term remedy to alleviate the discomfort caused by the high temperatures.

Emphasizing his commitment to problem-solving, Minister Lewis assured attendees that unlike the previous administration, he would not allow prolonged inaction on longstanding issues plaguing schools.

Acknowledging the school's power constraints, which limit the feasibility of installing air conditioning units, the Minister urged patience from the school management and union while comprehensive assessments are conducted to expedite a viable solution.

His cabinet convened an urgent meeting with the Head of the Department of Public Education on Wednesday afternoon to determine what the next steps should be and how quickly they can be taken. The Minister will update the school management and union on Thursday.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – On Monday afternoon, May 13, 2024, the Council of Ministers (CoM) hosted an informal gathering with middle management, underscoring their crucial role as the backbone of government operations.

In his introductory remarks, Prime Minister Honorable Dr. Luc Mercelina emphasized the importance of inclusion and recognition, acknowledging the significant demands placed on civil servants regarding productivity, engagement, and commitment.

He also stressed the need for proportional recognition and advocated for greater co-ownership—a goal actively pursued by Cabinet Mercelina through an open-door policy and enhanced communication.

This advocacy was especially relevant in light of the results from the employee satisfaction survey. Following the Prime Minister’s address and the introduction of the Ministers, the Secretaries-General introduced middle management to the ministers.

The event concluded with an open discussion, with ministers mingling freely with middle management.

Middle management expressed their gratitude for the initiative and appreciated the opportunity to engage directly with the Ministers.