PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Statistics (STAT) reports that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in constant prices for the year 2023 is estimated to have grown by 3.4 percent, while GDP at current prices increased by 6.3 percent.

• Current Prices = Good for showing actual income/value in a given year.
• Constant Prices = Good for comparing volume growth over time. (factors out inflation)

The most significant contributions to the estimated constant GDP growth in 2023 came from:

• Accommodation and Food Services: Up by 6 percent, attributed to a 6 percent increase in tourist "person-nights". (Arrivals multiplied by length of stay)
• Water Supply, Sewerage, Waste Management, and Remediation Activities: Increased 11 percent.
• Transportation and Storage: Rose by 7 percent, due to increased activity at the port and airport.

Other sectors showing notable growth include:

• Construction: Expanded by 6 percent, consistent with findings from the annual National Accounts Survey (NAS).
• Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation: Increased by 6 percent, also consistent with the growth in tourist person-nights.

For 2022, revised data now places real GDP growth at 16.0 percent, up from the previously estimated 13.9 percent.

With technical support from the International Monetary Fund’s Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Center (CARTAC), STAT undertook a comprehensive review of its data sources. Based on CARTAC’s advisement, updated methodologies and high-frequency indicators were implemented to improve the accuracy and responsiveness of national accounts. These improvements represent a strategic shift away from reliance on the National Accounts Survey, allowing for the use of more timely and reliable data sources. While the NAS will continue to be used for sectors such as (construction, transportation, professional services, administrative services.)  where no alternative indicators exist, its scope has been significantly reduced. These enhancements are part of STAT's ongoing efforts to modernize the National Accounts Program and improve its accuracy and timeliness. It is important to note that while this methodology is new to STAT, it aligns with international best practices and is already widely adopted by many regional and global statistical agencies.

That said, there may still be instances where STAT requests the cooperation of businesses to provide financial statements or complete the National Accounts Survey. This supplementary information remains essential in ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and overall quality of the national accounts.

Looking ahead, STAT is also exploring the integration of International Merchandise Trade Statistics (IMTS) through the ASYCUDA system. Once implemented, this system will support the production of key indicators of economic activity by industry, further enhancing the relevance and depth of national accounts. Additionally, STAT is actively strengthening collaboration with key partners, including the Central Bank, the Customs department, and other relevant government departments. Accessing administrative data from these institutions is in line with international best practices and will significantly improve the overall quality of Sint Maarten’s national statistics.

One of the most critical outputs of the National Accounts is the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figure. GDP is not just a statistical measure. It plays a vital role in national development. It serves as a key tool for policymakers in planning and allocating resources, for investors in assessing the economic performance and potential of the country, and for local organizations in guiding strategic decision-making and identifying market opportunities.

In closing, the Department of Statistics would like to extend its sincere appreciation to all stakeholders and survey respondents for their continued support and timely cooperation. The data we collect, whether through National Accounts surveys or requests for financial statements, is essential for producing accurate and reliable economic indicators. We encourage ongoing participation and support from the business community and the general public, as this collective effort contributes directly to the development of high-quality national statistics.

For more information or to view the latest National Accounts tables, please visit the official website of the Department of Statistics: http://stats.sintmaartengov.org.

Sources of information include the Sint Maarten Population 2022 and Tourism Exit Survey Results; the 2024 Economic Census Survey; the Labour Force Survey, Tourism Exit Survey (TES), and Consumer Price Index (CPI). Additional data were obtained from the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS); GEBE; the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA); Princess Juliana International Airport Exploitatiemaatschappij N.V. (PJIAE); the St. Maarten Harbour Port Authorities; and various large establishments operating in St. Maarten.

~A week of activities to educate and empower breastfeeding mothers, their partners, and the community~

CAY HILL:---  St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), its Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) and Pediatric Departments, and its Breastfeeding Committee will celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2025 from August 1^st to August 9^th with a dynamic calendar of activities designed to promote and support breastfeeding within the community.

The week of observance kicks off with an Opening Ceremony on Friday, August 1st at 1:00 PM on the Patio of SMMC’s Main Building, featuring remarks by the Honorable Minister of VSA Richinel Brug, SMMC CEO Dr. Felix Holiday, and representatives from the Breastfeeding Committee. The event will also include powerful testimonials from local mothers sharing their personal breastfeeding journeys.

On Saturday, August 2nd, the public is invited to join a Breastfeeding Awareness Walk, beginning at Walter Plantz Square on the Boardwalk and ending at Gelateria Milano, followed by a relaxing, instructor-led yoga session. On Monday, August 4^th, the team will be on location at Women’s Health Services (Dr. Friday’s Clinic) to provide prenatal information to expectant mothers from 11:00 am. The team will also provide information on Tuesday, August 5^th, from 1:00 pm at SMMC.

The week’s activities conclude with a Breastfeeding Celebration on Thursday, August 7^th with a Moms Sip and Paint event from 4:00 pm at SMMC’s Classroom (located on Hamster Drive #4, across from the SLS Lab), an interactive Story Time for babies and children on Friday, August 8^th at 6:30 pm at the White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation Chapel and Collective Prevention Services’ Mom’s Health Fair at the Belair Community Center on Saturday, August 9^th from 4:00 pm. Full event details can be found on SMMC’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/stmaartenmedicalcenter/).

SMMC’s Breastfeeding Committee, composed of dedicated nurses, midwives, and support staff from the OBGYN and Pediatric departments, offers education and resources to new and expectant mothers and their partners. Topics include breastfeeding in the workplace, bonding through breastfeeding, breastfeeding while unwell, and partner involvement in the breastfeeding journey.

This year’s celebration is made possible through the support of community partners. SMMC and the Breastfeeding Committee extend their heartfelt thanks to Victors Cosmetics, Sapphire Beach Resort, Real Auto SXM, Prime Distributor, Carrefour, Lucky’s Cosmetics, Inglot St. Maarten, Guyanese Treat Delight, 3 Wishes Cake Box and Cost U Less for their generous contributions.

For more information or breastfeeding support, please contact the Breastfeeding Committee at +1 (721) 543-1111 or 910 ext. 1100.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Office of Disaster Management (ODM), which falls under the Fire Department, as the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season moves into its third month (August), it is urging residents to be proactive in identifying and combating the spread of misinformation and disinformation throughout the remaining months of the season.

The rise of false and misleading claims on social media platforms, for example, can create confusion, undermine public trust, and even endanger lives during a storm.

In recent hurricane seasons over the years, we have seen the rapid spread of false narratives such as fabricated images and videos of storm damage, often taken from past events or created with AI, to incite panic or outrage.

The time for preparation is now, and that includes preparing for a storm of false information. A single click or share of an unverified post can have real-world consequences, from delaying evacuations to creating distrust in first responders.

ODM points out that we all have a role to play in ensuring our communities are equipped with accurate, life-saving information.

To help the public navigate the information landscape during a hurricane, ODM recommends the following steps: Trust Official Sources First: Always prioritize information from official and trusted channels.

These include the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS), the official source for weather information, forecasts, and storm tracks, which can be found at: www.meteosxm.com

Listen to the Government Radio station – SXMGOV 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during, and after a hurricane. You can also follow news and information, as well as national addresses by the Prime Minister, chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), by going to the SXMGOV Facebook Page.

Reputable news organizations are also a source that carries official news and information.

Verify Before You Share: If a post seems too dramatic, shocking, or unbelievable, it is likely. Before sharing, ask yourself: Who is the source? Is this an official agency or a personal account? Is it an original post? Check if the image or video has been shared before in a different context using a reverse image search tool.

Does this information match what official sources are saying? Always cross-reference against your trusted sources.

Misinformation often preys on fear and anxiety. Be wary of posts that use highly emotional language or create a sense of urgency to share immediately.

By taking these simple steps, we can all contribute to a safer and more informed community.

For more information on hurricane preparedness and to find a list of official resources, please visit the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane, where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart,” or you can use the following link: https://shorturl.at/VbaxC

For official weather-related information, you can also follow MDS via their social media pag,e Facebook.com/sxmweather/

Here are also official WhatsApp channels: Met Office WhatsApp Channel:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VajATqK7oQhkHMN8wL1e

Department of Communication Chat:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/HrVGgS5cn5EDcNicwmidoD

Remember, it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season.  Be prepared and ready to take action in the event of a hurricane threat to the country!

PHILIPSBURG:---  On Monday, July 28, the Department of Community Development, Family and Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA) hosted a Community Council Information Session at the University of St. Martin. The session marked the second phase of the Community Council Empowerment Project, an initiative designed to enhance community-based governance, increase social cohesion, and foster grassroots leadership across neighborhoods on Sint Maarten.

The information session brought together existing and prospective community council members, along with community-minded individuals, to learn more about the goals and structure of the program. Set to run on Mondays and Thursdays from August 28 until September 18, the program provides essential training and capacity-building support for community councils and their executive boards.

The facilitators of the training were also present to introduce themselves and provide a brief synopsis of what their sessions would entail. Among the facilitators were members of the Dutch Quarter Community Council, one of the first councils to complete the program during its pilot phase, who came on board to share their experiences with the participants.

The pilot phase of the project was completed in 2024, with two of the four councils in the first cohort completing the program. The councils that were not able to complete the program due to unforeseen circumstances have registered to join the new cohort.

The Community Council Empowerment Project equips councils with a range of fundamental trainings including topics such as Leadership and Interpersonal Skills, Program Management, and Effective Communication, laying the groundwork for stronger, self-sustaining community organizations. Each council must ensure the participation of at least three executive board members who must attend a minimum of 80% of the sessions to successfully complete the program. Upon completion, councils will receive assistance in securing NGO status through financial and administrative support with the notary and

Chamber of Commerce, unlocking greater opportunities for funding, sponsorship, and formalized community action.

Participating councils were encouraged to engage with residents in their respective districts, assess community assets, and develop a year plan that reflects localized priorities. Councils will remain accountable to CDFHA throughout implementation, allowing for continuous monitoring, evaluation, and exploration of additional subsidy and partnership opportunities.

The Honorable Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Richinel Brug, offered strong support for the project and those involved: "I want to recognize and applaud the dedicated community council members who have stepped forward to participate. As councils you provide a platform for residents to raise their concerns, advocate for the vulnerable, and ensure that your communities are not left out of broader decision-making processes."

The Community Council Empowerment Project represents a collaborative push toward community-driven development, and CDFHA encourages all interested councils and community leaders to get involved in this transformational initiative.

For more information, contact: Department of Community Development, Family and Humanitarian Affairs Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Phone: +1 721 520-4315