PHILIPSBURG:--- On Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, at approximately 10:50 a.m., N.V. GEBE experienced an oil spill at the Power Plant, regrettably leading to oil release onto parts of the shoreline. The oil spill was an unfortunate event that originated from an overflowing settling tank within the fuel farm, the central point at the Power Plant for the primary fuel oil holdings. The excess oil cascaded into the surrounding area and eventually reached select shoreline parts via storm drains.

N.V. GEBE's dedicated team promptly mobilized an emergency response team and successfully contained the spill internally. Additionally, the team swiftly activated the Oil Spill Response Protocol. During this process, the relevant authorities, including The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG) and the environmental agency, i.e., The Nature Foundation St. Maarten, were immediately alerted to ensure the situation was handled safely and efficiently.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, N.V. GEBE promptly sought assistance from Sol Antilles N.V. Their invaluable support, combined with the efforts of the teams from the Nature Foundation and N.V. GEBE, significantly bolstered the containment measures, effectively curbing the spread of oil and mitigating its impact on vulnerable ecosystems.

With all hands on deck, the teams worked effectively together to clean up and contain the oil spill in a well-coordinated, collaborative response effort.

N.V. GEBE extends its sincere gratitude to the Nature Foundation St. Maarten, Sol Antilles N.V., and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard for their swift collaboration and unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. Their partnership has been instrumental in minimizing the ecological impact of this incident.

 The Nature Foundation St. Maarten states that they are very thankful for GEBE's quick call to report the oil spill and clear communication regarding the situation. Today's incident was quickly mitigated and contained thanks to the bilateral communication between GEBE and Nature Foundation. We look forward to further collaboration to build higher capacity for future responses. Only through better contingency planning and capacity building can we address similar incidents and protect the coastal environment of Sint Maarten. The quick response of the Nature Foundation team was instrumental in lessening the spill's impacts to ensure the situation was managed correctly.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are the focus of the Collective Preventive Service’s (CPS) annual calendar of health observances for the month of April. CPS reminds and encourages the community to take a proactive approach to preventing STIs.

Sexually Transmitted Infections are real and are present. STIs do not discriminate. Individuals should also be well informed by educating themselves about STIs to make wise decisions.


STIs are infections that are spread primarily through person-to-person sexual contact. STIs are infections that are likely to be transmitted while having unprotected sex.

If you may have been exposed to an STI or if you have ever had unprotected (without a condom) sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) with someone whose status you don't know, consult your general practitioner, and get tested.

There are more than 30 different sexually transmissible bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

The most common conditions they cause are gonorrhea, chlamydial infection, syphilis, trichomoniasis, chancroid, genital herpes, genital warts, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, hepatitis B infection and cancer.

Practicing safer sex is important as it decreases the chances of transmitting sexual infections. Safer sex means taking positive action to lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections. You can lower your risk of becoming infected with an STI by using a (male or female) condom the right way every time you have sex.

Unsafe sex results in unplanned consequences. Be responsible for your health and your partner’s by making an informed choice.

For STI information you can also contact your general practitioner and the Sint Maarten AIDS Foundation. Enjoy life, be well informed, and get yourself tested and know your status!

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), would like to inform the general public that the Vineyard Building Office Park in Philipsburg office will be closed on Monday, April 29.

The closure is related to a public holiday given to civil servants.

CPS will resume regular office hour services on Thursday, May 2nd.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Orco Bank swung into action this past weekend as a proud sponsor of the 28th St. Maarten Open, held on April 20th and 21st, 2024. The tournament attracted players from across the Caribbean and beyond, creating a vibrant atmosphere of friendly competition.
The bank partnered with the St. Maarten Golf Association (SMGA) to support this long-standing tradition. The tournament not only brought together Sint Maarten for a weekend of sportsmanship but also raised valuable funds for various local organizations dedicated to various causes on the island. This aligns perfectly with Orco Bank's commitment to serving the communities it operates in.
“At Orco Bank, we believe in being more than just a financial partner; we’re committed to the well-being of the communities we serve,” said Ghislain Hughes, Deputy Country Manager for Orco Bank Sint Maarten. “Supporting the St. Maarten Open aligns perfectly with our community involvement and youth development values. We’re proud to champion the SMGA’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of golfers on the island.”
Orco Bank’s presence extended beyond sponsorship. The bank’s team actively cheered on their very own representative who participated in the tournament, showcasing their spirit of camaraderie and support.
For more information about Orco Bank, please visit their website at https://www.orcobank.com/. To stay abreast of daily posts and news, follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OrcoBank or LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/orco-bank/.