PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), is calling on the community to become more aware of the health risks associated with excessive salt consumption and the importance of reducing sodium intake as part of maintaining a healthier lifestyle.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adults should consume no more than 2,000 milligrams of sodium per day, which is approximately equivalent to one teaspoon of salt, while children should consume even less.

Excessive sodium intake is considered one of the leading risk factors for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, which remain among the primary causes of death throughout the Americas.

WHO notes that sodium consumption across the Region continues to exceed recommended levels, often without individuals realizing it. While many people associate salt intake with what is added to meals at the table, the majority of sodium consumed today comes from processed and ultra-processed foods such as processed meats, snacks, canned foods, fast foods, instant meals, sauces, and breakfast cereals.

CPS explained that excessive sodium consumption increases the risk of several chronic diseases including high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and other serious health conditions.

The department stressed that reducing sodium intake is an important step toward improving overall public health and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases within the community.

The department also addressed the growing popularity of specialty salts such as sea salt, pink Himalayan salt, and gourmet salts. While these products may contain trace minerals, CPS emphasized that they are still primarily composed of sodium chloride and do not eliminate the health risks associated with excessive sodium intake.

Some low-sodium substitutes use potassium chloride as an alternative; however, the WHO advises that these substitutes may not be suitable for pregnant women, children, persons with kidney disease, or individuals with medical conditions affecting potassium levels.

CPS advises that one of the most effective ways to reduce sodium intake is to limit the consumption of ultra-processed foods and prepare more meals at home. Cooking at home allows individuals and families greater control over the ingredients used in meals and makes it easier to gradually reduce salt in recipes over time.

Reading food labels and choosing products with lower sodium content can also contribute to healthier dietary habits.

The department encourages the Sint Maarten community to take proactive steps toward healthier eating habits in order to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve quality of life.

Small dietary changes made consistently can have significant long-term health benefits for individuals and families alike.

PHILIPSBURG:---The Voice of the Youth St. Maarten Foundation, through its flagship program the St. Maarten Youth Brigade, proudly hosted its Annual Rank Promotion Ceremony on May 22, 2026, under the inspiring theme: “Today’s Disciplined Youth Become Tomorrow’s Trusted Leaders.”
The ceremony served as a powerful showcase of the hard work, discipline, commitment, and personal growth demonstrated by the youth participating in the program. Family members, supporters, government officials, and community stakeholders gathered to celebrate the achievements and advancement of the young brigadiers who continue to exemplify leadership and positive development.
Founder of the organization, Mrs. Zulayka Peterson, delivered a passionate address highlighting the continued success and impact of the St. Maarten Youth Brigade throughout the community. She also issued a heartfelt appeal to the Government of St. Maarten, urging officials to grant the organization access to the long-requested obstacle course facility. Mrs. Peterson emphasized that such a facility would not only strengthen the St. Maarten Youth Brigade program but would also serve as a valuable resource benefiting various justice and community sectors across the island.
Prime Minister, The Honorable Dr. Luc Mercelina, commended the dedication and discipline displayed by the youth within the program. In his remarks, he encouraged the young members to remain focused and continue striving for excellence as future leaders of St. Maarten.
Minister of Justice, The Honorable Nathalie M. Tackling, also addressed attendees, sharing words of encouragement while emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in supporting youth initiatives. She challenged her fellow colleagues to recognize that youth development is not the responsibility of one ministry alone, but rather a national effort requiring collaboration across all sectors.
Minister of Education, The Honorable Melissa D. Gumbs, praised the accomplishments of the young girls and boys who have taken the initiative to develop themselves into disciplined and responsible leaders. She applauded their determination and commitment to personal growth and nation-building. She further reflected on the significance of this year’s theme, noting that discipline should not only define programs such as the Youth Brigade, but should also be embraced across society as a core value that shapes character, responsibility, and national progress.
This year’s ceremony marked a significant milestone for the Voice of the Youth St. Maarten Foundation as the organization celebrates 13 years of dedicated service to shaping the future of St. Maarten’s youth through discipline, mentorship, leadership, and community engagement.
The Voice of the Youth St. Maarten Foundation and the St. Maarten Youth Brigade extend sincere gratitude to its management team, staff, coaches, parents, guardians, members, sponsors, and supporters whose unwavering contributions made this meaningful event both successful and memorable.
Together, the organization remains committed to empowering the next generation and building a stronger, more disciplined future for St. Maarten.

~Finance Minister Says Licensing Framework Could Finally Attract International Financial Apps~

PHILIPSBURG:---  St. Maarten could soon position itself to attract global digital payment platforms such as Revolut and PayPal if Parliament approves a new package of financial legislation currently under debate.

Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs told Parliament that the absence of a proper licensing and supervisory framework has been one of the biggest barriers preventing major international payment providers from operating in St. Maarten.

“The National Ordinance creates market access for payment service providers,” Gumbs explained during the Central Committee meeting. “Without a license and supervision from the Central Bank, international payment service providers headquartered abroad, such as PayPal and Revolut, would not be willing to offer their services in St. Maarten.”

LEGAL FRAMEWORK SEEN AS FIRST STEP

According to the Minister, the proposed legislation would establish the legal credibility and regulatory certainty international fintech firms require before seriously considering entry into the local market.

Gumbs acknowledged public frustration that residents still face limited access to many international financial apps and digital payment services widely available elsewhere. She argued that passing the legislation is the necessary first step toward changing that reality.

WHY ST. MAARTEN COULD ATTRACT FINTECH

The Minister outlined several advantages she believes could make St. Maarten attractive to companies like Revolut and PayPal:

U.S. Dollar Economy

Although the Caribbean guilder is the official currency, much of St. Maarten’s economy already functions heavily in U.S. dollars due to tourism and international commerce.

Unique Euro–Dollar Position

St. Maarten’s open border with French Saint-Martin creates a rare environment where euro and U.S. dollar transactions coexist daily, offering opportunities for cross-border digital payment services.

Massive Transaction Volume

Gumbs argued that St. Martin should not be judged solely by population size, but by the sheer number of daily transactions generated through tourism, restaurants, villas, car rentals, excursions, and cruise activity.

“The question becomes not simply how many people live here, but rather how many transactions flow through this economy every single day,” the Minister stated.

WHAT HAPPENED TO REVOLUT?

Members of Parliament also questioned why Revolut cards previously appeared to work in St. Maarten before the service later became unavailable.

Gumbs explained that Revolut had initially allowed limited international access through its broader platform but had likely reconsidered its long-term operations because of the absence of a clear local regulatory framework.

“There is no indication that their services were revoked due to one single incident,” she said, adding that companies continuously reassess jurisdictions based on compliance requirements, market viability, and regulatory certainty.

DIGITAL FUTURE

The finance minister stressed that the legislation alone will not automatically bring fintech companies to St. Maarten overnight, but said it establishes the foundation for serious negotiations with global providers.

The government believes the laws could modernize the island’s financial sector, improve competition, reduce barriers to digital payments, and ultimately give residents and businesses greater access to modern banking technology.

As Parliament continues deliberations, the debate over fintech licensing and financial modernization is rapidly becoming one of the most closely watched economic discussions in St. Maarten.

~Marinka Gumbs Pushes Urgent Financial Laws to Protect Banking Access, Economy, and International Reputation~

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs delivered one of the strongest warnings yet in Parliament this morning, stressing that St. Maarten faces serious economic and financial risks if critical financial legislation is not adopted in time to satisfy international regulatory standards.

Speaking during the Central Committee meeting on a package of five financial supervision laws, the Minister made it clear that while St. Maarten is not currently on the FATF grey list, the country remains under enhanced monitoring and could face severe international consequences if deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and financial oversight framework are not corrected.

“These draft laws are important not only from a legal and regulatory perspective, but also for safeguarding St. Martin’s financial stability, international reputation, and continued access to the international financial system,” Gumbs told Members of Parliament.

The finance minister explained that the legislation is designed to strengthen supervision over payment providers, virtual asset companies, securities intermediaries, and financial market systems while aligning St. Martin with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

FEARS OF GREY LISTING

Gumbs confirmed that St. Maarten has been aware since 2024 that the country risked increased international scrutiny following evaluations by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).

Although the Minister stressed that St. Maarten is “not currently on the FATF grey list,” she warned that failure to show legislative progress could trigger serious repercussions for the country’s banking sector and wider economy.

According to Gumbs, the consequences could include:

• Increased scrutiny from international correspondent banks
• Delays and higher costs for international transactions
• Reduced investor confidence
• Greater difficulty accessing international financing
• Higher banking fees and compliance burdens for residents and businesses

“The burden ultimately falls on the people of St. Martin,” the Minister warned, explaining that stricter international compliance measures often translate into higher banking costs and reduced financial access for ordinary citizens.

CRITICAL TO THE MONETARY UNION

A major point emphasized throughout the meeting was the need for uniformity between St. Maarten and Curaçao within the shared monetary union supervised by the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten.

Gumbs acknowledged criticism from MPs that some of the laws were already adopted in Curaçao years ago while St. Maarten is only now moving forward with them. However, she defended the process and pledged stronger coordination moving forward.

She stated that harmonized legislation is essential to maintaining confidence in the joint financial system and preserving access to international payment infrastructure.

CRYPTO AND VIRTUAL ASSETS UNDER SCRUTINY

One of the most debated areas involved regulation of cryptocurrency and virtual asset service providers. Some MPs expressed concern that excessive regulation could stifle innovation in AI, fintech and crypto sectors.

Gumbs responded that the intention is not to suppress innovation but to create a safe and internationally compliant framework. She clarified that the proposed licensing requirements target professional and commercial operators, not ordinary individuals engaging in personal cryptocurrency transactions.

“The objective is not to stifle innovation, but to ensure that innovation develops within a safe, credible, and internationally compliant framework,” the Minister stated.

PARLIAMENT TO CONTINUE REVIEW

Parliament has agreed to continue reviewing the highly technical draft laws through a written question-and-answer process before moving toward public handling and approval.

The legislative package is expected to remain one of the most important financial governance matters before Parliament this year, with government insisting the measures are essential to protecting St. Martin’s economic future and international credibility.