PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  With Thanksgiving preparations underway, the risk of foodborne illness (gastroenteritis) increases due to the sheer volume of food being handled and the complexity of holiday dishes.

Prevention in the home kitchen or at food establishments and/or catering services begins with meticulous hand hygiene and separating foods to avoid cross-contamination. Before handling any food, and especially after touching raw meat, poultry (like the turkey), or eggs, hands must be washed thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

Dedicated cutting boards should be used—one for raw meats and one for produce or ready-to-eat items—to ensure that harmful bacteria from raw proteins are never transferred to cooked foods or salads. All utensils, countertops, and sinks must be sanitized regularly during the food preparation process to maintain a clean environment.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, would like all to have a safe thanksgiving on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and intestine a.k.a. stomach flu, which is usually due to acute infection by viruses or bacteria resulting in vomiting and diarrhea.

The most common symptoms of gastroenteritis are watery diarrhea and vomiting and repeated episodes of diarrhea (three or more episodes within 24 hours). You might also have stomach pain, cramping, fever, nausea, and a headache.

Viruses and bacteria can be transferred through poor hygiene. They spread through contamination of hands, objects, hard surfaces, or food infected with the aforementioned. The virus enters your body via your mouth, this type of transmission is fecal-oral. Viral gastroenteritis may also be spread through coughing and sneezing.

For example, if someone does not wash their hands after going to the toilet, any viruses or bacteria on their hands will be transferred to whatever they touch, such as glass, kitchen utensil or food. Upon coughing and sneezing without using proper cough etiquette can spread viruses and bacteria.

To prevent the spread of the infection, wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before eating or preparing food; clean the toilet, including the seat and handle, with disinfectant after each bout of vomiting or diarrhea; don’t share towels, cutlery and utensils with other household members; practice proper cough etiquettes and good hygiene practices and in consultation with your physician, you should not return to work until 48 hours after your last bout of vomiting or diarrhea.

Practicing good personal and food hygiene are essential in preventing gastroenteritis. Good food hygiene entails properly and regularly washing your hands; properly and regularly clean preparation area/surfaces and utensils properly and often with hot, soapy water; never store raw food and cooked foods together; avoid cross contamination of foods which means if you are preparing fish on the cutting table, don’t add chicken to prepare as well on the same cutting board, as it has to be cleaned properly before using it again; make sure that food is correctly refrigerated; always cook your food thoroughly; and never eat food that has expired (past its shelf date or sales date; and check for expiration dates).

Consult your family physician if you have vomiting/diarrhea and/or persisting symptoms so that your physician can refer you to the laboratory for confirmation and typing of the clinical diagnosis.

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~Inmates impacted by Powerful Empowerment Session~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Correction Department at the Point Blanche Correctional Institution hosted a highly impactful Empowerment Session on Monday, November 24, 2025, centered on the theme “Pathways to Purpose – Unlocking Potential.”
The afternoon brought inspiration and reflection to the inmate population through powerful messages delivered by guest speakers Dr. Ann Marlin-Evans and Dr. Nolan Nanton, who are both respected motivational and spiritual leaders.
In her opening remarks, the organizer of the event, Manager of Corrections Mrs. Henrietta Doran-York, welcomed the inmates and highlighted the significance of the day’s theme. She noted that purpose is something deeply personal and enduring, stating: “Purpose is something that cannot be taken away from you — it can only be rediscovered, strengthened, and lived out one step at a time. Today is one of those steps.”
Doran-York also encouraged the inmates to listen with openness and to embrace the opportunity for growth, adding: “I encourage you to take in whatever speaks to your heart today, and let it help shape a better tomorrow for yourselves.”
Dr. Nanton and Dr. Marlin-Evans delivered powerful alternating motivational messages that touched on resilience, discipline, spiritual strength, emotional healing, and the importance of self-awareness and accountability.
These sessions not only captivated the inmates, but also the staff that were present were deeply moved by these presentations.
Dr. Marlin-Evans impressed upon the fact that although the past explains their scars, they should know that they are not their scars anymore.
Dr. Nanton during his presentation told the inmates that even if a diamond has been buried in mud, when it is taken out and cleaned up, it is still a beautiful diamond.
Their combined approach created a balanced and engaging session, culminating in a joint Question & Answer segment that allowed inmates to seek guidance and ask meaningful questions.
At the close of the program, the President of the Inmates’ Association Mr. Dante Ottley expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the inmate population. In his short but heartfelt remarks, he thanked the speakers for seeing beyond the inmates’ circumstances and speaking to their potential: “Your words reminded us that purpose doesn’t disappear because of our mistakes — it is still inside of us, waiting to be rebuilt. Today you gave us something many of us don’t always feel: hope. Hope that we can grow. Hope that we can change. Hope that our story is not over. Your words reminded us that purpose doesn’t disappear because of our mistakes — it is still inside of us, waiting to be rebuilt.”
Ms. Doran-York stated that this Empowerment Session marks the first in a new series of structured motivational and developmental programs at the Point Blanche Correctional Institution.
She closed by stating: "The Management Team affirms its commitment to continuing such initiatives, recognizing the importance of consistent guidance and structured empowerment as part of the inmates’ rehabilitation journey. This Institution believes firmly that transformation is a continuous process and intends to build on the success of this first session, as sessions like these form an important part of the prison’s mission to encourage positive transformation and support inmates into developing new perspectives, skills, and inner strength”.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Lions Club proudly ushered in the Christmas season on Saturday, December 22nd, 2025, with its cherished annual tradition of decorating and lighting the St. Maarten Lions Club Roundabout. This long-standing event continues to symbolize unity, joy, and the spirit of service that the Lions bring to the community each holiday season.

Lions members came out in full force, transforming the roundabout into a vibrant display of lights and festive decorations. As the decorations were completed, members gathered to sing beloved Christmas carols, spreading holiday cheer while interacting with each other and with passersby. The warm and joyful atmosphere highlighted the fellowship and dedication that define the St. Maarten Lions Club.

Adding to the excitement, Santa Claus made an early appearance, delighting both children and adults and officially marking the start of the Christmas season on the island.

“This annual tradition reminds us of the importance of community, togetherness, and giving back. Each year, we look forward to bringing joy to the island and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas,” said Lions President Alvin Prescod.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), would like to inform the general public that the office at the Vineyard Building Office Park in Philipsburg will be closed on Wednesday, November 26.

The closure is related to a strategic planning session for civil servants.

CPS will resume regular office hours on Thursday, November 27.