PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) hereby informs the public that Minister Brug has joined forces with local artist King Vers to launch a new awareness initiative focused on men’s mental health on Sint Maarten.
Mental health has been, and continues to be, a priority of Minister Brug and the Ministry of VSA. Since taking office, the Minister has consistently emphasized the importance of breaking stigma, expanding awareness, and encouraging open conversations surrounding mental well-being. This collaboration forms part of the Ministry’s broader and ongoing mental health strategy, with additional initiatives to be announced in the near future.

The campaign with King Vers specifically highlights the unique pressures men face in society. It addresses the expectations often placed on men to always appear strong, to suppress emotion, and to avoid speaking openly about personal struggles. By confronting the longstanding taboo surrounding men’s mental health, the initiative aims to create safe spaces for dialogue, understanding, and support.

Minister Brug stated that acknowledging mental health challenges does not diminish strength, but rather reflects courage and responsibility. Through this partnership, the Ministry hopes to encourage men across Sint Maarten to speak up, seek support when needed, and support one another.
Further details regarding upcoming activities and community engagements under this campaign will be shared shortly.
The Ministry of VSA remains committed to promoting mental wellness for all segments of society and will continue working with community partners to advance this important cause.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Tax Administration reminds the public that the deadline to complete payments and collect the 2026 Motor Vehicle Stickers is fast approaching.

All distribution phases have now been enacted, and motorists across all vehicle categories may continue to complete payments and collect their stickers at the Receiver's Office on Pond Island. The office operates from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM throughout February, with cash payments accepted until 3:00 PM daily.

Payments may also be made online via https://services.sintmaartengov.org/ or via bank transfer to the following accounts: WIB USD 324800-05 / XCG 324800-03; RBC USD 8200000403930461 / XCG 8200000005425048.

Motorists using bank transfer should ensure they include their name and vehicle plate number in the description. Receipts and stickers can be collected at the Receivers Office within three to five working days, provided all required documents are presented.

The Tax Administration urges all motorists who have not yet paid or collected their 2026 Motor Vehicle Sticker to do so before the deadline of Friday, February 27.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Science Fair Foundation is pleased to announce the winner of its 2026 Poster Competition, held under the theme “Innovate for Wellbeing.” The poster competition forms part of Science Week 2026, which will take place from March 9 to March 13, 2026, and will conclude with an award ceremony on March 21, 2026.

This year’s competition invited students to explore how science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) can be leveraged to enhance physical, mental, social, and environmental well-being in their communities.

The winning poster was created by Fang Yu Cai, a grade 8 student from Learning Unlimited. The poster was recognized for its excellent concept, strong symbolism, and its strong alignment with the competition theme.

The design features an infinity symbol encircling the Earth, representing continuous innovation and the belief that improvement is always possible. DNA strands woven into the symbol, along with robotic and mechanical elements, highlight the role of science and technology in human progress. Silhouettes of people joined above the globe emphasize collaboration and community engagement, underscoring that well-being extends beyond physical health to include mental wellness, while promoting growth and transformation for St. Maarten.

Fang Yu, also known as Yuyu, said about her winning artwork: “As part of our Digital Art class assignment, we were given the opportunity to take part, and I decided to participate in creating a design. While working on it, I started thinking about innovation and well-being, and I connected those ideas to the brain and the world. I used my imagination to show how our thoughts and creativity can make a difference. When I found out I won, I was really surprised. It made me proud, but it also made me feel like I can push myself to do even better next time.”

The submissions were evaluated by a panel of judges consisting of Kadyjah Lake of Artisticfolio, Loic Bryan of Artistic Drive, and Fiel Efenio of Driven Media, who assessed the posters based on creativity, relevance to the theme, and overall impact.

Science Week 2026

The Poster Competition is one of several activities planned for Science Week 2026, which aims to inspire curiosity, innovation, and critical thinking among students and the wider community. Planned activities include:

• An Opening ceremony with a spotlight interview and panel discussion centered on the theme Innovate for Wellbeing
• Hands-on field trips to STEAM-related locations
• The annual Science Fair, showcasing student research projects and demonstrations from regional partners
• An award ceremony recognizing the achievements of participating students

The Sint Maarten Science Fair Foundation congratulates Fang Yu Cai, as well as all participating students, teachers, and schools, for their enthusiasm and commitment to science and innovation. The Foundation also extends its appreciation to its judges, partners, sponsors, and volunteers for their continued support.

The winning poster will be integrated as part of the official branding for 2026 Science Week.

PHILIPSBURG:--- “There’s something powerful about women shaping policy.” These were the words of Cassandra Richardson, Director of Victim Support Services (VSS), as her team welcomed members of the Women’s Caucus of Parliament to the VSS Headquarters for a private engagement focused on survivor protection, legislative reform, and strengthening national support systems.
Victim Support Services is a foundation funded mainly by the Ministry of Justice. The agency continues to play a critical role in advocacy, survivor care, and public awareness across Sint Maarten.
In attendance were Chairlady of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams, Members of Parliament Veronica Jansen-Webster, Sjamira Roseburg, and Ludmilla de Weever, who engaged directly with VSS leadership, staff, and invited clients to better understand the lived realities of survivors and the urgent need for policy advancement.
A highlight of the evening included a thought-provoking poetic presentation by Ramona Riley of Prominent Women, underscoring the importance of women legislators championing issues of abuse, inequality, and justice affecting all genders.
During the closed session, several VSS clients, described as “victors,” bravely shared personal testimonies involving workplace harassment, molestation of minors, and domestic violence. Particular concern was raised regarding situations in which immigration dependency is used as a tool of coercion, leaving victims fearful of reporting abuse due to threats of deportation or family separation.
Internal discussions cried out for the urgent need for:
•Stronger legislative protection for minors against sexual abuse and exploitation
•Safeguards for spouses facing control, and immigration-related threats of deportation, no alimony
•Workplace protections preventing continued harassment after formal complaints
•Better collaboration between law enforcement, court systems, SMMC, SZV, and Victim Support Services
• Added public awareness of survivor rights, financial restitution, and pathways to safety
Members of Parliament and the women’s caucus, MP Veronica Jansen-Webster and Sjamira Roseburg, graciously reflected on knowledge gained from recent regional parliamentary engagement in Trinidad and Tobago, where lawmakers exchanged strategies to combat technological abuse, support voiceless victims, and strengthen survivor-centered legislation.
Victim Support Services reaffirmed that healing begins when survivor stories are acknowledged as truthful and when our local systems respond with dignity, care, protection, and empowerment. The VSS called for continued legislative partnership to ensure that women, men, and children living in fear of partner abuse and control, and persons harassed in the work environment, are protected and supported through meaningful, enforceable policy. VSS encouraged the caucus of women to utilize the important information, knowledge, and skills that the agency, along with their survivor partners, can share in order to lend advice throughout the potential draft legislative framework process, given the loopholes that the survivors encounter when they should be simply focusing on receiving assistance in a caring manner.
The Women’s Caucus is committed to carefully reviewing the concerns presented and advancing legislative measures that restore safety, justice, and dignity for all survivors across Sint Maarten.
Victim Support Services is dedicated to providing confidential assistance, advocacy, and guidance to individuals affected by crime, abuse, major accidents and violence. Through counseling, referrals, and community engagement, VSS works to ensure survivors are protected, informed of their rights, and supported on their path to healing.