PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Collective Prevention Service (CPS) says that while breast cancer cannot always be prevented, adopting healthy lifestyle practices can contribute to reducing the risk of breast cancer and several other noncommunicable diseases.

CPS encourages the community to maintain a healthy body weight, stay physically active, eat a balanced diet, avoid tobacco, and limit alcohol consumption.

These healthy lifestyle practices can also reduce the risk of other chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also a time to recognize women and families currently facing breast cancer, those undergoing treatment, survivors, caregivers, and families who have lost loved ones to the disease.

A breast cancer diagnosis can affect much more than a person's physical health. It can have emotional, psychological, social and financial consequences for patients and their families.

Family members, friends, colleagues, and the wider community can provide valuable support by listening, helping with practical needs, encouraging adherence to medical care, and respecting the individual choices and experiences of people undergoing treatment.

CPS encourages the community to avoid stigma, misinformation and assumptions about breast cancer. Each person's diagnosis and treatment experience is different.

The 2026 theme, “Every story is unique, every journey matters,” reminds the community that no person affected by breast cancer should have to face that journey alone.

Throughout October, CPS encourages women to use Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a reminder to prioritize their health, understand their individual risks, pay attention to changes in their breasts and seek professional medical advice when necessary.

CPS also encourages families to have conversations about family medical history where possible, as this information can assist healthcare providers in assessing individual breast cancer risk.

Breast cancer awareness should extend beyond the month of October. Knowing the warning signs, making healthy lifestyle choices, participating in appropriate screening and seeking timely medical attention should remain part of women's health throughout the year.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month forms part of the CPS annual calendar of health observances and provides an opportunity to increase public awareness about one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide.

PORT ST. MAARTEN:---  Port St. Maarten Group (PSG) announces that the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation (SLAC) is relocating its office and public-facing services to the Ferry Dock across from the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) parking lot as part of temporary arrangements associated with the ongoing refurbishment of the Simpson Bay dock. Immigration services are also located there.

However, current clearance services are being carried out at the Great Bay Clearance Office in Point Blanche. Once the SLAC offices are ready at the Ferry Dock across from the PJIA parking lot, we will make an announcement.

The current Clearance Office in Point Blanche standard operating hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (closed for lunch 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.), reopening at 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (customer-facing), until 5:00 p.m. (office closure). These same hours will apply to the temporary Ferry Dock facility as well.

The relocation follows the closure of the Simpson Bay dock on October 7, 2026, to facilitate extensive reconstruction and improvements to the existing maritime facilities.

The temporary arrangements are intended to ensure continuity of essential services for the maritime and yachting community while construction activities are underway.

Yacht owners, captains, vessel operators, yacht agents, marina representatives and other stakeholders who require assistance from SLAC are advised to take note of the relocation and make the necessary arrangements when accessing its services.

The Simpson Bay Lagoon is a key hub of Sint Maarten's yachting industry, accommodating recreational vessels, luxury yachts, and mega yachts while supporting marinas, marine service providers, and numerous businesses associated with the maritime tourism sector.

PSG recognizes the importance of maintaining accessible, efficient services for the maritime community, especially as Sint Maarten approaches the traditional peak of the Caribbean yachting season.

Port St. Maarten Group thanks the maritime community for its understanding and cooperation during the relocation period.

PHILIPSBURG: ---  An escrow arrangement intended to settle outstanding payments to 22 workers on the St. Maarten General Hospital project is being finalized, according to information Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Claret Connor provided to SMN News following its reporting on the unpaid wage claims.

The response states that FINSO and its former subcontractor, Technostyle, agreed at a recent court hearing to prioritize the workers’ outstanding payments before proceeding with their broader contractual dispute. However, the information provided does not confirm that the escrow account has been funded or that workers have been paid.

Connor explained that he sought information through SMMC’s project representative. The response expressly identifies the contractor as the source of the account, noting that SMMC has neither access to the documentation between FINSO and Technostyle nor Technostyle’s perspective.

That distinction matters: the response provides the contractor’s explanation of the dispute, not an independently established account from all parties.

According to Connor, the 22 individuals are foreign workers employed by Technostyle, a Panamanian subcontractor FINSO engaged to perform structural work on the hospital project from the fourth quarter of 2025 through 2027.

The response states that all workers obtained the required labor and residence permits in coordination with the ministries of VSA and Justice.

It further explains that FINSO engaged Sint Maarten-based Global Resourcing to ensure compliance with local tax and social insurance obligations, while Technostyle was responsible for paying the workers.

Competing Accounts of Employment Responsibility

The explanation raises a central issue already identified in SMN News’s October 12 report: the distinction between the companies’ commercial arrangements and the obligations contained in the workers’ employment agreements.

That report described a petition naming Global Resourcing as the employer and defendant. The worker’s representative maintained that Global Resourcing signed the employment agreement and undertook to pay the salary, rejecting an anticipated argument that payment responsibility rested with Technostyle. Those remain claims on the worker’s behalf, not findings established by a judgment.

Connor's response does not explain how the contractor’s description of Technostyle’s payment responsibility reconciles with the employment agreement identified in earlier reporting.

FINSO Attributes Breakdown to Disputed Contract Termination

According to the contractor’s account, FINSO identified quality issues with Technostyle’s work after several months and ultimately terminated the subcontract.

Technostyle disputed the termination. Both companies, represented by legal counsel, subsequently filed claims concerning lost profits, damages, breach of contract, and related matters, the response states.

FINSO alleges quality issues as part of its account of the contractual breakdown. The material supplied does not include Technostyle’s response or a court finding establishing those allegations.

The response says it appears Technostyle did not fully pay its workers after the contract ended. Workers also filed claims with Global Resourcing under their employment agreements but were referred to Technostyle or FINSO, according to the information supplied.

FINSO reportedly offered Technostyle a settlement several months ago covering work performed and related obligations through the termination date. The response states that Technostyle declined that offer, but does not provide the proposed amount, its detailed terms, or Technostyle’s reasons for rejecting it.

Judge Reportedly Recommended Jointly Funded Account

At a recent hearing in Sint Maarten, the parties reportedly agreed to follow the judge’s recommendation to address outstanding worker payments before continuing the wider termination dispute.

According to the response, the judge proposed an escrow account funded equally by FINSO and Technostyle, with the money used to pay the workers.

Connor was informed that the parties’ lawyers are finalizing the account’s terms and conditions.

No hearing record, written order, escrow agreement, total payment amount or firm disbursement date accompanied the response. It therefore remains unclear precisely which claims the proposed arrangement will cover and when workers will receive their money.

Contractor Says Working-Hours Issue is not disputed

The response also addresses the reported difference between a 40-hour employment agreement and a 55-hour project schedule.

According to the contractor’s account, the issue is not disputed: payments before the dispute were based on actual, approved hours, and outstanding payments will be calculated on the same basis.

However, payment for recorded hours and the calculation of contractual overtime are separate questions. The response does not specify the rates to be applied or explain whether the workers and their representatives accept the proposed calculation.

SMN News’s earlier report described an individual petition seeking regular wages, overtime, vacation pay, termination-related compensation and a statutory increase for delayed payment. The US$37,660.67 stated in that petition concerned one worker, rather than the combined claims of all 22.

The minister’s response does not establish whether the escrow arrangement will address all those categories or only outstanding payments for work performed.

Payment Expected, but Completion Unconfirmed

The response states that SMMC has no contractual relationship with Technostyle and characterizes the matter as a contractual dispute between FINSO and its subcontractor being litigated in court.

Connor concluded that he understood payments to Technostyle’s workers were expected to be resolved shortly.

For the 22 workers, the proposed escrow arrangement offers a possible route to payment. The outstanding question is whether that arrangement will now produce an agreed calculation, a funded account, and an actual payment date.

PHILIPSBURG: The Voice of the Youth St. Maarten Foundation is pleased to announce that it has received separate funding contributions from Het Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied, Madurodam Kinderfonds, and Kinderpostzegels (through Samenwerkende Fondsen Cariben) to support the development of the Sint Maarten Youth Brigade Drum Band and leadership training for its members.

These contributions represent a valuable investment in youth empowerment, cultural expression, and personal development, strengthening the Foundation's efforts to provide young people with meaningful opportunities to discover their talents, build confidence, and develop essential life skills.

As the Foundation's flagship program, the Sint Maarten Youth Brigade provides a structured environment where young people develop discipline, responsibility, teamwork, commitment, and leadership. Through the Drum Band, members can nurture their musical abilities, express themselves creatively, and participate in performances and community activities while fostering a sense of unity and belonging.

Funding for musical instruments will strengthen the Drum Band's activities and give members more opportunities to develop their musical skills. Leadership training will complement this development by strengthening young people's communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, preparing them to become responsible, confident contributors to their communities.

The Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to Het Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied, Madurodam Kinderfonds, and Kinderpostzegels, (through Samenwerkende Fondsen Cariben), for their respective contributions. Their support demonstrates the importance of investing in initiatives that promote youth development, creativity, cultural participation, and leadership.

“Investing in our youth is an investment in the future of Sint Maarten. Through music, mentorship, and leadership development, we can empower young people to recognize their potential, nurture their talents, and become confident, responsible contributors to our community. We are sincerely grateful to our funding partners for helping us create these meaningful opportunities.”

The Voice of the Youth St. Maarten Foundation remains committed to empowering young people through structured programs that encourage personal growth, discipline, creativity, and community involvement. The Foundation looks forward to building on this support and continuing to create opportunities that inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of Sint Maarten.