PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  Effective immediately, the Government of Sint Maarten hereby informs the general public of precautionary measures being implemented in response to ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)-related health concerns affecting parts of Africa.

While the risk of importation remains low, the Government of Sint Maarten emphasizes that these measures are preventive and are being implemented out of an abundance of caution.

There are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola in Sint Maarten.
Residents are strongly advised to avoid non-essential travel to the affected countries at this time.

These measures are being taken to safeguard public health and to prevent the potential importation of the Ebola virus into Sint Maarten.

Effective immediately, all passengers, regardless of nationality, are not permitted to enter or transit through Sint Maarten if, within the 21 days prior to travel, they have been present in or have transited through any of the following countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and or South Sudan.

Additionally, passengers traveling via Sint Maarten to an onward destination must not be accepted for travel to Sint Maarten unless their admissibility to the onward destination has been verified in advance by the carrier.

This applies in particular to passengers who have been present in, or transited through, a country subject to restrictions applied by the onward destination.

In addition to the countries listed in the Sint Maarten public-health measure, this currently includes Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Burundi, and Nigeria for onward travel to St. Kitts and Nevis or Antigua. Travelers whose final destination is Anguilla or St. Barths and who have traveled through countries listed in Sint Maarten's public health measures will need to travel via another airport.

The following categories of travelers are exempt from the above restrictions, subject to strict public health monitoring protocols:
Residents of Sint Maarten and Saint Martin (French side); Residents from Saba and St. Eustatius, provided they are in same-day transit only.

The following health monitoring measures have also been implemented as a precaution, in accordance with international standards and procedures. All exempt individuals may be subject to Enhanced health screening upon arrival and possible monitoring for up to 21 days, in accordance with established public health guidelines.

Ebola, formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a severe and often fatal illness in humans. The virus is transmitted to humans from wild animals and spreads within the human population through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials.

Transmission requires close physical contact with symptomatic persons.

Individuals who choose to travel to these areas should be aware that they may be subject to enhanced health screening and possible isolation upon return.

Travelers are further advised to carry all relevant documentation, including proof of residency, when traveling.

The public is encouraged to remain informed through official Government communication channels and to adhere strictly to all public health guidance.

For updates and additional guidance, the public is advised to monitor official announcements from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA).

Ministry VSA will continue to monitor the evolving situation in Africa and will keep the community informed as things progress.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Court of First Instance has convicted police officer R.M.M. for threatening his former partner with a firearm and imposed an unconditional prison sentence of six months.

In its (verbal) verdict rendered on June 4, 2026, the Court found that the defendant's conduct in the context of a domestic dispute constituted a criminal threat.

In determining the sentence, the Court considered that threatening with a firearm is a serious criminal offense and that the defendant is a police officer. His actions, behavior, and his failure to take ownership of what happened – denying any wrongdoing, despite evidence to the contrary – could be disruptive for public confidence in the police as a whole.

The incident occurred on March 24, 2025, and was investigated by the National Detectives (Landsrecherche) under the direction of the Prosecutor’s Office (OM SXM).

OM SXM emphasizes that threats involving firearms are treated as serious criminal offenses. Such conduct can have a profound impact on victims and undermine the sense of safety within the community.

OM SXM remains committed to the careful investigation and prosecution of offenses involving threats, violence, and the misuse of firearms, regardless of the position or profession of the persons involved.

AMSTERDAM/PHILIPSBURG:--- For many people, a career in medicine begins with a desire to help others. For Tishelle Daniel of St. Maarten, that desire was shaped by personal experience. As a child living with asthma and facing several hospital admissions, she witnessed firsthand the impact that compassionate healthcare professionals can have on a patient's life. Those experiences inspired her dream of becoming a doctor.

Daniel pursued her medical studies at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam through a special scholarship opportunity. The transition from St. Maarten to the Netherlands was not always easy. Having been among the top students in her classes at home, she suddenly found herself surrounded by hundreds of equally talented students. Adapting to a new country, language, and culture while maintaining academic excellence required resilience and determination.

During her medical training, Daniel completed clinical internships, including placements at the hospital in St. Maarten. While she initially considered becoming a pediatrician or pulmonologist, her interests evolved as she progressed through her studies. She discovered a passion for ophthalmology, a specialty that combines advanced medical technology, surgical precision, and the opportunity to make a profound difference in people's lives.

After earning her qualification as a junior doctor, Daniel began gaining experience in both ophthalmology and elderly care. Her goal was clear: to specialize in eye care and eventually help address the shortage of ophthalmologists in St. Maarten and the wider Caribbean region.

One of Daniel's defining characteristics is her commitment to self-improvement. She openly acknowledges being highly critical of herself and views challenges as opportunities for growth. This mindset helped her overcome moments of doubt and adjust to the demanding environment of medical education abroad.

Her dedication to her homeland was especially evident following Hurricane Irma. While studying in the Netherlands, Daniel joined efforts to collect, organize, and ship relief supplies to St. Maarten. The experience reinforced her strong connection to her island and her desire to contribute to its recovery and future development.

Tishelle Daniel's journey reflects perseverance, adaptability, and a deep sense of service. Her story demonstrates how determination and a commitment to helping others can transform childhood aspirations into a meaningful medical career. As she continues her path in ophthalmology, she serves as an inspiration to young Caribbean students who dream of making a difference in healthcare and beyond.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Honorable Prime Minister, Dr. Luc Mercelina, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Tishelle Daniel on the remarkable achievement of completing her medical training and becoming what is believed to be Sint Maarten’s very first ophthalmologist.
After an extraordinary journey spanning 16 years of medical school, residency, and specialized training, Dr. Daniel has successfully completed her studies in ophthalmology, the branch of medicine dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical care of eye diseases and vision disorders.
Prime Minister Mercelina praised Dr. Daniel’s perseverance, dedication, and commitment to excellence, describing her achievement as a source of immense pride for the people of Sint Maarten.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Sint Maarten, I extend my sincerest congratulations to Dr. Tishelle Daniel on this historic accomplishment. Completing sixteen years of rigorous medical education and specialized training is no small feat. Her success is a testament to what can be achieved through determination, sacrifice, faith, and an unwavering commitment to serving others,” said Prime Minister Mercelina.
The Prime Minister noted that Dr. Daniel’s accomplishment goes beyond personal success and serves as an inspiration to future generations of Sint Maarteners.
“Dr. Daniel has not only achieved a personal milestone; she has broken new ground for our country. As what is believed to be Sint Maarten’s first ophthalmologist, she has become a role model for countless young people who dare to dream beyond the limits of circumstance. Her journey reminds us that excellence is possible when talent is combined with hard work and perseverance.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted Dr. Daniel’s touching recognition of two influential women who helped shape her path.
“It is especially moving that Dr. Daniel dedicated this achievement in part to the memory of her late cousin, Melinda Hoeve, whose example inspired her to pursue higher education and believe in her own potential. Equally touching is her tribute to her late grandmother, Geraldine Hughes, whose prayers and unwavering faith accompanied her throughout this journey. Their legacies live on through her accomplishment.”
Prime Minister Mercelina emphasized the importance of celebrating local success stories and investing in the development of Sint Maarten’s human capital.
“Our nation is strengthened when our people excel. Dr. Daniel’s achievement demonstrates the incredible potential that exists within our community. We celebrate her success not only because of what she has accomplished, but because of what her journey represents for the future of Sint Maarten. We wish her every success as she embarks on this new chapter and look forward to the positive impact she will have on the lives of many through her expertise and service.”
The Government of Sint Maarten joins the family, friends, colleagues, and the wider community in congratulating Dr. Tishelle Daniel on this historic and inspiring achievement.