PHILIPSBURG:---  Member of Parliament (MP) Lacroes of the United People's Party (UPP) has submitted a series of questions to Prime Minister Mercelina seeking clarification on how foreign embassies are invited to St. Maarten.
MP Lacroes expressed in an invited comment concern about the citizens of several countries who live here and are faced with challenges in updating their legal documents due to civil unrest or other adverse conditions in their home countries. Many of these citizens residing on the island currently have no feasible means to access consular services or renew their documentation in their respective embassies.
MP Lacroes emphasized the importance of St. Maarten ensuring that citizens of foreign nations have access to essential services like document renewal, particularly when civil unrest in their home countries makes it difficult or impossible for them to travel to embassies abroad.
“Many of these citizens rely on the consular services of their embassies to update their personal documents to remain or become legal in our country, and the inability to do so creates significant challenges for them. I believe it is important to understand the process behind inviting embassies to conduct consular services in St. Maarten and how we can support these efforts,” MP Lacroes stated.
The Member of Parliament has received a request from more than one hundred and ten (110) persons who are faced with this challenge in St. Maarten.
The questions submitted by MP Lacrosse aim to understand the criteria, procedures, and any existing partnerships or arrangements that allow foreign embassies to operate in St. Maarten. The MP also seeks clarity on any support or considerations that can be extended to citizens who are unable to travel due to conditions beyond their control.
A response from Prime Minister Mercelina is expected in the coming weeks.
For more information, please contact Office of MP Lacroes
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Whatsapp: +1 (721) 526-6868

This year in Guadeloupe, the seasonal flu epidemic began at the end of December 2024. It is currently characterized by high-intensity circulation and marked severity. According to data from Santé publique France, the circulation of influenza viruses is still very active in metropolitan and overseas France,
All age groups are significantly affected.
At the same time, the COVID-19 virus continues to circulate, increasing the risk of coinfections and serious forms of the disease, particularly among the frail.
Health authorities reiterate the importance of collective action to curb the transmission of transmission of respiratory viruses and limit hospitalizations. The joint vaccination campaign against influenza and Covid-19 has been extended to February 28, 2025.
More people than ever have been urged to get vaccinated without delay.
Vaccination and the observance of barrier gestures remain fully effective in protecting against influenza and, in general, against the flu.
Against influenza and against winter viruses in general.

Vaccination: an essential DETERRENT

Vaccination offers a dual advantage, providing both individual and collective protection.
Collective protection: the more vaccinated, the less the virus circulates. What's more, influenza vaccination is an effective means of protecting against severe forms of the disease, particularly for people at risk. Vaccination is therefore particularly recommended for people aged 65 and over and their families.
Vaccination against seasonal flu is strongly recommended for :
- people aged 65 and over ;
- people under 65 suffering from certain chronic illnesses;
- pregnant women
- people suffering from obesity: body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40 ;
- people close to infants at risk of severe influenza, and immunocompromised people,
with the aim of protecting vulnerable members of their entourage;
- home helps employed by vulnerable individuals benefiting from tax exemptions;
- people staying in a follow-up care facility or in medical-social care facilities, whatever their age
- Professionals are exposed to avian and swine influenza viruses.

For these people, flu vaccination is covered at 100%. The vaccine can be administered by a pharmacist, nurse, doctor or midwife. In the event of loss or
forgotten, the healthcare professional can issue one on the spot; This guarantees easier access to vaccination.
In addition, flu vaccination is also recommended for the family and friends of these vulnerable people and professionals in the medical and social sectors.
available on ameli.fr.
The Covid-19 vaccine is supplied by the healthcare professional without the need to present to present a document. It is reimbursed at 100% for anyone from the age of 5.
The Ministry of Health and Access to Healthcare reminds us that vaccines are available in pharmacies throughout France.
Pharmacies throughout France. Additional doses are available from pharmacies that have expressed a need for additional supplies, thanks to the mobilization of the industry.
Barrier gestures: simple, adequate protection In addition to vaccination, the rigorous daily application of barrier gestures is an essential lever for curbing the circulation of viruses and preventing contamination. These gestures transmit, especially during periods of high respiratory virus circulation.

Circulation of respiratory viruses:
Wear a mask whenever you have symptoms (cough, fever, sore throat),
But also in public transport, other crowded places, and places of care if you are at risk of developing at risk of developing a severe form of the disease or in the presence of vulnerable people, whether or not
you have symptoms or not. It's a simple gesture that limits the transmission of viruses and respiratory infections.
Wash your hands regularly with soap or disinfect them with a hydroalcoholic solution, especially after contact with shared surfaces (public transport, door handles.
(public transport, door handles, payment terminals, etc.).
Ventilate enclosed spaces regularly, opening windows for at least 10 minutes several times a day several times a day, to renew the air and reduce the concentration of airborne viruses.
By adopting these reflexes daily, everyone can help limit the spread of viruses and reduce pressure on the healthcare system.
To prevent overcrowding of services, the regional health agency recalls the Ministry of Health's the Ministry of Health's information campaign, encouraging users to call the Samu (dial 15) before before going to the emergency room.
Hospital emergency services remain available for critical situations requiring immediate intervention. However, prior assessment by However, a prior assessment by SAMU professionals can often lead to faster, more appropriate care.

Here are some things you should do before
going to the emergency room:
- call your GP,
during the day;
- if he or she is unavailable, consult the map of care facilities on Santé.fr ;
- if there's nothing available,
 call 15 or 114 if I'm hard of hearing.
if I'm hard of hearing.
As a reminder, emergencies are reserved for the most serious cases.
I must not go to the emergency room
for :
- a sports medical certificate ;
- a prescription renewal ;
- vaccination ;
- extension of sick leave;
- X-rays without prescription;
- pregnancy tests without pathological symptoms...

ARS PRESS RELEASE.

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 Monday, January 27 and Tuesday, January 28.

The closure is related to a team training related to the Windward Islands Emergency Medical Services (WIEMS) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)/Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program.

CPS will resume regular office hour services on Wednesday, January 29.

• Bill Said to be appointed as MCB Group Head in addition to his current role of Managing Director
• Cris van Kempen will join as Managing Director & Chief Risk Officer
• Michael de Sola has decided to leave MCB after 15 years

Willemstad, Curaçao:---  Maduro & Curiel’s Bank (MCB) announces that Bill Said, a current member of the Management Board, will be appointed as MCB Group Head in addition to his current role of Managing Director effective May 1, 2025. In this role he will assume the business line responsibilities of Michael de Sola, who has decided to leave the bank after fifteen years on MCB’s Management Board. Michael remains available as needed through 2025 to ensure a smooth transition. In addition, Cris van Kempen, currently Chief Risk Officer for MCB for the past five years, will join the Management Board as of July 1, 2025.

Lionel (Chicu) Capriles II, President & CEO of MCB, fully respects Michael’s decision. “Michael has a long track record on our Management Board and his contributions have been exemplary. On behalf of all of us at MCB I would like to thank Michael enormously for his significant contributions and appreciate that he will continue to be available this year to ensure a seamless handover. Bill has been on our Management Board for over two years now and has helped the bank reach new heights. His strong focus on customer experience and exposure to international best practices will serve the bank and its customers well. I am also pleased that Cris will join the Management Board, ensuring risk expertise is well represented in our leadership team. Having both Bill and Cris on the Management Board with their familiarity with our bank and community ensures strong continuity.”

In an explanation of his decision, Michael says: “I have had a fantastic time at MCB, with wonderful colleagues and loyal customers. After fifteen years I now want to explore other challenges outside the bank. MCB is in a good position, so I can make this change later this year with peace of mind.”

Bill Said adds: “MCB is very active in the local economy and Chicu, Michael and I are fully aligned in understanding the importance of the bank to the community. It is an honor to serve the bank, its clients and other stakeholders, and I look forward to continuing and expanding our strong relationships in all the islands we serve.

Cris van Kempen comments: “It is a privilege to join the Management Board of a bank with such a strong legacy and important role in the community. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue building on our success and contributing to the bank’s stability and growth.”

Cris van Kempen’s appointment to the Management Board is subject to customary regulatory and shareholder approval.

The succession process for a new President & CEO is fully on schedule. In March 2024, Chicu announced that he will step down in 2025. The bank’s Supervisory Board immediately started a process for a successor, and it is well on track.

The Supervisory Board’s priority is to ensure continuity in the Management Board, maintaining the bank’s long tradition of stability, excellence and service.