PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Mr. Richinel S.J. Brug, joins the global community in recognizing International Men’s Day 2025, underscoring the vital role men play in families, workplaces, and communities across Sint Maarten.
Minister Brug emphasized that this day is not only about appreciation but about acknowledging the unique pressures men face, particularly regarding mental health, emotional well-being, and societal expectations.
“Our men carry a tremendous amount on their shoulders. They are fathers, partners, leaders, protectors, providers, and community builders,” Minister Brug stated.
“Yet many of our men struggle in silence. Today, and every day, we must remind them that their mental health matters, their feelings matter, and seeking help is a sign of strength—not weakness.”
Throughout 2025, the Ministry of VSA has implemented programs and campaigns focused on supporting men’s health, such as:
• Expanding mental health awareness efforts targeted at men and boys
• Encouraging healthier lifestyles and preventive care
• Promoting responsible and engaged fatherhood
• Creating safer spaces for men to speak openly about stress, grief, and emotional challenges
• Strengthening community-based support networks for men and young fathers
These initiatives reflect the Ministry’s commitment to reducing stigma, improving access to support, and fostering a culture where men feel empowered to take care of their physical and emotional well-being.
Minister Brug also expressed deep appreciation for the men of Sint Maarten:
“To all the men in our communities: thank you. You are valued, you are appreciated, and you play an irreplaceable role in shaping a stronger, safer, and more compassionate Sint Maarten.”
The Ministry encourages the public to use International Men’s Day as an opportunity to check in on the men in their lives, celebrate their contributions, and continue building a society where every man feels supported and seen.

WILLEMSTAD:---  The Economic and Social Council (SER) of Curaçao today submitted its advisory opinion to Minister Charetti America-Francisca of Social Development, Labour and Welfare (SOAW) on the draft national decree, containing general measures, which formalizes a measure already implemented on August 1, 2023. The initiative strengthens the purchasing power of older people by raising the supplementary allowance for beneficiaries of the General Old-Age Insurance (AOV) and broadening the eligibility criteria.

As of 1 August 2023, the monthly supplementary allowance was raised from Cg 130 to Cg 169. Henceforth, all Curaçao-resident AOV-beneficiaries whose total income is equal to or less than the full-pension benchmark of Cg 862 per month (applicable to a fully built-up 50-year insurance record) qualify under the new scheme. The draft national decree, containing general measures, places this arrangement within Curaçao’s legislative framework, establishing a definitive legal basis.

The estimated additional annual financial burden is approximately Cg 6 million, to be covered from the existing SOAW budget line ‘Social Relief Benefit and Emergency Provisions’. While the measure offers immediate relief to thousands of older people who are reliant exclusively on AOV income, the SER underlines that this remains an interim step: automatic indexation of the AOV benefit, a transparent multi-year financing plan and recognition of the long-term pressures posed by demographic ageing and erosion of older citizen purchasing power are essential.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) is pleased to announce the completion of Sint Maarten’s first National PAHO/WHO STEPS Survey on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). The final report has now been officially submitted to the Minister of VSA.

Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Hon. Richinel S. J. Brug, expressed his appreciation for the timely submission of the report, noting that the STEPS results come at a pivotal moment.
“I am grateful to receive the full findings at this time,” Minister Brug stated. “The data and recommendations will be directly integrated into the Ministry’s Health in All Policies approach, which will be launched in the first quarter of 2026. This report strengthens our foundation for coordinated, evidence-based action across all sectors.”
Conducted between July 2023 and October 2024, the STEPS Survey represents Sint Maarten’s first nationally representative assessment of the behavioral and biological risk factors that contribute to chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, cancers, respiratory illnesses, and kidney disease. Using the internationally recognized WHO STEPS methodology, the survey included interviews, physical measurements, and blood testing among 2,042 adults aged 18–69 across every district in the country.

The successful implementation of this national survey was made possible through strong collaboration and support from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the Tijdelijke Werkorganisatie (TWO), dedicated field teams, VSA staff, community partners, and the many residents who generously participated. The Ministry extends its sincere gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to this important national milestone. The STEPS findings will play a central role in shaping future health policies, strengthening prevention programs, and guiding coordinated action across sectors.

As part of the next steps, the Ministry of VSA will host a stakeholder information session at the end of November, during which key partners from government, and within the community, will receive a detailed presentation on the results and recommendations included in the final report.

More information regarding the session will be shared in the coming days.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Antek IT Solutions proudly hosted a special anniversary event at Emilio’s Restaurant to celebrate a major milestone: 30 years of Payroll Pro HRM, the leading payroll application in St. Maarten and trusted across the Dutch Caribbean. The gathering brought together loyal clients, partners, and friends of the company for an
evening of reflection, appreciation, and celebration. Guests enjoyed light snacks, drinks, and music as they reconnected and commemorated Payroll Pro’s three decades of service to the region.
Donovan Smith, Director at Antek IT Solutions, opened the event by highlighting the enduring collaboration between Antek and Gamma IT Solutions, the creators of Payroll Pro HRM. “This milestone is more than a celebration of a product — it’s a celebration of partnership,” Smith said. “For 30 years, Antek and Gamma
have worked hand-in-hand to support organizations in St. Maarten. It’s a relationship built on trust, innovation, and the shared mission of helping businesses take care of their employees.”
Long-serving Antek team member Louis Bute and former director Klaas van Sloten were also invited to share their insights and memories, reflecting on the product’s early days and the continued commitment behind its success.
The celebration was further enriched by the presence of representatives from Gamma IT Solutions, including Managing Director Frank Baks, who joined Antek in commemorating the milestone and honoring the longstanding partnership between both companies.
Giovanni Wester of Gamma IT Solutions also delivered remarks on the future of Payroll Pro HRM. West spoke about the ongoing evolution of the software and offered an exciting teaser of what’s ahead - the upcoming integration of artificial intelligence to enhance payroll processing and user experience.
As Antek IT Solutions looks toward the future, the company remains dedicated to supporting Payroll Pro users with local expertise, training, and deep collaboration with its development partners.