THE VALLEY ANGUILLA:---  Health authorities have announced the island’s first locally acquired case of West Nile virus after a 25-year-old resident fell ill earlier this month.
The Ministry of Health reported that the individual began showing symptoms on March 7, including fever, headache, vomiting, and right-sided abdominal pain. Laboratory tests conducted on March 10 confirmed the diagnosis via PCR. Officials noted that the patient had no recent travel history, suggesting the patient contracted the virus locally.
The patient is currently hospitalized, receiving supportive care, and is in stable condition.
West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne illness, is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly those of the Culex species. The virus typically circulates between mosquitoes and birds, which act as its primary hosts. Humans can become infected through mosquito bites, but the virus is not spread from person to person, nor can humans transmit it back to mosquitoes.
While this marks Anguilla’s first confirmed human case, the virus has been detected in birds, horses, and mosquitoes across the Caribbean since the early 2000s.
Most individuals infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms or only mild illness. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Nausea or vomiting
In rare instances, the virus can lead to severe neurological complications, such as brain or nervous system inflammation.
Health officials are urging residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience serious symptoms, including:
• High fever
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Tremors or seizures
• Muscle weakness
• Vision problems
• Numbness or loss of consciousness
To prevent further infections, authorities are reminding the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and take protective measures against mosquito bites.

PHILIPSBURG:--- “No matter how powerful the prison, every prison has a door.” Author, resilience expert, speaker, and entrepreneur Shaka Senghor, a formerly incarcerated man, has transformed his life and now inspires others through his latest book, “How to Be Free: A Proven Guide to Escaping Life’s Hidden Prisons”.
In this deeply personal work, Senghor reflects on his journey, dedicating the book not only to the family and supporters who stood by him but also to every version of himself, from the boy nicknamed “Pumpkin,” to the teenager “Jay,” to nineteen-year-old James White, who entered prison, to the man who emerged into the light as Shaka Senghor.
The book aligns with the Art Saves Lives Foundation’s mission by empowering youth and community members to confront challenges and overcome life’s hidden prisons.” The Sint Maarten Library has gratefully received 24 donated copies from Art Saves Lives Foundation, and we are proud to include them in our collection for the benefit of the entire community.
“This book brought me joy. It helped me confront and uproot my own hidden prisons,” Senghor shares. “I have earned this joy. I have earned the right to thrive.” His story underscores themes of survival, growth, and reclaiming one’s life from trauma and adversity, inspiring readers to honor their own journeys.
About Shaka Senghor
Shaka Senghor is a bestselling author, activist, and educator who transforms his experiences with incarceration and personal struggle into lessons on leadership, resilience, and redemption.
By joining this initiative, the Sint Maarten Library invests in the community’s potential enriching resources, fostering empathy, sparking dialogue, and promoting personal and educational growth.

Simpson Bay:---  Animal lovers are invited to come together for a meaningful cause during the annual World Stray Animal Sunset Sail, taking place on Saturday, April 4th, 2026, hosted by Aqua Mania Adventures. The special event raises awareness and vital funds for the organizations working tirelessly to improve the lives of stray and abandoned animals across St. Maarten.

On an island where stray animals remain a visible challenge, a network of dedicated volunteers and foundations works year-round to rescue, rehabilitate, and care for animals in need. Among them is the St. Maarten Animal Welfare Foundation, which for decades has been at the forefront of promoting humane treatment of animals. Through education, rescue efforts, and extensive sterilization campaigns, the foundation has helped sponsor more than 15,000 spay and neuter procedures, addressing the root cause of animal overpopulation.

Alongside them, SXM Paws continues to make a difference through its rescue and adoption programs, providing medical care, foster homes, and ultimately loving families for animals that once lived on the streets. With its Adoption Center and network of volunteers, the organization has helped countless animals find a second chance at life.

More recently, the Island Cat Rescue Foundation, established in 2024, has taken on the growing challenge of the island’s stray and feral cat population. Through its Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) program, the organization works to humanely reduce cat populations while rescuing young kittens who can be socialized and placed into foster care until they find permanent homes.

Completing the group of organizations supported by this year’s sail is Animal Defenders, a volunteer-powered network known for responding to animals in distress across the island. From providing emergency care and shelter to ensuring animals receive proper nutrition and veterinary treatment, the group plays an essential role in addressing urgent welfare cases within the community.

The World Stray Animal Sunset Sail offers the public an opportunity to support these organizations while enjoying an unforgettable evening on the water. The event begins at 3:30 PM with a pre-sail gathering, where guests can meet the foundations, learn more about their work, and contribute through merchandise purchases, raffle tickets, and donations of pet food or supplies.

At 5:15 PM, guests will board Aqua Mania’s sailing catamaran for a 90-minute sunset cruise along St. Maarten’s coastline. The sail includes an open bar, snacks, and spectacular views, all while raising funds that will directly support the island’s ongoing animal rescue and sterilization efforts.

Tickets are $50 and include pre-mixer drinks, snacks, and open bar onboard during the sunset sail.  

Even those who cannot attend the sail can still make a difference. Community members and visitors can support local animal welfare organizations by donating supplies, volunteering time, fostering animals, sponsoring sterilization procedures, or helping escort adopted animals to their new homes when traveling off-island.

Aqua Mania Adventures is proud to host this event once again, bringing the community together to support the organizations working every day to create a safer and more compassionate future for St. Maarten’s animals.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on March 11, 2026.

The Public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 10.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT) will be in attendance.

The agenda points are:
1. The U.S.-China and related countries trade war and its broader economic implications
2. The role of large-scale events, such as Soul Beach Music Festival, in boosting tourism and business growth
3. The prolonged delay in the construction of the vendor marketplace, initially set to begin in August 2024, and its impact on small businesses (IS/ 768/2024-2025 dated March 26, 2025)
This meeting was requested by MP E.J. Doran, MP D.T.J. York, and MP A.M.R. Irion.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.
The House of Parliament is located across from the courthouse in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org; www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx