On April 19, 2025, Santé publique France (SPF) and Guadeloupe's regional health agency (ARS) confirmed a case of Chikungunya in the region. The patient, who had recently returned from a trip to the island of La Réunion, resides in Guadeloupe. This discovery comes as the island continues to battle an ongoing Dengue epidemic, which began in November 2024.

Health authorities acted swiftly to address the situation. An environmental investigation was launched around the patient’s home to evaluate the presence of mosquitoes, eliminate breeding sites, and remind residents of essential prevention measures. Given that infected mosquitoes transmit both Chikungunya and Dengue, this proactive approach is crucial to limiting the risk of secondary cases in the community.

A Double Threat: Dengue and Chikungunya

While the Chikungunya case in Guadeloupe is currently isolated, the ongoing Dengue epidemic remains a concern. Between April 7 and April 13, about 200 suspected cases of Dengue were reported during local medical consultations, indicating that transmission remains active.

These mosquito-borne diseases share many similarities, including their symptoms and primary vector, the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms can include fever, joint and muscle pain, rashes, and fatigue. Residents must remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures to curb the spread of both illnesses.

How You Can Help Prevent the Spread of Mosquito-Borne Diseases

The fight against Chikungunya and Dengue requires collective community action. ARS has reinforced the importance of prevention and protection to minimize mosquito populations and reduce the risks of infection. Here are the key measures everyone should follow:

1. Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites
   Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water, so removing any standing water around your home is essential. This includes:

• Checking and cleaning water tanks or cisterns.
• Disposing of items that can collect water, such as old tires, buckets, and other debris.
• Emptying or removing saucers under plant pots and containers.
• Regularly emptying vases, rainwater gutters, and anything else holding water.

2. Use Personal Protection
   Protect yourself and your family by taking these steps:

• Wear long, loose-fitting clothing, especially during the early morning and late afternoon when mosquitoes are most active.
• Apply insect repellents, ensuring guidelines are followed, particularly for children and pregnant women.
• Use mosquito nets at night—for sleeping adults, children, and over cradles for newborns.

3. Cover Water Supplies
   If you store water for household use, ensure these containers are tightly covered with a mosquito-proof net or lid.
4. Be Mindful of Symptoms
   If you or someone in your household has recently traveled, particularly to La Réunion, and starts experiencing fever, joint pain, rashes, or itching within three weeks of returning, consult a healthcare professional immediately. Early detection can prevent complications and help reduce community spread.

The Role of the Community

Tackling mosquito-borne diseases is a shared responsibility. By maintaining clean surroundings, protecting ourselves from bites, and staying informed, we can collectively reduce the risk of Chikungunya and Dengue in our communities.

Health authorities will continue their monitoring efforts and provide updates on any changes in the situation. However, the most significant impact comes from community efforts. Together, we can control mosquito populations and minimize the risks posed by these diseases.

Stay safe, take action, and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same. Prevention today can save lives tomorrow. Let's work together for a healthier Guadeloupe!

French Quarter;--- The Les Fruits de Mer association invites the public to the Endemic Animal Festival from 9am to noon this Saturday, April 26th at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House. The festival will feature a book launch and giveaway, a craft activity, and the chance to learn about the special animals that live only on our island or only in our region. The festival and all of the activities are free.

“Endemic animals and plants are the most unique part of local nature,” explained Les Fruits de Mer president Jenn Yerkes. “They are the species that live only on this island, or only on a few islands in our area. It’s amazing that there are plants and animals that can only be found here, and nowhere else in the world! They’re an incredible part of St. Martin’s natural heritage. Come out and celebrate them at this free, fun festival!”

St. Martin Unique Nature, a new bilingual coloring book and nature journal, will be launched at the festival. Attendees can take home a free copy. The book presents 40 plants and animals that are unique to St. Martin or our region. The last section of the book features word searches, mazes, storywriting, and other activities starring these special species.

“We are thrilled to launch this book,” said author Mark Yokoyama. “It’s a great way to learn about animals and plants that live only here, like the Bearded Anole and the St. Martin Milk Pea. These are some of our most precious treasures.”

The new book also includes a fun endemic species scavenger hunt. Festival attendees are invited to explore the Amuseum gardens and grounds to find the plants and animals in the hunt. Kids and adults will also enjoy the event’s craft station, where they can decorate canvas pouches with endemic animal designs to take home.

The festival will be from 9am to noon on Saturday, April 26th at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House on the hill above Coconut Grove in French Quarter. The free festival is sponsored by Delta Petroleum. Development and printing of St. Martin Unique Nature was supported by BirdsCaribbean, and the Collectivité de Saint-Martin.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is investigating the discovery of a decomposed body found earlier today in the Dutch Quarter district. Authorities received a call just after 11:00 AM reporting a strong odor emanating from a residence near the Garden of Eden, prompting a response from emergency services.

Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of a man believed to be in his early thirties. Preliminary assessments suggest the individual has been deceased for at least a week, based on the state of decomposition. At this time, the identity of the deceased has not been confirmed.

The body was transported by a local funeral home for further examination. Investigators are working to establish the cause of death and any potential leads regarding the individual's identity.

The KPSM urges anyone with information related to this case to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more details become available.

PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament and DP Leader, MP Sarah Wescot-Williams, addressed the recent disparaging and racially charged remarks made by Dutch Member of Parliament Thierry Baudet during a debate in the Second Chamber of the Netherlands.

The content of Mr. Baudet's statements is not only flagrantly offensive but also reflects a worrisome disregard for the autonomy and dignity of the countries in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.

As I consider the implications of these comments, I question the essence of Mr. Baudet’s minority platform: who does he truly represent, and what values does he convey?

In a debate focused on the economic development of the Dutch Caribbean—an issue of immediate significance to our nations—Mr. Baudet’s assertions evoke his longing for a bygone era of colonialism and an unacceptable and false sense of imperial entitlement.

Sint Maarten and the other island states in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom are autonomous and self-governing and must be afforded at least common constitutional courtesies and their citizens with respect. It is essential to recognize that whether we are referring to the BES or CAS entities, we represent vibrant living island states inhabited by our citizens, not pieces of territory.

The Second Chamber of the Netherlands does not represent the people of Sint Maarten. Yet, because Dutch funds are often implicated, they presume the right to act as if they do. If this relationship is to be reframed and strengthened as often claimed, it must be on a foundation of mutual respect.

Assessments or investments related to the Caribbean autonomous countries must originate from our own governments and parliaments, rather than being imposed unilaterally by the Dutch government. We must consistently assert our right to self-determination, development, and autonomy, particularly surrounding discussions of economic assistance.

While the SXM/NL country package may contain elements of potential benefit, it must be monitored and led by Sint Maarten, which is driven by our national priorities. We need to stop using this package as a delaying tactic against our crucial national priorities.

Moreover, I find the overall responses and those from State Secretary Szabó and Minister Beljaarts in particular to Mr. Baudet's remarks highly insufficient. I expect a far stronger defense of our island states, coupled with a categorical denunciation of Mr. Baudet’s unacceptable proposals, especially given the diversity in the Second Chamber.

It is acknowledged that we receive assistance from the Netherlands, but this should never overshadow our rightful autonomy. We cannot pussyfoot around this or relegate this to a local issue.

The absence of strong condemnation from representatives of the Dutch/Kingdom governments necessitates a decisive and firm response from our representative bodies on behalf of our people.

Sint Maarten unequivocally rejects any narratives that depict our islands and our people in a manner that is disrespectful and grossly misleading.

Therefore, it is vital that our government, through our Minister Plenipotentiary in the Kingdom Council of Ministers, publicly denounces Mr. Baudet's comments and asserts our position unequivocally to both the Dutch and Kingdom governments.

The same will come from the Parliament of St. Maarten to their Dutch counterparts in the States General (First and Second Chamber).

We must never allow ourselves to be relegated to the sidelines of discussions that directly impact our futures.