PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Fire Department is asking the community to be safe this Easter holiday weekend, which runs from Friday, April 18, until and including Monday, April 21.

Many people will be heading to the beach for various watersports activities and having a funday with family and friends. Safety should always be a concern.

Keep a watchful eye on young children who cannot swim; make sure that their flotation devices are in proper working condition. Tragic water events can happen quickly.

Pay attention to senior family members who are swimming. The beach can be fun and an enjoyable experience, so it’s up to you to stay safe.

Watch out for strong water currents. Stay in shallow water.

Exercise safe cooking practices in the kitchen to prevent kitchen fires and burn injuries. While at the beach barbecuing, pay keen attention that young children are not close by.

After a successful BBQ, don’t forget to clean up all utensils from your family/friend Easter holiday beach experience and properly dispose of them in a garbage bin. Once coals have been completely extinguished, remove them so the beach environment is returned to its original state.

Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children this Easter holiday weekend.

The Fire Department wishes all a safe and happy Easter holiday weekend.

The Fire Department falls under the Ministry of General Affairs.
In the event of a fire emergency, call 919.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, and the Department of Communication (DCOMM), are urging motorists not to “Drink and Drive, and Drive Sober” for the Easter holiday weekend and upcoming Carnival festivities.

There will be lots to eat and drink this Easter holiday weekend and for the upcoming Carnival festivities. When tipsy, let your designated driver take the wheel or call a taxi.

The emphasis is on keeping everyone driving on our roads safe this festive season.

CPS advises members of the community to check family and friends before they get behind the steering wheel of a car, especially after they have had a few drinks.

Every driver can reduce tragedy on the country’s roads.  Be responsible, select a designated driver if you plan to have a couple of drinks with family or friends.

During this Easter holiday extended weekend and upcoming Carnival festivities, drive sober! Don’t drink and drive, because drunk-driving can result in a serious injury or even worse, death.

Make sure everyone has a sober ride home if you’re hosting an Easter holiday gathering and attending Carnival events.  Don’t let someone get behind the wheel if that person has been drinking. Have a designated driver.

Don’t speed up this holiday weekend or during Carnival festivities!  Always wear your seat belt. It’s your best defense against impaired drivers. Be responsible, drive safely.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning, and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) would like to inform the general public that its operations at the landfills have been adjusted due to the upcoming Easter holiday weekend.
Good Friday
Please be aware of the change of hours for the Main/Irma Landfill on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Regular operational hours will return to normal on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Easter Sunday
Please be aware of the change of hours for the Main/Irma Landfill on Sunday, April 20, 2025, from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Easter Monday
Please be aware of the change of hours for the Main/Irma Landfill on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Regular operational hours will return to normal on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are the focus of the Collective Preventive Service’s (CPS) annual calendar of health observances for April. CPS reminds and encourages the community to take a proactive approach to preventing STIs.

Sexually Transmitted Infections are real and are present.  STIs do not discriminate. Individuals should also be well informed by educating themselves about STIs to make wise decisions.

STIs are infections that are spread primarily through person-to-person sexual contact.  STIs are infections that are likely to be transmitted while having unprotected sex.  

If you may have been exposed to an STI or if you have ever had unprotected (without a condom) sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) with someone whose status you don't know, consult your general practitioner, and get tested.

There are more than 30 different sexually transmissible bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

The most common conditions they cause are gonorrhea, chlamydial infection, syphilis, trichomoniasis, chancroid, genital herpes, genital warts, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, hepatitis B infection and cancer.

Practicing safer sex is important as it decreases the chances of transmitting sexual infections.  Safer sex means taking positive action to lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections. You can lower your risk of becoming infected with an STI by using a (male or female) condom the right way every time you have sex.

Unsafe sex results in unplanned consequences. Be responsible for your health and your partner’s by making an informed choice.

For STI information you can also contact your general practitioner and the Sint Maarten AIDS Foundation.  Enjoy life, be well informed, and get yourself tested and know your status!