PHILIPSBURG  (DCOMM):--- Suicide is a major public health challenge, claiming the lives of more than 720,000 people every year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Wednesday, September 10, 2025, marks World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), the Collective Prevention Service (CPS), an executive agency of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry of VSA) said on Tuesday, adding that suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds at a global level.

The national theme for WSPD is, “Are You OK?” Providing information about WSPD is part of CPS annual calendar of health observances.

CPS says, according to the WHO, suicide does not just occur in high-income countries but is a global phenomenon in all regions of the world. In fact, close to three quarters (73%) of global suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries in 2021.

The reasons for suicide are multifaceted, influenced by social, cultural, biological, psychological, and environmental factors present across the life course.

For every suicide, there are many more people who attempt suicide. A prior suicide attempt is an important risk factor for suicide in the general population.

WSPD was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in partnership with the WHO.

Each year, on 10 September, WSPD focuses global attention on suicide prevention, uniting communities, organizations, and governments with the shared belief that suicides are preventable.

Each life lost has profound social, emotional, and economic consequences, deeply affecting families, friends, workplaces, and entire communities around the world.

“The link between suicide and mental disorders (in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders) and a previous suicide attempt is well established.

“However, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship disputes, or chronic pain and illness.

“In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour.

“Suicide rates are also high among vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants; indigenous peoples; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) persons; and prisoners,” WHO points out.

There are several measures that can be taken at population, community, and individual levels to prevent suicide and self-harm.

LIVE LIFE, WHO’s initiative for suicide prevention, recommends the following key effective evidence-based interventions: limit access to the means of suicide (e.g. pesticides, firearms, certain medications); interact with the media for responsible reporting of suicide; foster socio-emotional life skills in adolescents; and

early identify, assess, manage and follow up anyone who is affected by suicidal behaviours.

If you need to talk with someone or need help, contact the Sint Maarten Mental Health Foundation (MHF) crisis line 721 585-5556 which will be answered by a professional. All information will be kept confidential.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on September 10, 2025.  

The Central Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 10.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. Mr. Gregory Richardson will virtually be in attendance.

The agenda points are:

1. Discussion with External Expert on Building digital trust: exploring a national AI strategy and further development of an Open Parliament
2. Advice regarding the installation and composition of the Permanent and Ad hoc Committees of Parliament

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 Court House 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.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament 

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of VROMI (Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment & Infrastructure) informs the public that the current partial road closures on Cannegieter Street, from the intersection of Percy Labega Street to Manzanilla Steeg, will be extended to full nightly closures.

These closures are necessary to facilitate the application of asphalt on the affected sections. Works are scheduled to last for a maximum of three (3) nights, beginning Tuesday, September 9th, 2025, and ending Friday, September 12th, 2025. During this period, road closures will take place nightly from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Motorists traveling to Philipsburg are advised to use the alternative routes via Longwall Road and Walter A. Nisbeth Road. Vehicles exiting Cannegieter Street from the heart of Philipsburg must use Manzanilla Steeg onto Walter A. Nisbeth Road to ensure smooth and uninterrupted travel during the nightly closures.

The Ministry of VROMI thanks the public for their continued patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work diligently to improve the road infrastructure for all.

Key Information Recap

Dates: Tuesday, September 9 -Friday, September 12, 2025

Location: Cannegieter Street (Percy Labega Street -Manzanilla Steeg)

Times: 8:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.

Type: Nightly Partial Road Closures

Reason: Asphalt application works

Duration: Maximum 4 nights

Alternative Routes: Motorists traveling to Philipsburg are advised to use Longwall Road and Walter A. Nisbeth Road for smooth and uninterrupted travel.

Motorists exiting Cannegieter Street from the heart of Philipsburg must use Manzanilla Steeg onto Walter A. Nisbeth Road.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On September 6, the Sint Maarten Library buzzed with laughter, wonder, and excitement as Literacy Month kicked off with a special story time session. The celebrations will continue with Family Literacy Day on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Government Administrative Building – Soualiga Rooms 1 & 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Young readers and their families were treated to two heartwarming tales—Too Many Frogs by Sandy Asher and Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen—brought to life by Librarian M. Powell. The event went beyond storytelling: families became part of the experience, lending their voices and imaginations to the stories. The lively participation reflected the community’s strong commitment to nurturing a lifelong love of reading in its youngest members.

And this is just the beginning! Literacy Month celebrations will continue, building toward the highlight of the season: Family Literacy Day on Saturday, September 13. This family-centered festival promises fun, learning, and inspiration for all ages.

Highlights include: Parental Reading Workshop led by esteemed literacy advocate Patti Maier, sharing practical strategies for parents to engage children in reading; Enchanting Story Times designed to spark imagination; A Delightful Puppet Show, guaranteed to entertain young and old alike; Holistic Mindfulness Training led by medical students of the American University of the Caribbean (AUC); and Informational Booths offering resources and ideas for family learning.

Bring your family, create lasting memories, and discover the possibilities that reading opens for every child’s future.

Do not miss it—we cannot wait to see you there!