PHILIPSBURG:---The Department of Social Development, Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, proudly invites our senior community, caregivers, family, friends, and the community at large to attend Senior Connect – Display of Services for Seniors, taking place on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Government Building Parking Lot from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Senior Connect is more than an event — it is a celebration of life, experience, wisdom, and community. It is a space created to remind seniors that they remain valued, vibrant, and essential members of society. The initiative is designed to inspire seniors to stay engaged, informed, active, and socially connected while discovering the many services and opportunities available to support their well-being.
The event will bring together a diverse range of service providers offering information on healthcare, social support, recreational activities, financial guidance, and community services. Seniors will have the opportunity to speak directly with organizations that are committed to supporting them in maintaining independence, dignity, and quality of life.
Beyond information and resources, Senior Connect embraces the importance of human connection. Seniors will have opportunities to reconnect with friends, meet new people, and build meaningful relationships within a warm and welcoming environment.
A special highlight of the event is the opportunity for seniors to explore volunteerism. Many seniors possess valuable life experience, talents, and wisdom that can positively impact the community. By signing up for volunteer opportunities, seniors can continue to share their gifts, rediscover purpose, and remain actively involved in shaping their community.
Senior Connect will also focus on the joy of movement, laughter, and play. The event will feature engaging games, light exercise, and uplifting music that encourage seniors to dance, relax, and enjoy themselves. These activities are carefully included to promote physical wellness, emotional well-being, and social interaction.
This initiative recognizes that healthy ageing is not only about access to services, but also about nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. It encourages seniors to connect with organizations that can support them, reconnect with themselves through wellness and recreation, and connect with peers through shared joy and experiences.
The Department of Social Development encourages seniors, caregivers, families, and the wider community to come out and celebrate the strength, resilience, and vibrancy of the senior population at this free and uplifting community event.
For additional information, persons may contact the Department of Social Development.

PHILPSBURG:--- On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in a short ceremony at the Government Administration Building, the Secretary-General of the Social Economic Council (SER), Mr. Gerard Richardson, expressed his appreciation to the outgoing Secretary-General of the Ministry of General Affairs, Mr. H. Plantijn, for his dedicated years of service to Country Sint Maarten.
Mr. Plantijn is scheduled to retire next month following many years of public service on Sint Maarten. In his former capacity as the Legal Policy Advisor to the former Prime Minister and current President of Parliament of Sint Maarten, the Honorable S. Wescot-Williams, SG Plantijn, together with the former SG of the Ministry of General Affairs, Mrs. Emilia Connor-Thomas, both played instrumental roles in the establishment of the SER dating back to May 2011.

Mr. Richardson conveyed his sincere thanks and appreciation to SG Plantijn for his longstanding contributions to the SER since its inception. While there were occasions when differing perspectives emerged regarding the SER and the Ministry of General Affairs, both officials recognized the importance of maintaining a professional and respectful working relationship and concluded their collaboration on a positive note.
On behalf of the Chairman of the SER, Mr. Harlec Doran, Mr. Richardson thanked his outgoing colleague for his valuable contributions to both the SER and Country Sint Maarten and wished him every success in his future endeavors.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Committee of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs of Parliament will meet on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
The Committee meeting is scheduled for 10.00 hrs. in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (ECYS) will be present.

The agenda points are:
1. Discussion on the frameworks regulating medical education on the island of Sint Maarten (IS/370/2025-2026 dated November 20, 2025)
2. Presentation on the results of the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) and Early Grade Mathematics Assessment (EGMA) (IS/598/2025-2026 dated January 26, 2026)
Agenda point 1 was requested by MP F.A. Lacroes, MP O.E.C. Ottley, and MP L.C.J. Lewis, agenda point 2 was requested by the Minister.

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 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 (DCOMM):---  The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an epidemiological update due to a sharp increase in cases of measles in the Americas Region during 2025 and early 2026. PAHO described this as a warning sign that requires immediate and coordinated action by Member States.

PAHO has called on Member States to prioritize strengthening routine surveillance and vaccination activities.
Measles is highly contagious. A single infected person can transmit it to up to 18 others. Vaccination remains the most effective means of protection.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, is calling on guardians and parents to check the vaccine status of their child (ren) to see that they are up to date.

CPS continues to closely monitoring the measles situation in the Region.

Measles can cause potentially serious illness. Symptoms of measles typically manifest between 10 and 12 days after exposure but occasionally can take up to 21 days.

Initially resembling cold-like symptoms, measles progress to include fever, respiratory symptoms, conjunctivitis, and a characteristic rash. This rash, starting on the face and behind the ears before spreading, may consist of raised, non-itchy spots that eventually evolve into blotchy patches.

Measles is contagious even before the rash appears, with a person able to spread the infection for up to four (4) days beforehand. Once the rash develops, they can still transmit the virus for another four (4) days. If a person is suspected of having measles and a healthcare professional confirms it, it's important to stay away from places like childcare, school, or work for at least four (4) days from when the rash first appears.

Resting and drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help alleviate symptoms and prevent dehydration.

The best way to prevent contracting measles is through vaccination. The majority of people who get measles are unvaccinated.

The two-dose MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent measles. The vaccine is available, free-of-charge, to children at CPS.

Every person regardless of their age and if they are not fully un or immunized, is therefore at risk of contracting the disease; this is especially true in those countries where persistently low immunization rates increase the risk of a large outbreak with possible tragic consequences.

Countries should achieve and/or sustain at least 95% coverage with two doses of measles-containing vaccine to prevent circulation in the event of an importation of measles.

Travelers who are not up to date with their vaccinations are at higher risk of contracting measles when in close contact with travelers from countries where the virus is still circulating.

If you have any questions about your child's vaccination status or wish to make an appointment for vaccination, please contact CPS Section Youth Healthcare at 914 or 520-4163 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If persons decide to travel, they should also check their vaccination status and to make use of every opportunity to get vaccinated according to Sint Maarten’s National Immunization Program. vaccination schedule. Consult your physician for additional information.