PHILIPSBURG:--- NAGICO Insurances is excited to announce the official launch of our NAGICARE SME Smart Health Insurance, a comprehensive and affordable medical plan, tailored to provide coverage for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs who no longer have medical coverage under SZV following the recent changes.
According to Tamisha Wigley, NAGICO’s Operations Manager for St Maarten, Saba & Statia, “The NAGICARE SME Smart Health product was created specifically for this target group, which no longer qualifies for SZV,” she said. “This plan is a complete all-in-one coverage which will ensure that the insured has access to quality medical coverage at an affordable rate. So, whether it’s a simple routine checkup or for an emergency, NAGICARE Smart Health will ensure you are covered, not only here locally, but also when you travel abroad. Our goal is to make healthcare more accessible for everyone.”
Under the NAGICARE SME Smart Health, the insured will have coverage for: Vision Care, Dental Services, Annual Checkups, Lab Testing, Preventative Care, Emergency Overseas Treatment, and much more.

Heads up, residents and visitors of Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy. The Guadeloupe Meteorological Center has issued a Yellow Alert for heavy rains and thunderstorms. This bulletin is a call for increased awareness and caution as unstable weather conditions are expected to impact the region.

Overview of the Yellow Alert

Météo France has placed Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy under a Yellow Alert, which signifies a need to "Be Attentive." This is the first bulletin issued for this specific weather event, labeled as Episode n°17-IN.

The alert specifically warns of strong rains and thunderstorms. It was officially issued on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 11:35 AM local time. The weather event is expected to begin around 12:00 PM today and may last until Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 6:00 AM.

A Yellow Alert is a signal to be vigilant, especially if you are involved in outdoor activities that could be affected by the weather. It is not a call to halt all activity, but rather to be mindful of the developing situation and potential risks.

Current Weather Situation

The source of this instability is the tail end of Tropical Wave N°30. This system is generating an unstable southeasterly flow across the islands, bringing with it increased moisture and a higher potential for significant weather events. At the time the bulletin was issued, the primary conditions were set for the development of heavy showers and thunderstorms throughout the afternoon.

Forecast and Expected Impacts

The forecast points to a period of wet and unsettled weather. Here’s what you can expect:

Heavy Rainfall

The main concern is the potential for intense downpours. The meteorological center warns that rainfall accumulations could reach 30 to 50 mm (approximately 1.2 to 2 inches) in three hours or less. This rate of rainfall can quickly lead to localized flooding, particularly in low-lying or poorly drained areas.

Thunderstorms

Alongside the heavy rain, there is a risk of thunderstorms. These storms can bring not only downpours but also lightning and potentially gusty winds. The combination of these elements increases the danger associated with being outdoors.

Timeline of Events

• Tuesday Afternoon: The risk of moderate to strong, sometimes stormy, showers is highest.

• Tuesday Evening: A temporary improvement in conditions is expected.

• Tuesday Night: New showers are likely to develop overnight.

• Wednesday: The risk of showers will continue throughout the day.

The persistence of this weather pattern means that even during breaks in the rain, the ground will be saturated, increasing the risk of flash flooding if another heavy shower moves through.

Safety Recommendations from the Prefecture

When a Yellow Alert is in effect, it's vital to follow official safety advice. The prefecture has provided a list of recommended behaviors to minimize risk during this period of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

VIGILANCE JAUNE - FORTES PLUIES/ORAGES: SOYEZ ATTENTIFS! (Yellow Alert - Heavy Rains/Thunderstorms: Be Attentive!)

Here are the key precautions you should take:

• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest weather forecasts. Monitor information from Météo France and local authorities.

• Be Cautious with Outdoor Activities:

• • If you plan on practicing any high-risk outdoor sports, reconsider your plans.
  • Pay close attention if your outdoor activities are in an exposed area, whether on land or at sea.
• Avoid Flood-Prone Areas:
• • Be extremely careful if you need to travel through areas known to flood.
  • This includes crossing fords (gués), ravines, or low-lying passages at the bottom of hills (mornes). These areas can become impassable very quickly.

• Take Precautions During a Thunderstorm:

• Avoid using landline telephones and electrical appliances.

• Do not take shelter near pylons, posts, or under a solitary tree, as these can attract lightning.

Stay Safe and Informed

This Yellow Alert is a reminder that weather conditions can change rapidly. The primary message is one of heightened awareness. By staying informed through official channels and making sensible decisions, you can significantly reduce your risk of being affected by the heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Remember to check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those who may need assistance. Secure loose objects around your property that could be affected by wind or heavy rain. Most importantly, do not take unnecessary risks. A cautious approach is the best way to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you until this weather system passes.

The Bottom, Saba:---  Mr. Stuart Johnson has been confirmed as a member of the Supervisory Board of Directors of Saba Bank Resources N.V.. In this capacity, Mr. Johnson serves as the representative of Saba, a role that has been approved by the Executive Council of Saba, the Executive Council of St. Eustatius, and the Councils of Ministers of Sint Maarten and Curaçao.

Saba Bank Resources N.V., established in 1976, plays a vital role in the Dutch Caribbean’s energy and resource management landscape. Its Supervisory Board comprises representatives from Saba, St. Eustatius, Sint Maarten, Curaçao, and the Netherlands, working collaboratively to ensure the responsible stewardship of the
The region’s shared natural resources.

In reflecting on his appointment, Mr. Johnson expressed both gratitude and commitment, “It is an honor to serve as a member of the Supervisory Board of Directors of Saba Bank Resources N.V. and to represent Saba at this important time in our region’s development. This role provides an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among our islands and to ensure that our resources are managed with transparency, integrity, and sustainability.”

He continued, “As someone with close family ties and a deep personal connection to Saba, I am especially proud to represent the island. Saba holds a special place in my heart, and I see this appointment as a meaningful way to contribute to its continued growth and to the prosperity of the wider Dutch Caribbean.”

Johnson added, “Our region’s resources must be managed more wisely and transparently to ensure that they benefit the wider communities of Saba, Sint Maarten, St. Eustatius and the rest of the Dutch Caribbean.”

Mr. Johnson joins a distinguished group of professionals on the Supervisory Board dedicated to promoting sound governance, accountability, and sustainable development. The Board’s oversight ensures that Saba Bank Resources N.V. operates effectively, ethically, and in alignment with regional priorities and international best practices.

“This appointment is both a privilege and a responsibility,” Johnson added. “Together with my colleagues from Saba, St. Eustatius, Sint Maarten, Curaçao, and the Netherlands, I look forward to advancing sustainable growth, fostering regional unity, and protecting our shared resources for future generations.”

To foster dialogue on disinformation and restore trust in the press, Red Arubiano di Prensa Profesional (RAPP) organized its second seminar, ‘Rebuilding Trust in Caribbean Media’, focusing on public engagement, fact-checking, and mitigating digital threats.

The Caribbean Journalism Seminar, held on Thursday, September 26, at Impact Hub Aruba, reflected today’s Caribbean reality, where disinformation spreads rapidly and undermines public confidence in the news. Through presentations and open dialogue, RAPP called on journalists to collaborate in strengthening transparency, ethics, and community connection.

Speakers included international and local experts:

• Rosario Marina (Chequeado, Argentina): Demonstrated how fact-checking is a vital tool to combat disinformation in the region and how to integrate verification into newsroom workflows.
• Vincent Smit (1Almere, Netherlands): Shared editorial innovations and community journalism approaches that foster genuine interaction with local audiences and help rebuild trust.
• Paul Eelens (Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, Aruba): Explained the link between disinformation and cybersecurity, and how digital threats can erode confidence in the exchange of information.

Journalists and attendees actively participated with questions and discussion, underscoring the importance of addressing the twin issues of trust and disinformation.

Special thanks to the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) for making this seminar possible.

What’s next in 2025

• Public Series: ‘Information Under Pressure’ – a series of public dialogues giving the community a voice on disinformation, on October 16, 23, and 28 at the University of Aruba.
• Digital Bootcamp for Journalists – an intensive workshop on digital content creation and the use of AI, October 20–26, 2025, at the JFK Education Center.

An open invitation goes out to Aruba’s journalism community: if you are not yet on our contact list, please email us to receive more information about RAPP and how to become a member: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.