PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Service (CPS), an executive agency of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), is joining the Non-Governmental Organization community in adding its voice to encouraging men to become informed about prostate cancer, understand their personal risk and speak with their doctor about whether screening is appropriate for them.

The prostate is a small gland that forms part of the male reproductive system. It sits below the bladder and produces some of the fluid in semen. Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate begin to grow abnormally.

Prostate cancer is a significant men’s health concern. Although many prostate cancers grow slowly, some can be aggressive and may spread to other parts of the body. Detecting clinically significant cancer before it spreads can provide more treatment options and improve health outcomes.

Early-stage prostate cancer often causes no noticeable symptoms. This is why men should not wait until they feel unwell before discussing their prostate health with a medical professional.

When symptoms occur, they may include: Difficulty beginning urination; A weak or interrupted urine flow; Frequent urination, particularly at night; Difficulty emptying the bladder completely;

Pain or burning during urination; Blood in the urine or semen;

Persistent pain in the back, hips or pelvis; or Painful ejaculation.

These symptoms do not necessarily mean that a person has prostate cancer. An enlarged prostate, infection and other non-cancerous conditions can produce similar symptoms. Anyone experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms should consult a doctor for a proper medical assessment.

The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age. Men of African or Caribbean ancestry, men with a father or brother who has had prostate cancer, and those with certain inherited genetic changes may face a higher risk. A family history involving several relatives or a relative diagnosed at a younger age may also be significant.

Screening can help identify certain cancers early, but it may also detect slow-growing cancers that would never have caused serious health problems.

CPS particularly encourages men at increased risk—including older men, men of African or Caribbean ancestry and those with a family history of prostate cancer—to initiate a conversation with their house doctor about prostate health and the most appropriate time to consider screening.

Men can also support their general health by remaining physically active, maintaining a healthy body weight, eating a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption. These measures support overall health but do not replace medical consultation or recommended screening.

Fear, embarrassment and uncertainty sometimes prevent men from discussing changes in their health. CPS reminds the community that seeking medical advice is a responsible and potentially life-saving step.

Partners, relatives and friends can also help by encouraging the men in their lives to attend routine medical check-ups, learn about their family medical history and speak openly with their healthcare provider.

CPS urges men not to ignore persistent urinary symptoms, blood in the urine or semen, or unexplained pain in the back, hips or pelvis. Consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and guidance.

Persons seeking additional information should contact their family physician or CPS at telephone numbers: 542-1570 or 542-1222.

PHILIPSBURG  (DCOMM):---  Caribbean Wellness Day (CWD) will be observed across the region on Saturday, September 12, reminding Caribbean communities to take action and maintain healthy lifestyles under the theme “Our Mind. Our Body. Our Wellness. Empowering Caribbean Youth.”

CWD 2026 focus is on young people, their physical and mental well-being, and creating environments that allow Caribbean youth to make healthier choices.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) 2026 message emphasizes that the future health of the Caribbean is strongly influenced by the choices, opportunities and environments being created for young people today.

The agency is therefore calling on Member States to put youth wellness at the centre of efforts to create healthier individuals, communities and societies.

CWD is also about promoting collectively good health and well-being of the whole of society, the Collective Prevention Service (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA) said.
The burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the Caribbean has reached epidemic proportions, representing one of the most significant public health and economic challenges facing the region.
With NCDs like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes accounting for over 75% of all deaths, the region has one of the highest rates of premature mortality from these conditions in the world.
This crisis is fueled by a number of behavioral risk factors, including unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Sint Maarten parents and guardians need to look at issues such as healthy eating, physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, mental health and stress, adequate sleep, reducing excessive screen and sedentary time, avoiding tobacco/vaping and harmful alcohol use, developing positive relationships, and encouraging young people to obtain appropriate preventive healthcare.
NCDs are prevalent in Sint Maarten, and CPS uses its annual Health Observance Calendar (HOC) which highlights Caribbean Wellness Day, as well as raising awareness about NCDs that impacts the community such as hypertension, diabetes, prostate and breast cancer.
This CWD youth approach is particularly relevant because many NCD risk factors develop during childhood and adolescence and can continue into adulthood. Caribbean Wellness Day therefore provides an opportunity to move the conversation from treating chronic illness later in life toward establishing healthy behaviors earlier in life.
CPS for CWD 2026 is calling on young people, parents, schools, sports organizations, youth organizations and the wider community to collectively promote healthier lifestyles.
It would also fit well with the start of the 2026–2027 school year, where a healthier lifestyle allows for wellness with school performance, healthy meals, physical activity, emotional well-being and healthy decision-making.
CPS encourages members of the community to consult with their family physician or other health related organizations to learn more about healthy lifestyles and take action to improve their overall wellness.
CPS also encourages residents to participate and get involved in promoting health and wellness in their neighborhoods. Influencing positive lifestyle changes is by working together to better community and individual health.
The CARICOM Heads of Summit on Chronic Diseases in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, September 2007, established Caribbean Wellness Day.
Caribbean Wellness Day is observed every year on the second Saturday of September.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Department of Youth, within the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, continues to advance the development and implementation of the Early Childhood Development Curriculum Guide for Sint Maarten.

The ECD consultants were on the island conducting classroom observations at nine ECD centers. These observations are intended to provide further insight into current teaching practices, the learning environments available within the centers, and the support required to successfully implement the Curriculum Guide.

The visits also gave consultants an opportunity to engage directly with ECD center management and practitioners and better understand the sector’s day-to-day realities. In addition to the online sensitization sessions held earlier in the year, the team organized a separate in-person meeting with ECD practitioners to gather further feedback and discuss their experiences and needs.

Curriculum Pilot

As part of the next phase, selected daycare centers will participate in a two-week in-class pilot of sample curriculum materials. Before the pilot begins, the consultants will meet virtually and in person with the selected centers to introduce the materials, explain the purpose of the pilot, and provide guidance on their use.

During the pilot period, practitioners will use the sample materials in their classrooms and participate in ongoing discussions with the consultants. Their feedback will help assess the curriculum's clarity, relevance, suitability, and practicality within the local ECD environment.

The pilot's success will be measured by how effectively practitioners use the materials, the level of engagement demonstrated by children, the suitability of the activities for different developmental stages, and the extent to which the materials respond to the needs of the local ECD sector.

The pilot findings will be used to refine the Curriculum Guide before the next phase of implementation.

Strengthening Professional Development Opportunities

The Department of Youth has also initiated outreach to local tertiary and vocational education institutions to explore opportunities to develop or adapt professional training programs specifically geared towards Early Childhood Development.

The Department looks forward to continued dialogue with relevant educational institutions on developing accessible, recognized, and sector-responsive training opportunities for ECD practitioners.

During consultations, practitioners emphasized the need to ensure future professional development opportunities reflect the needs and realities of the ECD sector and provide the practical knowledge and skills required to support young children’s learning and development.

“The classroom observations and direct discussions with practitioners are essential to ensuring that the Curriculum Guide is not only developmentally sound, but also practical and responsive to the local context,” the Department of Youth stated. “The success of this initiative will depend on continued collaboration among government, daycare centers, practitioners, educational institutions, parents, and other stakeholders.”

Developing the ECD Curriculum Guide is part of the Government of Sint Maarten’s broader commitment to strengthening the quality of early childhood services and ensuring that young children have access to stimulating, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environments.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) is advising the public to take necessary precautions following the Air Quality Advisory issued by the Meteorological Department St. Maarten, which indicates that deteriorating air quality conditions are expected from 12:00 p.m. today, Thursday 10 September 2026, until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, 12 September 2026.
According to the advisory, air quality levels are forecast to reach the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category due to elevated concentrations of fine airborne particles. Individuals who are particularly vulnerable, including persons with asthma, chronic respiratory illnesses, heart conditions, allergies, older adults, pregnant women, and young children, may experience adverse health effects.
The Ministry notes that exposure to airborne particulate matter may result in coughing, throat and eye irritation, shortness of breath, wheezing, headaches, and aggravation of existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
Recommended Preventive Measures
The Ministry encourages residents to take the following precautions:
• Limit outdoor activities, particularly prolonged or strenuous exercise.
• Remain indoors as much as possible, especially during periods of visible haze or poor air quality.
• Keep doors and windows closed when practical to reduce the entry of dust and airborne particles.
• Use air conditioning on recirculation mode or air filtration systems where possible or available.
• Persons who must be outdoors for extended periods should consider wearing a properly fitted KN95 or N95 mask.
• Individuals with asthma, allergies, chronic lung disease, or heart conditions should carry and use prescribed medications as directed.
• Drink adequate amounts of water and avoid exposure to cigarette smoke and other indoor pollutants.
• Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing significant breathing difficulties, chest pain, severe coughing, or worsening of existing medical conditions.
Guidance for Employers of Outdoor Workers
Employers of workers whose duties require outdoor presence, including but not limited to construction, landscaping, waste collection, delivery, and outdoor security, are reminded of their obligation under the Safety Ordinance to protect workers from harmful airborne substances, including the provision of appropriate respiratory protection at no cost to the worker where outdoor work cannot reasonably be postponed or relocated.

The Ministry of VSA advises employers to assess whether outdoor work scheduled during this advisory period can be rescheduled, shortened, or supplemented with increased rest and hydration breaks, and to give particular attention to employees with known respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

The Ministry of VSA will continue to monitor the situation in collaboration with the Meteorological Department St. Maarten and other relevant authorities. Residents are encouraged to follow official government channels and meteorological updates for the latest information.
Protecting your health during periods of reduced air quality is a shared responsibility. By taking simple preventive actions, residents can significantly reduce the risk of adverse health effects associated with airborne particles and haze.

Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA)
Government of Sint Maarten