PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday, April 11th, the Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labor (VSA), the Honorable Richinel Brug, outlined his 2025 signature projects with the ministry's management team.
This strategic session was the second held between the Minister, the Secretary General, and the management team. During this meeting, the management team presented the accomplishments of their respective departments and our executing agencies for the first three months of the year. The departments and executing agencies were also asked to outline their main projects for the second quarter of 2025.
During this strategic session, Minister Brug presented each member of the management team with the VSA governing program. After that, the Minister focused on his signature projects for the year that are directly derived from the 2024-2028 Governing Program.
“In recognizing the limitations due to understaffing, low morale among our civil servants, and the lack of (financial) resources, as Minister, it was important to outline focus areas for the ministry.”
“The Ministry of VSA consists of hardworking civil servants who understand their critical role in serving particularly vulnerable groups within our community. As such, staff continue to put the community's needs before their own. It is therefore important to pause, reflect on what we have accomplished, and refocus on the second term of the year.”
One of the main objectives is finalizing a Multi-annual Strategic Plan to provide the Ministry with a clear roadmap for the next few years. Additionally, stronger emphasis will be placed on bettering the lives of senior citizens and other vulnerable groups, who often face challenges in accessing the services they need. Moreover, addressing the needs of senior citizens and other vulnerable groups is a priority, as is the approval of a comprehensive healthcare reform system to ensure accessible and efficient health services for all. Furthermore, Minister Brug recognizes the need to update outdated laws and draft lower legislation that should have been in place since Sint Maarten became an autonomous country on October 10, 2010.
This strategic day was concluded with a mental health session provided to VSA management and staff of the Minister’s Cabinet and the Staffbureau. The session highlighted the importance of prioritizing self-care and recognizing and addressing burnout symptoms in VSA staff.
“I remain committed to the well-being of my dedicated staff, in understanding that we can only take care of others if we are in a balanced and healthy frame of mind.”
“In the coming months, I will roll out a number of projects in line with our Governance program, which is specifically geared towards our vulnerable groups within our community. We will also give increased attention to the well-being of our youth.
