PHILIPSBURG:---  SZV Social & Health Insurances will officially launch ‘Senior Priority Hours’ on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, a new service designed to improve accessibility and client support for persons aged 60 and above.
Senior Priority Hours will allow seniors to visit SZV without an appointment on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. During these walk-in hours, seniors can receive personal assistance with their benefits, such as pensions, 62+ medical insurance, document submission, accessing SZV online services, and more.
The Senior Priority Hours will be coordinated by the Customer Care Department and will be available in the Client Service Area, on the 1st floor of building 3 in the SZV office, located in the Harbour View Building in Philipsburg.

“Although SZV was already providing in-person assistance to seniors, this new initiative goes beyond dedicated hours,” says Morenika Arrindell, Manager of Customer Care at SZV. “We are working to create a more comfortable and supportive experience for our clients when accessing SZV services.”
In the coming weeks, the pension department services will also permanently move to the Client Service Area located in building 3, floor 1; an important change to improve overall service delivery by having the majority of senior services available at one central location. SZV will also be upgrading the Client Service Area to improve seating arrangements, create dedicated spaces to assist clients with accessing SZV online services, introduce a new ticketing system to maintain short waiting times, and establish an overall refreshed and more welcoming atmosphere that supports a better service experience for all visiting clients.
The Deputy Director of SZV, Elton Felisie, emphasizes that this new service reflects the organization’s commitment to inclusive access. “While SZV continues to invest in digital solutions to improve efficiency, we recognize that not all clients will move at the same pace and being able to independently use our online services,” Felisie explains. “Senior Priority Hours not only ensures that our senior community receives better access to SZV services but also supports them in the switch to digital services for those who are curious and able.”

SZV encourages seniors to take advantage of this new service and looks forward to expanding digital and in-person client services and support for all.
For enquiries regarding SZV services and Senior Priority Hours, contact SZV by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at +1 (721) 546-6782. Phone lines are open Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., daily. General information is also available via www.szv.sx and SZV’s social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp Channel, and LinkedIn.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Patrice Gumbs of the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) has issued a statement that demolition has commenced and will continue on Soualiga Drive, Pond Island. Occupants of the land were informed in September that they needed to vacate by December. Though the original demolition timeline was slated for early December, the recent holiday period was considered, which resulted in the date being postponed to January 8th, then again postponed, and finally executed. Although notice of the demolition was given in September, construction was observed to continue in October, prompting stop/removal orders that were also ignored.
The demolition operations, which began last week, are the result of a court verdict upholding the validity of a long-term lease on the parcel. The government must deliver the parcel free of structures, residents, or blockages. The focus of this demolition is on removing unauthorized structures, including multiple shacks, containers, abandoned vehicles, fencing, and gates on the property. "This action follows months of advance notice to occupants and stakeholders," said Minister of VROMI, Patrice Gumbs. "We have been communicating since September that this demolition will take place. When the teams arrived on January 8th to execute, the decision was made to give additional time for the residents to remove their belongings. Upon return, the site was still occupied, signaling that the notices of demolition weren’t taken seriously, and that’s very unfortunate; but at that stage Government has to execute the order of the court."
Prior to beginning demolition work, comprehensive documentation was completed, including photographic records of all structures. Inspectors conducted site assessments, and all relevant stakeholders, including GEBE and KPSM, were present to ensure safe and coordinated execution of the work.
Minister Gumbs also clarified that the demolition area does not fall within the scope of the Emergency Debris Management Project (EDMP) and, therefore, there is no question of compensation. Furthermore, contrary to reports, all established Project Affected Persons (PAPs) have been appropriately compensated.
Going forward, addressing the ongoing unauthorized occupation of Government land on Pond Island will be a part of the Ministry’s larger enhanced spatial planning and enforcement efforts. “While I recognize the right of everyone to decent housing, that right cannot be realized through squatting.”
“I want to thank the KPSM and all cooperating agencies whose presence and support enabled the safe execution of this operation.” Gumbs continued. He also thanked the departments within VROMI for their coordination.
Demolition activities will continue at the site this week.

SAINT MARTIN:--- On January 17th, at Beth’s Aida Conference Room in Simpson Bay, BPW Concordia Saint-Martin launched its first Members in Motion session of the year with an inspiring interview-style conversation titled “Start the Year Strong.” The session was hosted and moderated by Luciana Yamamoto, a member of BPW Concordia Saint-Martin, who led a thoughtful and engaging exchange designed to inspire reflection, intention, and purposeful leadership.
With a warm, intentional approach, Luciana created a welcoming space for open dialogue, setting the tone for a strong, mindful start to the year.
Structured as a conversational interview rather than a traditional keynote, the session encouraged authentic exchange between the moderator, the guest, and participating members. This format allowed for meaningful interaction and deeper reflection throughout the discussion.
The guest speaker, Valérie Damaseau, shared her personal and professional journey, offering candid insights into resilience, commitment, and staying grounded while navigating leadership responsibilities. Guided by Luciana’s questions, the conversation explored themes such as starting the year with intention, redefining priorities, managing personal energy, embracing change, and remaining aligned with one’s values in professional and civic life.

Members were actively invited to participate, ask questions, and share their own experiences, reinforcing the strength of collective intelligence and peer support within the BPW network. The session highlighted the power of dialogue as a tool for growth, encouragement, and empowerment, emphasizing that starting the year strong also means creating space for reflection, adjustment, and mutual support.

This Members in Motion initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) by promoting women’s leadership, amplifying women’s voices, and fostering inclusive spaces where women are supported in developing confidence, agency, and long-term impact within their communities.

Through sessions like this, BPW Concordia Saint-Martin continues to advance its mission to empower women, strengthen leadership pathways, and contribute to sustainable and equitable development at both local and global levels.

PHILIPSBURG: --- The Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor hereby informs the public that an Interim Inspector General has been appointed, effective February 2, 2026, for a period of two (2) years.

After several years during which the Inspectorate of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (IVSA) operated without a permanent Inspector General, this appointment represents a significant and long-awaited step toward restoring effective oversight and enforcement. Minister Brug expresses his satisfaction that this longstanding matter has now been resolved and that continuity and leadership have been secured within this critical supervisory institution.

The Minister wishes to expressly commend the staff of the Inspectorate of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor for their resilience and professionalism in holding down the fort throughout this prolonged period without an Inspector General. Despite limited leadership capacity, the Inspectorate continued to carry out its mandate to the best of its ability, demonstrating a strong sense of duty and commitment to the public interest.

Minister Brug also extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Daphne Illis, who served on a temporary basis as Acting Inspector General. In addition, special thanks are extended to Ms. Fenna Arnell and the entire Department of Public Health, whose dedication and perseverance were instrumental in ensuring that, despite numerous challenges, the Inspectorate is once again under formal leadership.

It is important to note that the prolonged vacancy was largely due to structural constraints embedded in outdated legislation. Under current law, the Inspector General must be a qualified medical doctor or pharmacist. When combined with the salary framework applicable to the position, this requirement significantly narrowed the pool of eligible candidates, as no locally practicing medical professional could relinquish their existing role to assume the role. These circumstances further underscore the need for legislative modernization, which remains a priority of this administration.

The appointed Interim Inspector General, Dr. Alcala, was born and raised in Curaçao and studied Medicine at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. He brings extensive professional experience within the Caribbean region and has previously served as Interim Inspector General, equipping him with the expertise and contextual understanding required to lead during a period of reform.

In his capacity as Interim Inspector General, Dr. Alcala will provide strategic leadership and independent oversight to IVSA. His appointment forms part of a broader reform agenda focused on strengthening governance, enhancing supervisory capacity, and ensuring that laws and standards protecting workers, patients, and vulnerable populations are consistently and effectively upheld.

Dr. Alcala will work in close collaboration with the project team that commenced its activities in November 2025 under the Temporary Work Organization–funded IVSA Reform Project. This project aims to assess and improve the organization, execution, and effectiveness of the Inspectorate’s statutory mandate, while laying the foundation for a modern, professional, and independent supervisory authority.

Minister Brug reaffirms his commitment to moving beyond temporary measures toward sustainable institutional strengthening. The appointment of an Interim Inspector General is a responsible and necessary step to ensure stability, continuity, and progress while reforms are being implemented.