PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Richinel Brug, extends his heartfelt congratulations to Secretary General (SG) Joy Arnell in recognition of her remarkable milestone of 40 years of dedicated service to Sint Maarten.
Over the course of four decades, SG Arnell has demonstrated unwavering commitment, professionalism, and leadership within the public service. Her institutional knowledge, dedication to good governance, and steadfast support for the Ministry have played an essential role in strengthening the health sector's operations and continuity.
“SG Arnell’s career is a testament to what true public service represents,” Minister Brug stated. “For forty years, she has served with integrity, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility toward the people of Sint Maarten. Her experience and leadership have helped guide the Ministry through many developments and challenges over the years.”
Minister Brug also highlighted SG Arnell’s leadership during two of the most critical periods in the country’s recent history. As Secretary General, she was at the helm of the Ministry during the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma in 2017—the strongest hurricane ever to strike Sint Maarten—as well as throughout the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During these difficult moments for our country, SG Arnell’s steady leadership, experience, and commitment to public service were invaluable,” Minister Brug added. “Her ability to help guide the Ministry through crises demonstrated both resilience and dedication to protecting the health and well-being of our people.”
The Minister further noted that what he appreciates most about SG Arnell is her approachable leadership style and willingness to support her team at every level.
“While the position of Secretary General carries great responsibility, SG Arnell has never allowed the title to distance her from the work or the people around her,” Minister Brug said. “She is always willing to come down to the floor level, assist where needed, and support her colleagues whenever help is required. That humility and commitment to teamwork are qualities that truly set her apart.”
Minister Brug emphasized the importance of recognizing individuals whose long-standing contributions help shape and support the institutions that serve the community.
On behalf of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Minister Brug expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude for SG Arnell’s many years of service and contributions.
“As we celebrate this significant milestone, we thank SG Arnell for her commitment and for the example she continues to set for current and future generations of public servants,” Minister Brug concluded.

PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten has been selected as a recipient of the Owen Arthur Scholarship, an initiative of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Foundation, marking the country’s first inclusion in the programme.

The award was accepted by the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, on behalf of the Government of St. Maarten.

The Owen Arthur Scholarship, established in 2024, supports educational institutions and non-profit organizations, with a focus on youth development, community advancement, and capacity building within Caribbean destinations. The programme is awarded on a rotational basis, with a different destination selected each year.

Minister Heyliger-Marten welcomed the recognition, noting that it reflects St. Maarten’s strong partnership with the cruise sector and its continued commitment to ensuring that tourism delivers tangible benefits to the community.

“This recognition speaks to the strength of our partnership with the cruise industry and to a shared understanding that tourism must deliver real value to the people of St. Maarten. Through this programme, we are able to invest in youth, education, and community development — areas that are critical to our long-term growth,” the Minister stated.

The Minister further underscored the significance of the award’s namesake, Owen Seymour Arthur, whose leadership contributed to strengthening cooperation between Caribbean destinations and the cruise industry.

“St. Maarten will approach this opportunity with intention, ensuring that the support received translates into tangible and lasting impact within our community,” the Minister added.

The FCCA Foundation launched the scholarship to honor Arthur’s legacy and to support initiatives that advance opportunities for young people across the Caribbean region.

Further details regarding the allocation of the scholarship funds in St. Maarten will be shared as the Ministry finalizes its implementation approach.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport recently hosted an intensive Train-the-Trainer course for Leeskracht! (The Power of Reading), held from April 7 to 9, 2026, at the Government Administration Building in Philipsburg.

The training was conducted by Bianca Versteeg of Taalkoffer, an experienced expert in language education, teacher training, and educational development across the Caribbean and Europe. The program was made possible through collaboration with Stichting Biblionef Nederland and with financial support from Stichting Lezen, the Taalunie, and NVT Carib.

A total of 32 participants from primary, secondary, and tertiary education took part in the program, including teachers, lecturers, reading consultants, language coordinators, and school leaders. Participants represented all school boards on Sint Maarten, united by a shared goal of strengthening reading promotion in a practical and sustainable way.

The Train-the-Trainer approach focused not only on what educators can do in their own classrooms, but also on how they can guide colleagues and contribute to a more cohesive, island-wide approach to reading education. In this way, the program supports the development of local expertise and fosters continuity, shared goals, and a stronger reading culture across the education system.

A key focus of the program was ensuring that every learner can experience success in reading. Through the use of inclusive and level-appropriate texts, engaging activities, and meaningful connections to students’ languages and lived experiences, educators can help build motivation, confidence, and a positive reading identity.

During the sessions, participants explored practical strategies for promoting reading in multilingual classrooms, making reading more interactive, and supporting their peers in implementing similar approaches. Each participant will receive a comprehensive toolkit to support implementation within their respective institutions. Follow-up sessions will also be organized to support ongoing application and knowledge sharing.

Evaluation results indicate that participants entered the training with a strong appreciation for the importance of reading, and that the program further strengthened their ability to make reading more active, meaningful, and effective in a multilingual context. Participants reported increased confidence in designing reading activities, facilitating reading discussions, selecting appropriate materials, and supporting colleagues. One participant noted that “small changes can make a big impact,” while another expressed enthusiasm about implementing the program within their school.

The  Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Melissa D. Gumbs, emphasized the importance of initiatives such as Leeskracht within the Ministry’s broader education agenda:
“Strengthening literacy is one of my key priorities, because it is the foundation for all learning. When our children learn to read with confidence and enjoyment, we set them up for success in school and in life.”

Through this initiative, the Ministry of ECYS and its partners are taking concrete steps to strengthen reading education on Sint Maarten. By investing in educators who will in turn train others, the program contributes to a sustainable, long-term approach in which reading is recognized as a foundation for learning, personal development, and opportunity.

PHILIPSBURG  (DCOMM):--- Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), is calling on the community to take a proactive approach to prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) as part of its annual health observances for the month of April.

In collaboration with the Sint Maarten AIDS Foundation and JCI SXM A.C.T.I.O.N., CPS is reinforcing safe health messages, particularly during the Carnival season.

CPS emphasizes that STIs are a real and present public health concern that can affect anyone. These infections do not discriminate, making it essential for individuals to stay informed and make responsible decisions regarding their sexual health. Education and awareness are key tools in preventing the spread of STIs within the community. Persons having multiple partners and not using condoms are putting themselves and their partners at risk.

Sexually Transmitted Infections are primarily spread through person-to-person sexual contact, especially during unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Individuals who may have been exposed to an STI, or who have engaged in unprotected sex with a partner whose status is unknown, are strongly encouraged to consult their general practitioner and get tested.

There are more than 30 different sexually transmitted bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Some of the most common infections include gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, genital warts, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis B. If left untreated, some STIs can lead to serious long-term health complications.

Practicing safer sex is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of infection. CPS advises the consistent and correct use of condoms—both male and female—as a key preventive measure. Making informed choices and taking responsibility for one’s health and that of one’s partner are essential steps in protecting against STIs.

CPS encourages residents to seek information, get tested, and know their status. For more information on STIs, individuals can contact their general practitioner or the Sint Maarten AIDS Foundation.

The message is clear: enjoy life, stay informed, and take control of your health.