PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  Collective Prevention Services (CPS), is advising residents and visitors to take proactive measures to prevent dehydration and protect themselves from excessive sun exposure during Carnival 2026.

With many events taking place outdoors, including parades and shows, the public is encouraged to stay hydrated and practice sun safety throughout the celebrations.

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, disrupting the balance of essential minerals and affecting normal bodily functions. Warm weather, physical activity, and prolonged exposure to the sun increase the risk of dehydration.

CPS is urging the community to drink plenty of water before, during, and after attending Carnival activities, especially when spending long hours outdoors.

Water plays a vital role in maintaining overall health, making up more than two-thirds of the human body. It supports digestion, regulates body temperature, flushes out toxins, and keeps the body functioning efficiently.

Early signs of dehydration include thirst, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, dark-colored urine, and reduced urination. If not addressed, dehydration can become serious and may require medical attention.

Certain groups are more vulnerable to dehydration, including infants, young children, older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, and persons engaging in prolonged physical activity.

CPS advises parents and caregivers to pay special attention to children, ensuring they drink enough fluids and take breaks from the sun.

In addition to staying hydrated, CPS is emphasizing the importance of sun protection during outdoor events. Residents are encouraged to wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses to shield themselves from direct sunlight.

The use of sunscreen with a high SPF is strongly recommended, with reapplication every two hours, especially after sweating. Whenever possible, individuals should seek shade and limit direct sun exposure during peak hours.

CPS reminds the public that prevention is key to enjoying a safe and healthy Carnival season. If you or your child show signs of dehydration or heat-related illness, consult a healthcare provider promptly.

By staying hydrated and protecting yourself from the sun, you can fully enjoy the festivities while safeguarding your health.

BES ISLANDS:--- Following the recommendation of the Minister of Justice and Security, David van Weel, the Council of Ministers has approved the appointment of K.K. (Karola) van Nie as Chief Public Prosecutor for Bonaire, St Eustatius, and Saba. She will succeed W.E. (Walter) Kupers, as of the date of her swearing-in.
Mrs. van Nie currently works as a National Witness Protection Officer at the National Public Prosecutor’s Office. Previously, she held various roles within the Public Prosecution Service, including as a Public Prosecutor in charge of youth affairs on St. Maarten, where she was responsible for handling juvenile cases and youth policy.
This appointment ensures that the Public Prosecution Service on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba retains/ maintains experienced and competent leadership

PHILIPSBURG:---The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation has strongly objected to the government’s decision to close a section of Pondfill during the Carnival season, arguing that the move disrupts access to the official Carnival Village and negatively impacts booth holders operating inside the venue.
In a letter to the Minister, SCDF President Edwardo Radjouki described the decision as unfair and said it effectively creates a second Carnival Village outside the official grounds, diverting patrons and sales away from licensed operators inside.
The foundation also raised concerns about safety, saying crowds gathering outside the Village are not subject to the same security screening, controls, or monitoring as those entering the official Carnival area.
However, the controversy has also sparked wider public debate over the use of Festival Village booths throughout the year and who should benefit financially during the Carnival season.
Critics have questioned what government should do with booth holders who occupy Festival Village spaces for much of the year — in some cases reportedly up to ten months annually — and whether those operators should be prevented from earning income during Carnival, the busiest commercial period of the year.
Others argue that if private business owners are being restricted, then accountability should apply across the board, including to SCDF itself. Questions have also been raised regarding the foundation’s annual public subsidy and whether full financial statements are consistently submitted to government as part of transparency and funding requirements.
The broader issue has now evolved beyond road closures and vendor placement into a larger discussion about fairness, economic opportunity, public accountability, and how Carnival revenues should be shared among stakeholders.
As Carnival festivities continue in St. Maarten, many residents are calling for government to create a balanced policy that protects public safety, ensures transparency, and allows all legitimate businesses a fair opportunity to benefit from the island’s premier cultural celebration.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Ongoing efforts to improve cleanliness in Philipsburg and enhance both the visitor and resident experience continue with the phased placement of multifunction garbage bins in key areas across St. Maarten's capital, Philipsburg.
The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT) procured a total of 80 bins as part of the 2023 national budget capital expenditures, as part of the broader Beautification of Philipsburg initiative. The bins are being introduced in high-traffic locations, including the Boardwalk, Front Street, and Back Street, where effective waste management is essential to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all who live, work, and visit the area. As part of the initial phase of the rollout, 23 multifunction bins have been installed along the Philipsburg Boardwalk.
The bin placement is part of a coordinated approach to address ongoing cleanliness challenges in Philipsburg, particularly in zones with high daily foot traffic. In response, TEATT Grisha Heyliger-Marten engaged Port St. Maarten Group (PSG) to support a temporary servicing arrangement during the peak cruise season, ensuring that priority locations remained properly maintained during periods of increased demand.
“Philipsburg is not only the center of our tourism activity, but also a space used daily by residents and businesses,” Heyliger-Marten stated. “Maintaining a clean and orderly environment is essential to both the visitor experience and the quality of life for our people. This initiative reflects a structured and ongoing effort to raise that standard.”
The temporary collaboration with PSG reflects a practical public–private approach to maintaining cleanliness during peak periods. Discussions are ongoing regarding the continuation of this support, as servicing and maintenance responsibilities transition to the Ministry of VROMI.
The multifunction bins are designed to support more efficient waste management and include integrated ashtrays to reduce cigarette litter. The units also provide opportunities for future advertising, which may help sustain maintenance efforts over time.
The Minister said that the placement of the bins is part of a wider effort to revitalize Philipsburg, supported by strengthened coordination between government and private-sector partners.
The Minister also called on residents and businesses to play an active role in maintaining the cleanliness of Philipsburg.” While the public bins are intended for pedestrian use and not for the disposal of commercial waste, everyone is encouraged to use them properly, avoid littering in public spaces, and dispose of cigarette waste in the built in ashtrays. Businesses, in particular, are reminded of their responsibility to manage and dispose of their own waste responsibly and to ensure that the areas directly in front of their establishments remain clean and free of debris throughout the day. Simple, consistent actions make a visible difference.”
TEATT will continue to coordinate with VROMI and relevant partners to ensure the full operationalization of servicing and maintenance as the rollout progresses.