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Preventing Holiday Tree Fires This Season

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – Many homes on the inside and outside have been decorated with Christmas lights, stockings, banners, wreaths and the most popular of these decorations is the Christmas tree.

As part of Ministry of Public Health's Collective Prevention Services (CPS) Safe Holiday Season Observances, in collaboration with the Department of Communication, residents are advised to keep the season safe by following a few helpful tips.

Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius de Weever as part of his 'Get Checked' campaign, is calling on the community to check their Christmas tree lighting to make sure is operating safely in order in order to avoid any hazards this holiday season.

These are some life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday:

Preventing Holiday Tree Fires

* Holiday tree fire hazards

Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house Read more

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Minister De Weever Resigns From The Democratic Party

GREAT BAY, St. Martin - Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor, Cornelius de Weever has notified the leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot-Williams that he has now officially resigned from the party.

Minister De Weever informed the leader that due to the manner in which she and/or the DP publicly tried to portray me in a negative light, I have decided to reconsider my future with the DP and hereby RESIGN my affiliation with the Democratic Party.

I campaigned as a New Democrat with a "new" Democratic Party but it is readily apparent to many that it is the same old political strategy of trying to shame and blame.

Minister De Weever further stated that he expected an internal "issue" to be handled internally, professionally and avoid giving others more ammunition against St Read more

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Ministry Of Public Health Calls On Garage Owners And Tire Repair Shops To Take Steps To Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a section at the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is appealing to garage owners and tire repair shops to take measures to remove mosquito breeding sites from their establishments and to maintain on a daily basis control measures to eliminate any standing water on their premises.

Accumulation of rainwater in tires provides breeding space for mosquitoes that carry the dengue/chikungunya-causing virus.

Minister of Public Health Hon Read more

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Wednesday Is International Day Of People With Disability

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – International Day of People with Disability is a United Nations (UN) sanctioned day that aims to promote an understanding of people with disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and well-being.

The theme for 2014 is: "Sustainable Development: The Promise of Technology."

Rapidly developing technology has changed the way people with disability can access entertainment, work, communication and basic information seeking.

The theme focuses on the role of technology as a way to break down barriers for people with disability and how devices are becoming faster, cheaper and more accessible.

The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA) as part of its Calendar of Health Observances commemorates this international day with the provision of information regarding the international theme.

As part of the Minister of Public Health Hon Read more

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Mp Dr. Lloyd Richardson Voted In As President Of Parliament

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Members of Parliament in a Central Committee meeting on Monday morning, Member of Parliament of the United People's Party, the Honorable Lloyd Richardson was voted to the position as President of Parliament.

He is now replacing leader of the Democratic Party, Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams who resigned from the post on Thursday November 13th.

During the voting on Monday, Dr Read more

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Safety Tips For Holiday Shopping

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – As part of the Minister of Public Health's Hon. Cornelius de Weever 'Get Checked' campaign, every parent's number one concern this holiday season should be to make sure that whatever it is you buy for your child this year, it's safe.

Therefore, make sure you check the safety information of t Read more

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Dp Board Seeking Expulsion Of Minister De Weever From Party

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The board of the Democratic Party of St. Maarten Tuesday sent a letter to MP the Honorable Cornelius de Weever in which they have clearly stated their intentions to expel him from the folds of the party.

The letter which is signed by the President and leader states that they have given MP de Weever the opportunity to appeal the decision of the board, however this appeal must be submitted by five 0'clock Friday afternoon.

According to the Leader of the Democratic Party MP the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams, MP C Read more

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Collective Prevention Services Appeals For Action To Prevent An Increase In Dengue And Chikungunya Cases Due To Daily Rainfall

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – Section Collective Prevention Services (CPS) within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour is appealing to the community to step-up mosquito prevention measures in order to prevent an increase in dengue and chikungunya cases due to the daily rainfall that the country has been confronted with.

CPS uses this opportunity to also commend the Dutch Quarter Community Council in conjunction with the organizes of the OASIS project for carrying out a clean-up effort within the district about two weeks ago.

Minister of Public Health Hon Read more

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Sint Maarten Hosts 30Th Caribbean Epi Managers Meeting 2014

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA) Collective Prevention Services (CPS) Dr. Virginia Asin said on Sunday that the 30th meeting of the Caribbean Immunization Managers hosted by Sint Maarten was a success, and resulted in the review and finalization of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) plan of action for 2015.

"I think it is very important as a region that we continue in our efforts to learn best practices from each other, and this setting was a great way to do that," Minister of Public Health Hon Read more

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Cps Appraises Customs And Coast Guard About Sint Maarten Ebola Preparedness Plan

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – Recently Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA) Collective Prevention Services (CPS) met with the Customs Department and Coast Guard to discuss preparations related to the Ebola virus disease (EVD).

Customs and the Coast Guard were appraised about the Sint Maarten Ebola Preparedness Plan being worked on by Ministry VSA, the travel ban that was officially announced by the Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius de Weever on Monday, October 27, as well as the various screening layers that exist prior to a person entering country Sint Maarten.

The levels of screening entail, exit screening measures from countries affected by Ebola; entry screening measures in the United States of America and Europe and Sint Maarten.

The Customs Department has drafted its response plan since the meeting was held at the end of October and a draft a preparedness plan along with what resources would be required is being awaited from the Coast Guard for CPS to review with respect to how their respective agency would deal with a suspect Ebola case.

All stakeholders were updated about the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) protocols that are in place for cruise passengers and crew.

Another issue touched upon during the meeting was the inspection of shipping manifest prior to a vessel docking at one of the country's ports.

Present for the meeting were representatives from SXM Airport, Port St Read more

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Central Committee Meeting Of Parliament About August 29Th Parliament Election Discrepancies Rescheduled For November 24

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – The House of Parliament Central Committee session scheduled for November 18th about election discrepancies has been rescheduled to November 24th.

The committee meeting is now set for Monday at 10.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is a discussion with the Main Voting Bureau and the Civil Registry Department concerning discrepancies that occurred during and in preparation of the August 29th parliamentary elections.

The discrepancies noted are: at the Prison polling station; usage of foreign identification for voting purposes; discrepancies at specific polling stations in ballot counting; discrepancies of the lack of privacy during the supporting of the candidate list; discrepancies in the information given to political parties as it related to placement of campaign material.

Other points to be brought forward in the Central Committee meeting are: changes in the Electoral Law as it relates to having a structured chronological order; Increase of polling stations in 2014 in comparison to 2010; Implementation of electronic voting; If there any articles that are conflicting with each other?; and if there any articles wrongfully written?

This meeting has been requested by Members of Parliament (MP) Hon Read more

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Dp Outlines Role In Coalition Formation Process, Takes A Step Back To Evaluate

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Leader of the Democratic Party (DP) of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams, held a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

During the conference the caretaker Prime Minister who also holds the function of President of Parliament, outlined the role that her party played and is playing in the current formation process leading towards a new government for the island led by the UP party and MP Cornelius de Weever.

Formateur MP the Honorable Theo Heyliger who is now not a candidate for Minister, announced that he has submitted the names and dossiers of candidates Ministers to His Excellency the Governor of St Read more

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Residents Urged To Step-Up Mosquito Prevention Measures Due To Weekend Torrential Rainfall

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a government agency under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, is calling on residents to step-up mosquito prevention measures due to the weekend of torrential rainfall.

Mosquito fogging did start about a week ago but had to be halted due to rainfall. Fogging will resume shortly.

Residents are advised to step-up by taking measures at home and at their business to mitigate mosquito breeding such as the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour Hon Read more

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Vsa Meets With Smmc On Ebola Preparedness Plan

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Representatives from the Ebola Virus Disease Incidence Management Team VSA(EVD-IMT) met with representatives from St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) to discuss St. Maarten's Ebola Preparedness Plan.

The meeting was held to share ideas and discuss a coordinated response.

"The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (VSA) along with all key stakeholders have taken a rigorous pro-active approach in order to ensure that St. Maarten will be prepared to respond in the event a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient surfaces in the area", said Minister of Public Health Cornelius de Weever.

At the meeting SMMC gave an extensive overview on the protective equipment they currently have in-house and what is still needed to be acquired.

An update was also given as to the area within the hospital designated as the isolation unit and the necessary upgrades needed to further prepare that isolation unit.

"God forbid Ebola were to reach St Read more

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Cps Apprises French Health Officials About Sint Maarten Ebola Preparedness Plan And Travel Ban

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – A delegation from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA) Collective Prevention Services (CPS) met with French colleagues (St. Martin) in Hope Estate last week to discuss preparations related to the Ebola virus disease (EVD).

CPS apprised French officials about the Sint Maarten Ebola Preparedness Plan and the travel ban that was officially announced by the Minister of Public Health on Monday, October 27.

French health department officials apprised the CPS that for the French territories to date, there was no travel ban in effect, and the French Ebola national preparedness plan has three levels when dealing with a suspected case of EVD.

After the discussion about the various scenarios, levels and possible collaboration, it was decided that there is a need for an additional meeting where all counterparts can meet and discuss associated logistics.

It was also decided that both sides will be working together to ensure an effective response and will seek the intervention of their respective supervisors and political leaders to ensure the effectiveness of the travel ban in protecting the borders of Sint Maarten/St Read more

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Mosquito Fogging To Commence Thursday Weather Permitting

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a government agency under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, announced on Wednesday that the country-wide mosquito fogging campaign could not commence as planned on Tuesday, October 28 due to rain and a malfunction of equipment.

In the meantime, the contractor has informed the ministry that fogging will start on Thursday, October 30 weather permitting. The technical problem with the fogging equipment has been resolved.

Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour Hon Read more

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Minister Of Public Health De Weever And Port St. Maarten Management Meets With Fcca And Clia On Ebola Cruise Passenger/Crew Boarding Protocols

POINT BLANCHE, St. Maarten – On Thursday, a delegation from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour (Ministry VSA) headed by Minister Hon. Cornelius de Weever, Port St. Maarten Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo and port representatives, met in Miami, Florida with Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) President Michele Paige and representatives from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), regarding Ebola screening protocols for cruise ship passengers and crew.

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe, often fatal illness in humans.

The incubation period from time of infection to symptoms is two to 21 days Read more

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Cps Reminds Persons To Get Their Seasonal Flu Vaccine

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is recommending to persons to get their annual flu vaccine.

High risk groups are reminded and/or recommended to get their seasonal flu shot.

As part of the Minister of Public Health's "Get Checked," campaign, influenza is an acute viral infection that spreads very easily from person to person, and can affect anybody in any age group.

"Check with your physician to see whether or not you are part of the high risk group and be proactive Read more

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Mental Health Foundation Says "Thank You" To Stakeholders And Generous Sponsors

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - On Saturday October 18, 2014, the Mental Health Foundation organized a Reception which this year focused on the Foundation's very loyal stakeholders and generous sponsors.

The event was organized to honor and thank those who provide the Mental Health Foundation with continuous support and who are part of the reason why the MHF is where it is today.

The Cocktail party was honored by the presence of the Prime Minister Sarah Wescott-Williams and the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Cornelius de Weever, by representatives of various stakeholders and sponsors such as SZV, Ennia, Ministry of Public Health, White and Yellow Cross Foundation, Nagico, General Practitioners, Ministry of Justice, SMMC, Samenwerkende Fondsen, Social Services, Health Inspectorate, WIEMS, SJIB, Court of Guardianship, Rotary Clubs of St Read more

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Mosquito Fogging To Start November 1

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a government agency under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, hereby announces that as part of its regular vector control program, mosquito fogging throughout the country will commence on Saturday, November 01 in Cupecoy, Low Lands, Maho Reef, Beacon Hill Airport Road, Simpson Bay, Pelican Keys, Simpson Bay Yacht Club and Welfare Road.

Residents are advised to continue to take measures at home and at their business to mitigate mosquito breeding such as the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour Hon Read more

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Ministry Of Health Briefs Key Members Of The Council Of Ministers About National Preparations For Ebola

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – On Wednesday representatives from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA) met with key members of the Council of Ministers to brief them about the national preparations for Ebola.

Dr. Virginia Asin, Head of the Collective Prevention Services (CPS) from the Minister of Public Health can be seen (left) briefing Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams (2nd from left) and Minister of Public Health Hon Read more

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Parliament Meets On Dutch Govt. Instruction To Governor Monday Afternoon (Full Audio Now Included!)

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The House of Parliament of St. Maarten met in an urgent plenary session on Monday.

It was the first meeting of the newly elected Members of Parliament since the August 29th parliamentary elections, and the swearing of the lawmakers on October 10th.

The purpose of the plenary session was to discuss the instruction of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Kingdom Relations given to the Governor of Sint Maarten to postpone ratification of the country decree in the appointment of the Ministers and Prime Minister.

During the meeting on Monday afternoon, which was requested by Members of Parliament the Honorable Franklin Meyers, the Honorable Tamara Leonard and the Honorable Silvio Matser, Members of Parliament denounced the instruction given to the Governor.

Whilst speaking on the floor of Parliament, the Honorable Silvio Matser noted that the instruction given was an attack on democracy.

Member of Parliament, the Honorable Leona Romeo Marlin stated on Monday on the floor of parliament that the instruction as is given by the Dutch government degrades our parliamentary system, our Council of Advice and even our Governor.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament of the National Alliance, the Honorable George Pantophlet reminded his colleagues the Dutch are here, and that the question is how we get them out of here.

Meanwhile, speaking on the floor of Parliament, the Honorable Christopher Emmanuel made it clear that St Read more

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After 55 Years Of Support, Mike Ferrier Opts To Resign From Dp Party St. Maarten

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Former DP stalwart Micheal Ferrier in a letter dated October 17th 2014 and sent to the board of the party, their 15 candidates who ran in this years Parliamentary election and to key supporters, announced his decision to resign.

This decision comes after 55 years of support for the party and more recently, his diligent support for its leader MP Sarah Wescot-Williams.

The reason given for his decision is that he believes that the leader with her decision to join the UP/de Weever coalition government has taken the party along a different path than it had collectively chosen prior to the elections on August 29th 2014.

He stated in his letter that he understands the reasoning behind the need to be in government in the interest of the people of St Read more

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Positive Foundation Continues Breast Cancer Awareness Activities

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Positive Foundation and its partners continue their Breast Cancer Awareness activities with free clinical screenings at doctor's clinics and a number of special events throughout this month.

So far over 150 women have received free clinical breast examinations provided by the Family Medical Practice, St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and Zamora Perez Clinic.

Dr. Grace Spencer will also offer free clinical screenings today at her clinic on Oleander Road #139, Saunders, from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

Free clinical screenings for women will be offered at Union Road Clinic on Union Road, Cole Bay, on Wednesday, October 15, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Simpson Bay Medical Clinic will offer free clinical screening on Friday, October 17, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

During the free clinical breast examination screening on Saturday, October 18 at the Dutch Quarter Medical Clinic, students from AUC will be providing instructions for breast self-examinations from 9 am - 1 pm.

Elektralyets Foundation in collaboration with Positive Foundation also present their annual Pink Phit Phabulous Walk-a-thon Read more

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