SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) – On Friday, September 22, fuel pump prices will be adjusted for gasoline and diesel. 

The current price of unleaded gasoline is Naf.2.635 per liter, will be adjusted to the new price of Naf.2.687 per liter.

The current price of diesel is Naf.2.270 per liter, will be adjusted to the new price of Naf.2.401 per liter.

The Government of Sint Maarten regulates the prices of petroleum products by imposing a maximum price at which wholesalers and retailers can sell these products in the country to motorists.

At the international level, the prices of crude oil have experienced adjustments and local prices follow the international trend, and therefore prices are adjusted to reflect this. 

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Get ready for a hauntingly good time as Teen Times invites all teenagers to a thrilling Halloween party like no other on Saturday, October 28^th. “We're excited to announce the most epic and safe Halloween bash for teenagers, ensuring a spooky night of fun without the need for a nightclub experience,” Coordinator of Teen Times Roosje Rommy-Richardson said.

She explained that for years teens and their parents have lamented the fact that there isn’t an event around Halloween that caters exclusively to teens. The only options available to them, are events at adult oriented night clubs and other establishments. While some teens attend these events, most parents are vigilant and do not allow their teens to attend those events.

Teen Times knows how important it is for teenagers to have a safe and enjoyable environment to celebrate Halloween, a US holiday that teens on St. Maarten have grown to embrace. That's why we've created an exclusive Halloween extravaganza just for teens, where they can revel in the spirit of the holiday without the worries of underage clubbing.

The event will be held at the Aleeze Convention Center and Event Hall and will run from 8pm until 2am, or as Teen Times jokingly calls it, “witching hour”. Entrance price is just US $5 for all teen between the age of 13 to 19. The price goes up to US $10 at midnight.

Teen Times is no stranger in taking what is historically a US tradition, and adding their own twist on it. The group has successfully organized the annual Prom Night for the past 27 years, which is widely viewed as the most anticipated end-of-the-year event for high school seniors. “And we will be just as detailed and prepared for our first Halloween Costume Party and prepared as we normally are with all of our events,” Rommy-Richardson said.

Rommy-Richardson explained what teens can expect:

Scare Tunnel: Brace yourselves for a spine-tingling adventure as you enter our haunted scare tunnel filled with surprises and eerie delights!

Halloween Drinks & Snacks: Quench your thirst with special Halloween-themed drinks and enjoy delicious snacks to keep you energized throughout the night.

Photobooth Fun: Capture memories with your friends in our Halloween-themed photobooth, complete with props and backdrops to create unforgettable snapshots.

Costume Contest: Show off your creativity and style in our grand Halloween costume contest! Prizes await those with the spookiest, most creative, and best-themed costumes.

Dance Floor: Groove to your favorite tunes on our dance floor, where our DJ will be spinning the hottest tracks all night long.

Safe Environment: Parents, rest assured that your teens will be in a secure and supervised environment throughout the event. We prioritize the safety and well-being of all attendees.

“Don't miss out on the Halloween Costume Party of the year! Grab your friends, put on your best costumes, and join us at the Aleeze Convention Center and Event Hall for a night of frightful fun and excitement,” Rommy Richardson said.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA) Public Health Department, Collective Prevention Services (CPS) executive agencies, in conjunction with Social & Health Insurances (SZV), and other relevant stakeholders, started the STEPS Survey SXM 2023, a national population health survey to assess risk factors for noncommunicable diseases.

CPS is reminding households to cooperate with surveyors when they pass by to conduct the national health survey.

3,500 households will be randomly selected and surveyed. House-to-house interviews and health screenings will be conducted among selected adults between the age 18-69 years.

The aim is to collect data on behavioral and biological factors that can increase the risk of noncommunicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, heart attacks, and cancer.

This survey is conducted with the support from Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO). This survey is also being conducted in various countries in the Caribbean Region.

The survey commenced in July 2023 and is scheduled to conclude at the end of October 2023.

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - Aqua Mania Adventures is thrilled to announce the 8th annual Pink Sunset Sail, set to take place on September 30th, 2023, in support of local breast cancer awareness foundations, Positive and Elektralyets. This beloved event continues to grow in popularity, drawing both locals and visitors to unite for a noble cause. The Pink Sunset Sail remains dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer, emphasizing early detection, and inspiring individuals to prioritize self-awareness through the "Love the Tatas, Check ‘em” approach. 

Breast cancer not only affects those battling the disease but also impacts countless children, husbands, friends, and family members who endure the hardships and aftermath of treatment. Mercedes "Elektra" van der Waals-Wyatt, President of the Elektralytes Foundation, shares, "Far too many victims of breast cancer suffer, and it's not just the patients; it's their entire support network. We want to focus on early detection and self-awareness – being breast-aware: Love the Tatas – and make that call to action to get checked!" 

Set against the stunning backdrop of St. Maarten's golden coastline, the Pink Sunset Sail offers a 90-minute coastal sail into the sunset on Aqua Mania Adventures' large sailing catamarans, Tango and Lambada. As guests enjoy the scenic voyage, a raffle will be held to raise additional funds for the cause. 

Before embarking on the Pink Sunset Sail, attendees are invited to join the Pink Mixer, a vibrant gathering featuring welcome drinks and hors d'oeuvres courtesy of ILTT, Captain D’s and La Patrona. The event has evolved over the years to offer a complete experience with music, refreshments, snacks, and, of course, the breathtaking coastal sail. Organizer Michele Korteweg expresses her gratitude for the continued support of the local community and businesses, which has allowed the event to grow and thrive. 

Last year's Pink Sunset Sail raised an impressive $4,000 for the Elektralytes and Positive Foundations. Funds are generated through ticket sales and a raffle, with raffle tickets available for purchase on the boats during the sunset sail. 

Throughout October, the Positive Foundation, in collaboration with partners such as the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), local medical practitioners, the American University of the Caribbean (AUC) School of Medicine, Collective Prevention Services (CPS), the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor VSA, and sponsors, will provide free screening opportunities, 100 free mammograms for uninsured individuals, breast self-examination workshops, in-person presentations on breast cancer awareness, and free educational literature at various events. 

“The goal of the campaign is to educate, both women and men about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, the importance of regular breast screenings and the various treatment options available” highlights Shelly Alphonso, President of the Positive Foundation. “Additionally, the annual breast cancer awareness campaign also aims to reduce the stigma surrounding breast cancer, the most common cancer in women worldwide.”

The raffle at the Pink Sunset Sail promises excitement, with chances to win incredible prizes, including weekend stays at Simpson Bay Resort, Belair Beach Hotel, and Atrium, as well as vouchers for popular dining establishments like Pineapple Pete's, Dinghy Dock, Zeebest Bakeshop, Domino's Pizza, Balls & Wine, Hideaway, Sint Maarten Yacht Club Bar & Restaurant and Lee’s Roadside Grill. Many other businesses contributed as well, such as Napa, Rhino Riders, Boomerang, Nectar, Shipwreck Shops, Penha, Dutch Blonde, The Phoenix, Billy Bones Charters, Seaview Beach Hotel, Bar & Restaurant, Caribbean Palms, Aquarius Spa, Island Water World, DAS Cigars, SCDF and The Scuba Shop, among many others. 

Guests are encouraged to participate in the "Best Dressed Guest" contest, with the winner receiving a free ticket to next year's event. Let your creativity shine with pink wigs, glitter hats, and blinged-up special t-shirts for this memorable occasion. 

Tickets for the Pink Sunset Sail are available for $50 per person and include a unique Pink T-shirt, access to an open bar, delectable snacks, and a captivating sail along St. Maarten's picturesque coastline. Don't miss out on this opportunity to sip cocktails, take in breathtaking sights, and witness the elusive green flash. Secure your tickets online or visit any Aqua Mania Adventures location at the Simpson Bay Resort, Divi Little Bay, or Hilton Vacation Club Royal Palm. 

Join Aqua Mania Adventures on September 30th, 2023, from 3.30pm onwards for a remarkable evening of sailing, community support, and raising breast cancer awareness. “Love the Tatas! Check ‘em” – together, we can make a difference.