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MEETING WITH CALYPSONIANS SET FOR FRIDAY EVENING

PHILIPSBURG - 23 Calypsonians have met the September 9th deadline to register for the 2017 NAGICO Calypso competition. RAW Promotions Foundation, the entity charged with organizing the 2017 NAGICO Calypso Competition, is proud to announce

that several newcomers and some who have been away from the Calypso stage are coming back, while many familiar faces will be competing in the upcoming competition next year, Fernando Clark said in a press release on Wednesday.

King Repeater, The Mighty Carlix, King T-Mo, Mighty Dando, The Mighty Magic and Ricky the Phox are back after, in some cases, a lengthy absent from competition.

Sheera, Doctor Ray and Lady Righteous are new to the Calypso arena, and will have to contend with veterans such as Fish The Mega Boss, Chipman, The Mighty Pepper, Kaiso Brat, King Beau Beau and Young Carlix The Protege, just to name a few.  

Empress Zee who is making another attempt to have the calypso crown placed on a female's head, in this case her own, is back in the arena, looking to extend the reign of the females.

NAGICO, the main sponsor of the Calypso Competitions for over 10 years, is on board for the 2017 competition and is also eager to see the level of the calypso competition improved.

For this reason, the organizers are inviting all calypsonians who have registered for the 2017 NAGICO Calypso competition to a meeting to be held on Friday, October 14th, in the A. C. Wathey legislative hall at 7.30 pm sharp.

In this meeting the calypsonians will be informed of the plans the organizers have for the competition and for calypso in general.

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Sint Maarten public ministry health officials participate in national consultation for PAHO Strategic Plan

GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – Representatives from the Sint Maarten Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA), has taken part in a National Consultation for the stratification of programmatic priorities of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Strategic Plan 2014-2019.

The consultation that took place last month in Aruba also included national authorities from Aruba, Curacao, the Netherlands representing Caribbean Netherlands (Saba, St. Eustatius and Bonaire), and representatives from PAHO.

The Strategic Plan of PAHO 2014-2019 established the framework for the stratification of programmatic priorities (Resolution CD52.R8). This framework is intended to serve as a key instrument to guide the allocation of the human and financial resources available to the Pan American Sanitary Bureau (PASB) and to focus efforts to mobilize the resources needed to implement the Strategic Plan and its respective programs and budgets.

The method will be applied by the national authorities of each country and territory of the Region in order to establish the program priorities according to the national context and the needs for technical cooperation with PAHO.

The consolidation of the national results will make it possible to establish the stratification of the regional program priorities which will guide the formulation of the program and budget, and the assignment and mobilization of resource. The stratification allows for the identification of those program areas that require greater attention or collective effort together with the Member States - that is, setting priorities within priorities.

Dr. Virginia Asin, Head of the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within Ministry VSA said progress was made at the meeting where those in attendance got familiar with the PAHO-Hanlon methodology for the program priority stratification and its application to planning and budget processes.

“We also reviewed the Work Plan 2016-2017 with each entity and discussed the health situation of each island.  Another agenda point for discussion was the World Health Organization (WHO) program budget 2018-2019 which is the third and last within the 12th General Program of Work.  This will continue to build upon the Program Budget 2016-2017 which for the aforementioned period was budgeted at around US$4 billion.

“Two major factors for the budget planning process for WHO is the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the reform of WHO’s work in emergencies.  The aforementioned will further shape the Program Budget 2018-2019.

“Sint Maarten’s participation in this progress is very important.  The country is able to source funding for projects and programs which will benefit the health care sector and the population overall,” Dr. Asin said.

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Justice Workers now fully insured

GREAT BAY - For the first time in St. Maarten’s history, employees who fall under the Justice Ministry now have full insurance coverage for Accidental Death and Dismemberment. This was all made possible by the Minister of Justice; Edson Kirindongo who collaborated with the three unions ABVO, WICSU and NAPB, which represent the Justice workers,  to negotiate and provide coverage for the staff.

NAGICO Insurances was selected as the insurer of choice after winning the bid which included 5 other insurance companies. At the signing ceremony yesterday held at the Cabinet of the Minister of Justice; the insurance company revealed that since the offering was announced, other territories and Government departments have contacted them to query about similar offerings. 

Members of the unions and staff who were in attendance to witness the signing expressed their elation at this accomplishment since it have been a benefit they have been championing for so long. "As a union representative and a first responder, I am very happy now that we have signed this insurance coverage agreement," Officer Rumini Rogerssaid. "This is a benefit that gives us comfort to know that our families will be taken care of in the event anything should happen to us and I want to thank NAGICO for all the work they put into making this a reality."

Minister Kirindongo gave a sobering message to his staff. "I don't know who will be the next minister of Justice, but I am very happy that I could have gotten this done for my workers during the short time I was placed in this position," he said. "Getting the monies to fund this benefit was not easy and I was heavily criticized for doing so, but as a former police officer and from experience, I have seen how hard the first responders work and I have even most recently how difficult is on their families when they are disabled or killed and there is no benefit to assist them, so I am very proud of this accomplishment and want to congratulate the unions for being vigilant in ensuring that this came to pass."

Under this policy, all employees of the Justice Department who accepted this coverage will have coverage for life, accidental death and dismemberment 24 hours a day, even while travelling overseas. The coverage in case of accidental death is Naf. 200.000 and the Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage is Naf. 200.000. In the event a claim is filed, the benefit will be paid out to the beneficiaries named by the civil servant.

The Minister however reminded that this policy is not mandatory and is a participation plan, so the Justice workers should ensure that if they opt out of accepting the insurance as a few have done, their families are not entitled to the benefits outlined in the policy. (Police Force Sint Maarten)

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CPS: World Mental Health Day observed on October 10 under the theme Psychological First Aid

GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – 10 October marked World Mental Health Day around the world.  The theme is “Psychological First Aid.”

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department from the Sint Maarten Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, says that World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity for people and organizations around the world working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

The observations and creating awareness of the annual theme is part of CPSs annual calendar of health observances.

Mental health refers to an array of activities directly or indirectly related to the mental well-being component included in the World Health Organization’s definition of health: “A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease.”

It is related to the promotion of well-being, the prevention of mental disorders, and the treatment and rehabilitation of people affected by mental disorders.

When terrible things happen in our communities, we can reach out a helping hand to those who are affected. Perhaps you find yourself at the scene of an accident where people are hurt.

Perhaps you are a health-care worker or teacher talking with someone from your community who has just witnessed the violent death of a loved one.

Learning the basic principles of psychological first aid will help you to provide support to people who are very distressed, and, importantly, to know what not to say.

Despite its name, psychological first aid covers both psychological and social support. Just like general health care never consists of physical first aid alone, similarly no mental health care system should consist of psychological first aid alone.

Indeed, the investment in psychological first aid is part of a longer-term effort to ensure that anyone in acute distress due to a crisis is able to receive basic support, and that those who need more than psychological first aid will receive additional advanced support from health, mental health and social services.

For more information about breast cancer, you can call CPS 542-2078 or 542-3003.

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#iamgb video features global Girls’ Brigade transformation stories

SINT MAARTEN/INTERNATIONAL - The Girls’ Brigade (GB) International has released a video on International Day of the Girl which is internationally observed on Tuesday, 11 October, demonstrating how girls feel confident, courageous, loved and accepted as a result of being a member of Girls’ Brigade.

Celebrating its 123rd birthday, Girls’ Brigade is a worldwide faith-based movement focused on working amongst girls and women in around 50 countries. Girls’ Brigade is a fun, confidence building, safe environment that provides opportunities for personal growth and faith exploration, while teaching service to others.

Girls’ Brigade International President Vivienne Aitchison from England shares: ‘Because of being part of the Girls’ Brigade family, girls in Asia, Africa, Caribbean & the Americas, Europe and Pacific have shared that they feel confident, courageous, loved and accepted.

‘Girls around the world say that, because of GB, they experience opportunities to discover what it means to live life to the full! In a world where it can be difficult to be a girl, this is a positive and hope-filled message for GB to share on International Day of the Girl. We are thankful for all of our leaders who are investing in girls and impacting their lives and for God’s faithfulness to us.’

The #iamgb initiative gathered incredible stories of transformation from girls across the world – too many to include in one video. It aims to inspire girls, encourage GB leaders and demonstrate the value of Girls’ Brigade’s ministry.

Kamilah from St. Maarten says: ‘Because of GB I am a servant leader. Community service became a passion; seeing smiles on people’s faces became a love. I am International: Having the opportunity to travel to new places from north, south, east and west. Meeting new faces; learning new cultures; being part of a different history; expanding my horizons.

Bailey (16) from GB New Zealand shares: ‘Because of GB, I feel both accepted and loved. I have been going to GB since I was 7 and grown up with most of the girls and leaders. Words can’t explain the feeling I get when the girls want to see me and hug me and share their week stories.’

GB is a safe place for girls to feel a sense of belonging and have fun as Wong Nok Ching (7) from GB Hong Kong explains: ‘Because of GB, I am happy.’ Leila-May (8) from Girls’ Brigade England & Wales also shares: ‘Because of GB, I have made lots of new friends.’  

Girls are also encountering Jesus in new ways through local GB groups. ‘GB has made me into a new person and taught me more about God. I feel confident to tell people about God and what He, through the Girls’ Brigade, has done for me’ says Samantha from GB Jamaica.

In a world where girls are facing increasing levels of low self-esteem, Girls’ Brigade is helping girls discover confidence to overcome obstacles in cultures where being born a girl can be difficult.

Lisah from GB Papua New Guinea shares: ‘Before joining GB, I was a shy girl. Through GB, I’ve learned a lot of things and one of them is how to be confident.’ Chioma, a younger GB leader from Nigeria (where the Chibok girls, 6 of whom are GB members, remain missing), adds: ‘Because of GB, I am empowered, courageous and transformed.’

The #iamgb video is available on the GB International website (www.gbworldwide.org) and facebook page (www.facebook.com/GirlsBrigadeWorldwide) from 11 October 2016. For more info, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..   

If you or your daughter would like to join our international family, Girls’ Brigade meets on St. Maarten at the Bible Baptist Church on the Arch Road every 1st and 3rd Saturdays at 4 pm; and the Philipsburg Methodist Church on Mondays and Thursdays at 5:30 pm.

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More Movement for the Elderly this Saturday. Exercise is the Key to Healthy Aging

ST. JOHN’S ESTATE, (DCOMM) – More Movement for the Elderly, will take place on Saturday, October 8.  Senior citizens are invited to St. John’s Estate, Nr. 6 on Saturday for More Movement for the Elderly Fitness.

The activity has been organized and coordinated over a one-year period by Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department from the Sint Maarten Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, the White and Yellow Cross Foundation (WYCCF), Windward Islands Physical Therapist Association (WIPTA) and I&I Fitness.

The Saturday activity is being coordinated by WIPTA from 10.30AM to 12.00PM at the aforementioned address.

Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that require energy expenditure.  Physical inactivity has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality causing an estimated 3.2 million deaths globally.

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SCOTIABANK ROTARY–ROTARACT SPELLING BEE 2016 TO BE BIGGEST EVER

PHILIPSBURG - This year’s Scotiabank Rotary-Rotoract Spelling Bee 2016 will be the biggest since its inception in 2011. Nineteen schools have entered seventeen schools from St. Maarten and two schools from Anguilla.

The St. Maarten schools are All Children Education Foundation School, Caribbean International Academy School, Dr. Martin Luther King School, Asha Stevens Hillside Christian School, Learning Unlimited Preparatory School, Leonard Conner School, Methodist Agogic Centre School (BM), Marie Genevieve de Weever School, Methodist Agogic Centre School (JAG), Oranje School, Ruby Labega School, Seventh Day Adventist School, Sister Borgia School, Sister Marie Laurence School, St. Dominic Primary School and St. Joseph School.

It is expected that 50 children will take part in The Scotiabank Rotary-Rotoract Spelling Bee. The Preliminary Round will be held on Sunday, October 16th from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. The fifteen winners from the Preliminary Round will go to the Semifinals, being held on Sunday, October 23rd from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

The five winners from the Semifinals will advance to the Finals, being held on Sunday, October 30th. All rounds will take place at the Belair Community Center. This year The Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle has introduced tutorial sessions for the students entering The Scotiabank Rotary-Rotoract Spelling Bee.

The first two sessions were held on the Saturday September 24th and October 1st. At the last tutorial session, 32 students attended. Due to popular demand, Rotary Mid-Isle will also hold a tutorial session during the school break on Saturday, October 8th, the final tutorial session will be held on Saturday, October 15th.

All tutorial sessions will be held at the University of St. Maarten on Pond Island. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to come and give the students support at The Scotiabank Rotary-Rotaract Spelling Bee on all three Sundays at the Belair Community Center. Today’s students are our future generation.

The Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle meets Tuesday at 7pm at Mary’s Boon in Simpson Bay.

For more information please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our face book page Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle

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Our Land Matters October 2 Initiative a Success. Billboard Selfie Saturday and BBQ Next

ORIENT BAY, St. Martin - The Our Land Matters initiative held its first rally on October 2, in the Boo Boo Jam area.

The rally was a mixture of speakers calling citizens of Saint Martin to unite and stand for their rights. Echoing at what was once an area for locals to congregate and enjoy Saint Martin was the need to re-open Boo Boo Jam Saint Martin style.

The rally drew a large crowd that listened keenly to the words of local activists, grass root Saint Martiners and long standing Boo Boo Jam patrons who are concerned by what is taking place on their beloved island.

The organizers of the rally would like to thank all that contributed to this event, especially the following persons: Mr. Julo Charville and the Hope party, Mr. Louis Mussington and the MJP party, Mr. George Greaux of Caribbean Liquors, the Collectivite de Saint Martin (tent), Mr. Arthur Hunt of Rent a Sound, Mr. Don Frostin, Mr. Walton Holiday of EZ promotions, Mrs. Daniella Jeffrey, Mr. Raymond Helligar, DJ Ruby, the Bologne Band, Mr. Loic Artsen (IA Comfort Restrooms), Control Band, DJ Terry, Cani-TV, MSR TV, and RFO.  

Also a big thank you to the community of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten for standing for this cause.  Our Land Matters will next schedule our next event “Billboard Selfie Saturday and BBQ” shortly.  

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CPS on Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection saves lives, saves breasts

GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – Breast cancer is among the most common cancers in women in the Americas, where approximately 408,000 women were diagnosed and 92,000 women died from breast cancer in 2012.

The ways to detect breast cancer early are through a monthly Breast Self-Examination and a yearly Breast Examination by a doctor. After age 50, one should also go for mammography every two years.

Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department from the Sint Maarten Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, commends various organizations and institutions that have established campaigns to create awareness about Breast Cancer.  In various countries around the world October is also recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast cancer detected early and can be treated effectively. Breast health awareness programs can increase women's understanding of their risks and of the signs and symptoms that need prompt medical attention.

Organized breast cancer screening programs can detect cancers at earlier stage. Most women diagnosed with early stage disease (I and II) have a good prognosis, with overall five-year survival rates of 80-90%.

CPS encourages all women to take the opportunity made available to visit clinical breast exam screenings which are currently underway.  Several screenings are taking place at various clinics on October 5, 6, 7 and 8, and will continues on a weekly basis until the end of the month.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women. It can also affect men.

Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the breast tissues multiply and form an invasive (or malignant) tumour. Not all tumours are invasive, some are benign tumours that are not life-threatening, whereas others are called lesions because they are contained in the milk ducts and have not invaded the surrounding tissue.

It is important to know the normal look and feel of your breasts. Things you should look out for include: a new lump or lumpiness in your breasts, especially if it is in only one breast; a change in the size and shape of your breast; a change to the nipple such as crusting, an ulcer, redness or the nipple pulled in; a change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling or puckered skin; and a pain that does not go away.

Most breast changes will not be due to breast cancer but you should get them checked. If you notice a change in the look or feel of your breasts, even if your screening mammogram was normal, see your doctor without delay. The symptoms of breast cancer depend on where the tumour is in the breast, the size of the tumour and how quickly it is growing.

Breast cancer is both rarer and more difficult to detect in men of any age and the harms of screening mammograms are currently assessed as outweighing the benefits. For this reason men of all ages are instead encouraged to report any changes or concerns they have about their breasts to their doctor.

For more information about breast cancer, you can call CPS 542-2078 or 542-3003.

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Minister Jacobs stresses importance of pre-USM programs at class of 2016 graduation ceremony

POND ISLAND - The University of St. Martin (USM) hosted the USM Preparatory Program (PRE-USM) class of 2016 Graduation Ceremony.

The Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs, Silveria Jacobs attended the ceremony and gave encouraging words to the graduates. The Minister stressed the importance for programs such as the PRE-USM program, which guides our young people in taking steps to obtain their tertiary education degree by enrolling in a college/university.

President of the University of St. Maarten Foundation, Valerie Giterson-Pantophlet applauded the graduates on taking the necessary steps in accomplishing their ultimate goal which is becoming a college educated citizen.

Giterson-Pantophlet also acknowledged those students who made extra sacrifices to participate in the program. Some students had enormous responsibilities such as leaving their children at home or working a full-time but still managed to attend classes every day and passed successfully.

Katiusca Rodriguez received an award for having the highest average score. Rodriguez was presented the award by English instructor, Dorothy Richardson. Richardson stated that she is so proud to present the award to Rodriguez because she could recall the first time meeting Katiusca in elementary school.

When Katiusca started school she could not speak English but within four months she managed to speak the language fluently. When she graduated from sixth grade she told me that she is not going to remain on that level, but she had dreams to go higher and higher. The day I got the list of the PRE-USM students and I saw her name; I said YES she made it!

The Pre-USM program is a 10 month college preparatory program that allows students who previously graduated with a TKL, PKL/PSVE diploma, to acquire the necessary skills, concepts, and experiences in order to be admitted into a degree program at USM or to be prepared for a college placement test elsewhere.

The program entails GED tutor classes, preparatory courses in Math, English, Life Sciences and Languages, in addition, students participate in a job placement program. Once students successfully complete the program, they will earn their GED diploma and exemptions from Skills Courses if enrolled in an USM academic degree program.

The PRE-USM coordinator would like to acknowledge persons and institutions in the community who offered their assistance in making the skills courses successful: The St. Maarten Museum, The Daily Herald, Clara Reyes, Fernando Clarke, Jay Haviser, Tadzio Bervoets, Ras Mosera, Russel Bell and De Wit.

Persons interested in applying to the program should consult with the Admissions office at the University of St. Martin or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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