SINT MAARTEN (Cay Hill) - The Mental Health Foundation (MHF), Collective Prevention Services (CPS), and the Men’s Mental Health Awareness Foundation have joined forces in recognizing World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.

This year’s theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” highlights the need for altering perceptions and instilling hope for individuals grappling with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

As part of Suicide Awareness Prevention Month, MHF, CPS and the Men’s Mental Health Awareness Foundation have launched the “ARE YOU OK?” campaign, designed to encourage individuals to engage with loved ones, friends, and colleagues who may be silently struggling. This initiative urges people to ask this simple yet powerful question, “Are you OK?”, which can help those experiencing suicidal thoughts open up about their emotions and struggles.

In our community, discussing suicide remains a taboo subject, making it even more critical to address. When someone is deviating from their usual behavior it’s important to reach out and ask, “Are you OK?” Being supportive and intentional can make a difference. A person-centered approach, like asking an open-ended question such as, “I’ve noticed things have been tough lately. Do you want to talk about it?” can open the door for meaningful conversations.

Throughout the month, MHF, CPS and the Men’s Mental Health Awareness Foundation will host a series of events to engage the public, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversations about mental health. Additionally, a comprehensive campaign across various media platforms will disseminate vital information on how to recognize the signs of suicide, offer support, and seek help.

Community members, organizations, and leaders are called upon to join these efforts. “By changing the narrative around suicide and mental health, we can foster a culture of empathy, resilience, and proactive care.”

For anyone struggling with mental health challenges or suicidal thoughts, help is available. Please reach out to the MHF crisis hotline at +1 (721)-585-5556.

SINT MAARTEN (COMMENTARY – By Michael J. Ferrier) - Dear Editor, Allow me, through you, to ask the writer of the below following letter to the Editor of some days ago, to please lay his/her unfounded fears to rest, regarding who will fill the important position of Minister of Justice in the Mercelina II Cabinet.

Attorney Nathalie Tackling is an EXCELLENT choice. By choosing a highly educated, well-read, professional with deep and long roots in the Soualiga soil, MP- Elect and Veteran Politician Franklyn Meyers has proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that he is no “Frankie-come-lately”.

MP-elect Meyers as Leader of the Soualiga Action Movement (SAM) knows and has himself pointed out during his short campaign of Summer 2024, that St. Maarten is at a crucial juncture in the role it has played for the past 60 odd years as a prominent leader in Caribbean Tourism.

Frankie, in my opinion, stands tall in his own leadership role now that he has put his money where his mouth is, by convincing his loyal party members, fellow SAM candidates and ALL OF US, that St. Maarten’s future is more important than individual’s wishes and for that “COLLECTIVE WE” must have the utmost respect and be grateful.

I personally am convinced that THIS Council Of Ministers will work with each other across ministries and in close cooperation with each other, almost like we were forced to do while serving as Commissioners in the Executive Councils of the Island Territory of St. Maarten before 10/10/10.

I pray for and wish both our Parliament and our incoming Government much wisdom, patience, and knowledge for the next governing term of 4 years.

Michael J. Ferrier

A proud supporter of the PFP

Following is the Letter to the Editor I was referring to:

“As a concerned Justice Worker deeply invested in the future of our Ministry of Justice, I feel compelled to address the recent developments surrounding the formation of the proposed new coalition government and its impact on our vital institution. Under the leadership of Minister Lyndon Lewis, we have finally begun to see some progress in addressing the longstanding issues within the Ministry. However, I have serious doubts about the proposed Coalition's commitment to solving the problems that have plagued us for far too long if they honestly intend to put third-time retiree politician and undertaker Frankie Meyers and his team of misfits in charge of the Ministry of Justice.

The appointment of the Ministry of Justice to Franklin Meyers and the SAM political party is a slap in the face of the justice workers. Throughout their campaign, SAM never addressed the critical issues within the Justice Ministry, and no one within the party has the experience or knowledge necessary to tackle the complex challenges we face daily. The Justice Ministry is not a token portfolio to be handed out as a bargaining chip in political negotiations. It is a critical institution that requires leadership with a deep understanding of law enforcement, justice administration, and the unique challenges faced by Justice Workers.

It is disheartening to see the URSM, Democratic Party, and PFP allocate the Ministry of Justice to a party that has shown little to no interest in our struggles. My colleagues and I feel that this decision is a "consolation prize" for SAM, to keep others in the Coalition from voicing their objections rather than a genuine attempt to bring about meaningful change within the Ministry. This is especially disappointing given the URSM's refusal to take on the Ministry themselves, despite their claim of knowledge of the Justice Ministry's challenges and their ability to advocate for real reform by one of their own Parliamentarians.

Sjamira Roseburg, as prominent attorney and Parliamentarian, would have been a far better choice for Minister of Justice, or is she not willing to take on the role of working for us and is only talking and not interested in action? Her legal expertise, deep understanding of the justice system, and genuine concern for the well-being of Justice Workers make her an ideal candidate for the role. Why are URSM and Prime Minister Mercelina refusing to take the issues of the Ministry of Justice seriously? You cannot use this crucial Ministry as a bargaining chip to prevent the destabilization of the Coalition, instead of addressing the real needs of the Justice Workers and the security of the community.

Justice Workers are not mere pawns in your political game. We are the backbone of the community, working tirelessly and often at great personal risk to ensure the safety and security of our island.

I hope on the people of St. Maarten join us in demanding better for Justice Workers and workers everywhere. The Ministry of Justice is too important to be a consolation prize. We need experienced, committed leadership that prioritizes the needs of Justice Workers and the safety of our entire island. I urge the coalition partners to reconsider their decision and place the Ministry in the hands of those who truly understand its significance and are prepared to make the necessary changes to improve it.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.

Sincerely,

A Concerned Justice Worker”

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA) Collection Prevention Service (CPS) calls on Garage Owners and Tire Repair Centers to take immediate steps to eliminate mosquito breeding sites in and around their operations.

CPS is appealing to garage owners and tire repair shops to take immediate measures to remove mosquito breeding sites from their establishments and to maintain daily monitoring and control measures to eliminate any standing water on their premises especially now that we are in the hurricane season where rain events occur frequently.

Accumulation of rainwater provides breeding space, especially in unused tires and old tires, for mosquitoes that carry the dengue-causing virus to multiply.

The design of tires makes them ideal breeding sites for several species of mosquitoes, some of which are very important vectors of disease.  Since they are easily filled by rain and collect leaf litter, they provide an ideal incubator for mosquito larvae.

If we can eliminate scrap tire dumps, we will eliminate a prolific mosquito habitat and the associated disease risks.  When discarding tires, ensure that they cannot hold water by puncturing holes in them or cutting them up into pieces before throwing them away at the landfill dumpsite within the established guidelines. These tires can be dumped at the landfill at Soualiga Boulevard on a weekly basis.

Dengue and other mosquito related diseases are transmitted by the female vector Aedes Aegypti mosquito. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito is distinguished by its markings. The body of the mosquito has alternate black and white horizontal stripes. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito lays her eggs in clear (clean) stagnant water. Within eight days the mosquito can complete its life cycle from egg to larvae to pupae and to adult mosquito.

Even after you have cleaned up your garage/tire repair shop and surroundings, it is recommended for persons to walk around their place on a weekly basis and after every rain event to eliminate all possible breeding sites.

An increase in the mosquito population puts all residents and businesses at risk.

Inform CPS about your challenges in eliminating mosquito breeding sites in and around your homes/establishments to collectively seek a solution to the identified challenge.

Contact CPS’ vector control team by calling 520-4161, 542-1222/1570, or 914 or by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Korps Politie Sint Maarten (KPSM) would like to inform all owners of scooters and motorcycles that were confiscated due to non-compliance with traffic regulations and ordinances that these vehicles have been stored at the police headquarters for an extended period of time. 

We urge all affected owners to be proactive and promptly provide the necessary documentation to facilitate the release of their scooters or motorcycles. This includes proof of ownership, valid insurance, driver’s license for the category, payment of road taxes and inspection card as required by law. 

Failure to comply with this request may result in the permanent loss of your vehicle, as the KPSM will be forced to consider disposing of unclaimed motorcycles and scooters, including the possibility of having them crushed. 

We strongly encourage all owners to take immediate action to avoid the loss of their property. For further assistance or to arrange for the release of your vehicle, please contact the KPSM at the details provided below.Phone: 542-2222 

KPSM remains committed to upholding traffic safety and ensuring compliance with all regulations. We appreciate the cooperation of the public in maintaining order on our roads.