SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA), would like to acknowledge the nurses of the department on International Nurses Day 2025, Monday, May 12.

Nurses play a key role in all health-related institutions and are the backbone of the health system.

Nurses work hard, and have a determination, diligence, and willingness to contribute to the community and therefore improving the way of life is commendable.

These are some of the traits that lay the groundwork for their success and to keep the flame alive for those who choose this path to walk in their footsteps.

Their responsibility is towards the welfare, safety, and recovery of patients.

CPS would like to say thank you to its nurses and nurses overall North and South on Sint Maarten/Saint-Martin for all that they do in safeguarding our communities.

According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the region of the Americas has approximately 7.4 million nursing professionals, representing 63 percent of the health workforce.

Eighty-seven per cent of nurses are women. The number of nursing graduates has declined dramatically in the Region, from 81 to 24 per 10,000 population between 2018 and 2023.

The global nursing workforce has grown from 27.9 million in 2018 to 29.8 million in 2023.    

IND was created to honor and pay tribute to all nurses. Monday, May 12 marks the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the date that the nursing profession was born. “To do what nobody else will do, in a way that nobody else can do, in spite of all we go through; that is to be a nurse.” – Rawsi Williams

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) theme for IND-2025 is, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies.”

The ICN is a federation that represents the interests of the nursing profession of millions of nurses worldwide.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – First Response, a premier security and technology company in Sint Maarten, has taken a major step in strengthening the island’s safety by implementing internationally recognized training standards through a new global partnership.

In a strategic alliance with Chameleon Associates, a world-renowned provider of advanced security training and consulting, First Response is raising the bar for security operations across the territory.

Rooted in the Israeli security model—widely regarded as one of the most effective systems in the world—Chameleon’s methodologies have supported leading international agencies, government institutions, and law enforcement for over two decades.

As part of this initiative, 45 First Response security officers recently completed Chameleon’s Security Foundation Training, which included: Predictive Profiling Security Questioning De-Escalation Techniques All participating officers earned official certification, demonstrating their enhanced ability to detect and deter threats proactively—delivering a higher level of security for the businesses, communities, and individuals they serve.

“This milestone marks just the beginning,” said a representative of First Response. “We are committed to consistently elevating our standards—not just through training, but through innovation and global partnerships. Our mission is clear: to provide Sint Maarten with the most professional, intelligent, and trusted security service available.”

In addition to operational excellence, First Response remains dedicated to its core values of professionalism, integrity, innovation, and care. The company recently launched a female employee empowerment program and continues to support local leaders using their platforms to promote positive social impact.

With a focus on cutting-edge training, international collaboration, and meaningful community engagement, First Response is redefining what it means to provide modern security in Sint Maarten—ensuring readiness, resilience, and respect at every level.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Richinel Brug is proud to announce the launch of the mental health awareness workshop led by Ms. Alexandrine R. Peterson, M.Ed., Clinical Mental Health Counselor, on May 24, 2025.  

Alexandrine brings a wealth of experience in conducting psychoeducational assessments and providing counseling for children and adolescents aged 6 to 13. She has worked extensively with young individuals facing learning and developmental challenges such as ADHD, dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and depression. 

In addition to her clinical work, Alexandrine has designed and facilitated workshops for educators, parents, and caregivers on topics including emotional regulation, behavior management, and understanding learning differences. 

On May 24, Alexandrine will lead a workshop open to anyone involved in the lives of children — whether you are a parent, teacher, counselor, family member, or friend. Participants will gain critical skills in recognizing early signs of emotional distress and potential suicide risks in children and adolescents. 

Key Topics Include: 

• How to recognize emotional distress and warning signs 
• How to initiate open, supportive conversations 
• How to guide children toward professional help 

Why is it important to attend? 
“What we are witnessing on Sint Maarten is a concerning rise in mental health challenges, particularly among young children. Tragically, we have seen cases where children have taken their own lives.”  This is not a trend that I as Minister, wish to see continue. 

“ We must act now to reverse this trend.  But where do we begin, and how do we move forward? This workshop represents a crucial first step. 

The more people who are able to recognize the warning signs, the better we can respond and the more lives we can save. Our youth are our future. If they cannot see a future for themselves, then it is our responsibility to help them find one.”  

Are you ready to take on this responsibility? 

For more information or to register, please contact:  

The Ministery of Health, Social Development and Labor at

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. 

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – UPDATE - The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) has arrested several suspects in connection with an armed robbery that took place on the afternoon of Friday, May 9, 2025, at a jewelry store located at the end of Front Street near Emma Plein.

At approximately 2:00 PM, Central Dispatch received multiple calls reporting an ongoing robbery. Preliminary investigation revealed that several men, dressed in dark clothing and armed with firearms, entered the establishment, destroyed several display cases, and made off with an unknown quantity of jewelry. The suspects then fled the scene in a small vehicle heading toward the Sucker Garden area.

Officers in the vicinity responded immediately and located the fleeing vehicle on Sucker Garden Road. A pursuit ensued, leading officers into the Dutch Quarter area.

Following an intensive search operation in the neighborhood, several individuals suspected to be involved in the robbery were apprehended and taken into custody

All suspects are currently being held at the Philipsburg Police Station as the investigation continues. Detectives are working to verify their identities and determine the full extent of their involvement in the crime.

KPSM commends the swift response and coordinated efforts of the officers involved. Anyone with additional information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact the police at +1 721 542-2222 or call the anonymous tip line at 9300.

ARCHIVED - SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) detectives are currently investigating an armed robbery that occurred on Friday afternoon, May 9, 2025, at a jewelry store located at the end of Front Street near Emma Plein.

At approximately 2:00 PM, the Central Dispatch received multiple calls reporting an ongoing robbery. According to the preliminary investigation, several men dressed in dark clothing entered the establishment brandishing firearms. The suspects destroyed several display cases and made off with an unknown quantity of jewelry before fleeing the scene in a small vehicle heading in the direction of Sucker Garden.

Officers who were in the vicinity at the time responded swiftly and located the fleeing vehicle on the Sucker Garden Road. A high-speed pursuit ensued, leading officers into the Dutch Quarter area. The suspects managed to evade capture, and an extensive manhunt is currently underway in the neighborhood.

KPSM is asking anyone with information that can assist in identifying or locating the suspects to come forward. The public is urged to contact the police at +1 721 542-2222 or submit information anonymously via the tip line at 9300.

The investigation is ongoing. More information will be shared as it becomes available.