PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), in collaboration with the Department of Communication (DCOMM), is urging all motorists to drive sober and avoid drinking and driving during the upcoming Carnival 55 festivities.

With a wide range of events, food, and beverages expected throughout the Carnival season, authorities are reminding the public that impaired driving poses a serious risk to lives on the road.

Motorists who plan to consume alcohol are strongly encouraged to arrange for a designated driver or utilize taxi services to ensure a safe journey home.

The primary goal of this appeal is to protect all road users and prevent avoidable tragedies during this festive period.

CPS is encouraging members of the community to look out for one another by ensuring that friends and family do not get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

Responsible decisions can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

Carnival festivities officially begin on Friday, April 10, 2026, with the opening of the Carnival Village, marking the start of several weeks of celebrations.

While the season is one of enjoyment and cultural expression, authorities stress that safety must remain a top priority.

Driving under the influence can result in serious injury, loss of life, and long-term consequences for individuals and families.

Motorists are also reminded to avoid speeding, always wear seat belts, and remain alert while driving. These simple but critical actions serve as a strong defense against road accidents, especially in situations where impaired drivers may be present.

CPS and DCOMM call on the community to act responsibly and make safe choices throughout the Carnival period. Don’t drink and drive—always drive sober.

By working together, the public can help ensure a safe and enjoyable festive season for everyone.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Library Belvedere location was transformed into a realm of imagination and giggles this Easter, as 19 early learners gathered for a day of storytelling, creativity, and a high-energy egg hunt. As part of the library’s youth-centered programming, the event blended literacy with pure holiday joy.

The morning kicked off with a cozy reading session of stories that sparked smiles led by library staffer Daniel Helligar. Daniel shared the charming tale, "It’s Better Being a Bunny," which had the children considering the perks of long ears and fluffy tails.

The excitement reached an extra special peak with a surprise appearance by the Easter Bunny, who delighted the children with cheerful waves, playful interactions, and photo-worthy moments that added even more magic to the day.

The energy shifted from sweet to hilarious when invited guest Rotarian Fabiana Beauperthuy-Richardson took the floor. She delivered a spirited and humorous reading of "Bucky the Farting Easter Bunny’s Butt Blast," which erupted in laughter, proving that a little bit of "bunny business" is the perfect way to keep young readers engaged and excited about books.

Following the stories, the children channeled their excitement into creative coloring activities. Armed with crayons, the little artists brought Easter scenes to life, practicing their fine motor skills while discussing their favorite parts of the stories that were read to them.

The Grand Quest: the highlighted event was the dynamic Easter hunt. The Sint Maarten Library’s adjacent garden became the "hunting grounds" where children scouted for hidden treasures. Their mission was to find as many eggs as possible. The atmosphere was high-energy, full of teamwork, and supported by parents ensuring fun. After a thorough search through the gardens, the competition reached its peak. Sister-and-brother team, Amaura (age 4) and Amadeus (age 2) won the grand prize, the coveted Dragon Egg. The winners were celebrated with cheers from their peers, marking the perfect end to a morning of "fun learning." Reading Consultant M. Spencer put this wonderful program together. A huge thank you to Daniel Helligar, Rotarian Fabiana Beauperthuy-Richardson, and all the library staff for making this magical day possible!

Events like this remind us that the magic of reading does not stop at the last page. From giggles over mischievous bunnies to the thrill of a grand Easter egg hunt, the Sint Maarten Library proves that learning can be an adventure for every child. Families are warmly invited to join in on upcoming library programs, where books, creativity, and fun collide in ways that inspire curiosity and a lifelong love of reading. Keep an eye on our events—your next story time, craft session, or literacy adventure could be just around the corner!

CAY HILL:---  The Mental Health Foundation (MHF), in collaboration with the Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA) department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, is proud to highlight the continued success and expansion of its Community Help Desk mental health initiative.

The project was designed to improve the accessibility and feasibility of delivering mental health care services within community-based settings. Following a formal collaboration agreement with CDFHA, the initiative was launched as a pilot program in June 2024, beginning with services at the Hope Estate Community Help Desk.

The project was intentionally introduced on a small scale, allowing for careful monitoring and evaluation. After its first year, a comprehensive assessment revealed overwhelmingly positive results, both for clients and service providers. These findings supported the expansion of services to additional help desk locations, reinforcing the project’s value as an innovative approach to community mental health care.

The initiative was guided by key objectives to enhance access to mental health services across three Community Help Desk locations, evaluate client response to receiving care in community-based settings, and explore opportunities for continued collaboration between MHF and CDFHA.

Throughout 2025, nearly 30 clients utilized the Community Help Desk locations for a range of services, including mental health counseling and emotional support, substance abuse support, assistance with domestic violence and family-related issues, as well as financial and employment support.

MHF clinicians, including psychologists and our occupational therapist, utilize these locations on a weekly basis, carefully scheduling sessions based on client needs and preferences.

Although MHF clinicians utilize the Community Help Desk locations to provide care, all clients are required to complete their intake process and initial session at the MHF facility in Cay Hill for administrative and assessment purposes. Not all clients are suitable candidates for community-based sessions and through consultation, the clinician determines whether sessions at these locations are appropriate based on the client’s needs and circumstances.

Feedback from clients has been highly encouraging. Many have expressed that accessing services closer to their workplace or community significantly reduces logistical barriers. Others noted that the added privacy of community-based sessions helps ease concerns related to stigma often associated with visiting a mental health facility.

The initiative has proven especially beneficial for school-aged clients in areas such as St. Peters, as well as individuals who may face transportation or mobility challenges, often seen in Dutch Quarter. Clients have demonstrated varied preferences, with some opting exclusively for help desk sessions while others prefer a hybrid approach between community locations and our Cay Hill location.

Staff feedback has also been positive, with clinicians reporting improved engagement and flexibility in meeting client needs within their own communities.

The Hope Estate location, furnished through a generous donation by Ashley’s Furniture, remains the most frequently utilized site, followed by St. Peters particularly due to its proximity to schools and working populations. While Cole Bay and Dutch Quarter locations currently experience lower usage, they remain available as options as demand evolves.

Each clinician schedules sessions based on community demand and client requirements, ensuring efficient use of resources while maintaining high standards of care.

Looking ahead, MHF and CDFHA are exploring opportunities to further enhance these spaces, including potential renovations to improve the environment and expand service capacity across all locations.

The success of this initiative underscores the importance of collaborative, community-driven approaches to healthcare. MHF remains committed to expanding its services in meaningful ways that prioritize accessibility, reduce stigma and meet clients where they are.

“This collaboration with CDFHA represents a significant step forward in how mental health care can be delivered within our communities,” says MHF Medical Director, Dr. Hendrikus van Gaalen. “We are encouraged by the positive impact seen over the past two years and remain dedicated to building on this foundation to better serve the people of Sint Maarten.”

“At CDFHA, we are deeply committed to strengthening support systems within our communities, particularly for individuals and families facing mental health and social challenges,” stated Acting Department Head of the CDFHA Kevin James. “Our partnership with the Mental Health Foundation reflects our shared vision of making care more accessible, approachable, and responsive to the needs of our people. By bringing services closer to where individuals live, work, and study, we are not only reducing barriers but also fostering a more supportive and inclusive environment for mental well-being across Sint Maarten.”