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Disciples Toastmasters Club Hosts Inspiring Team Building Retreat, "Fusion Force".

PHILIPSBURG:--- On December 1, 2024, the Disciples Toastmasters Club held its highly anticipated Team Building Retreat, titled Fusion Force, at the picturesque Divi Little Bay Resort. The event was attended by all the active members and club officers of the Disciples Toastmasters Club, which fostered an inclusive opportunity for personal and professional growth. The initiative was spearheaded by the Club President, Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) Valerie Brazier, whose vision for the event ensured its resounding success.
The retreat featured an impressive lineup of facilitators, all experienced Toastmasters, who delivered engaging and impactful sessions:
DTM Alicia Seaton conducted several sessions to promote camaraderie amongst the participants, using creativity to fully engage all members. DTM Rolando Tobias delivered two powerful sessions on Communication Styles as well as Coachability, while DTM Annette Marlin-Berkel and DTM Vernicia Brooks delivered interactive sessions on Commitment & Building confidence. Club President, DTM Valerie Brazier, kept the participants fully engaged as she presented on business attire and facilitated meetings.
Each presentation was uniquely delivered yet seamlessly interconnected, emphasizing themes that resonated deeply with participants.
The retreat began on a high note, with members actively engaging in dynamic discussions and activities. The day unfolded as a rich blend of fun, critical thinking, and insightful exercises designed to enhance self-awareness, strengthen interpersonal relationships, and refine leadership skills. From fostering camaraderie to elevating professional poise, the retreat proved to be a transformative experience for all in attendance.
As the event concluded, participants were awarded Certificates of Completion, symbolizing their commitment to growth and readiness to elevate in both personal and professional realms.
The Disciples Toastmasters Club meets twice monthly, in person, on the second and fourth Sundays at St. Maarten Academy, Copper Drive #1, Cul de Sac, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. The next meeting will take place on December 8, 2024.
For more information about the Disciples Toastmasters Club, follow us on Facebook at Disciples Toastmasters Club SXM.

 


Turning Point Employees Achieve Certification in Heartsaver® First Aid CPR AED Training.

turningpoint03122024PHILIP0SBURG:--- Turning Point proudly announces that all employees have successfully completed the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Heartsaver® First Aid CPR AED Training. This comprehensive course equips participants with the skills needed to provide critical first aid, perform CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) effectively and safely.

Reflecting the latest updates from the AHA Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC), the training covers a wide range of essential topics, including:
• First aid basics
• Responding to medical emergencies
• Handling injury and environmental emergencies
• Preventing illness and injury
• Adult CPR and AED use
• Managing opioid-associated life-threatening emergencies
• Child and Infant CPR AED

This training served as a refresher course for some and an introduction for others, ensuring everyone is prepared for emergencies. The training was facilitated by professionals from Windward Island Emergency Medical Services (WIEMS). Although certification is video-based, the facilitators demonstrated, outlined, and emphasized key aspects of the course, ensuring that all participants thoroughly grasped the material.

“This training ensures that our team is prepared to respond to emergencies with confidence, competence, and care,” said Dr. Tasheena Thomas-Maccow, Director & Senior Counselor. “We are committed to maintaining a safe environment for our employees, clients, and the communities we serve.”

The Heartsaver® program underscores Turning Point’s dedication to safety, preparedness, and community well-being. By equipping its team with lifesaving skills, the organization strengthens its ability to respond to unforeseen situations while fostering a culture of care and vigilance.

For more information about Turning Point and its commitment to safety and community support, please contact:
Mr. Oliver Wilson
Program Director
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About Turning Point
Turning Point Foundation is St. Maarten’s leading faith-based substance abuse treatment provider. We offer individualized care through individual, group, and family/codependent therapy, empowering clients to achieve sobriety, spiritual growth, and reintegration into society. Guided by values of safety, teamwork, accountability, and respect, we are dedicated to transforming lives and improving community health.

 

Ministry of VROMI Announces Landfill Holiday Schedule.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning, and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI), announced on Tuesday its landfill hours for the upcoming holiday season.
Christmas Day
Please be aware of the change of hours for the Main/Irma Landfill for Wednesday, December 25, 2024, from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Boxing Day
Please be aware of the change of hours for the Main/Irma Landfill for Thursday, December 26, 2024, from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Regular operational hours will return to normal on Friday, December 27, 2024.
New Year's Day
Please be aware of the change of hours for the Main/Irma Landfill for: Wednesday, January 1, 2025, 6:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Regular operational hours will return to normal on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Happy Holidays.

2024 Safety Tips for Decorating your Home and Christmas tree this holiday season.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The 2024 Holiday Season is upon us, and shoppers are busy buying Christmas trees and lights to adorn their homes this holiday season. With less than 23 days before Christmas Eve, families are bustling around to put everything in place.

Parents and family members should keep in mind some holiday safety tips when it concerns decorations and the Christmas tree. The season is all about family togetherness, and we would like everyone to have a safe holiday season incident-free.

Every year, the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department that falls under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, as part of its calendar of observances, highlights and creates awareness where it concerns holiday safety.

Check out this list of holiday season safety tips:

Trees:
• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant." Although this label does not mean the tree won't catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
• When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green; needles are hard to pull from branches and do not break when bent between your fingers. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
• When setting up a tree at home, be sure to keep the stand filled with water. Check regularly to avoid mosquito breeding. Place the tree out of the way of foot traffic and do not block doorways or exits.
Lights:
• Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory, which indicates conformance with safety standards. Use only lights that have fused plugs.
• Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets. Always replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulbs.
• Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. Make sure the extension cord is rated for the intended use.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
• Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.
• Stay away from power or feeder lines leading from utility poles into older homes.
• Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Use only insulated staples to hold strings in place, not nails or tacks. Or, run strings of lights through hooks (available at hardware stores).
• Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.
• Use caution when removing outdoor holiday lights. Never pull or tug on lights - they could unravel and inadvertently wrap around power lines.
• Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold. GFCIs can be installed permanently to household circuits by a qualified electrician.
Decorations:
• Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.
• Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.
• In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to avoid the child swallowing or inhaling small pieces, and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to eat them.
• Wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation while decorating with spun glass "angel hair."
• Follow container directions carefully to avoid lung irritation while decorating with artificial snow sprays.

Council of Ministers Hold Introductory Meeting for Unions.

comunions03122024PHILIPSBURG:--- Last week, representatives from the unions of Sint Maarten met with the Council of Ministers in an introductory session. The meeting served as a platform for open dialogue between union leaders and the recently sworn-in ministers, including Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor Richenel S.J. Brug, and Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs. The session underscored the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration with unions to address the needs of workers and the community.

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance of unity and constructive dialogue, "Our unions represent the strength and resilience of Sint Maarten’s workforce, and their voices are essential in shaping the policies that will guide our nation forward. This government is here to listen, engage, and, most importantly, act in the best interest of the people. Together, we will address challenges head-on and build a future that prioritizes equity and opportunity for all."

PM Dr. Mercelina also highlighted the government’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity, stating:
"This meeting is not a one-time event—it is the start of a consistent, open dialogue. Our administration is dedicated to ensuring that the concerns of workers are not only heard but reflected in our actions. The success of Sint Maarten lies in its people, and we are ready to work hand in hand with our unions to secure a brighter tomorrow."

Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs echoed, "Our workforce drives the success of our economy, and their well-being is non-negotiable. As Minister of Finance, I am committed to implementing policies that ensure wage equity, access to opportunities, and financial stability for all. We must create an economic environment where workers feel valued and secure in their futures," Minister Gumbs stated.

Minister Gumbs further stressed the importance of fiscal responsibility in achieving these goals, "While we navigate our financial challenges, we remain steadfast in our mission to balance economic stability with the needs of our people. Together, with the input of unions, we can shape policies that deliver sustainable progress and uplift our workforce."

Union leaders raised key issues which the Council of Ministers pledged to address through collaborative efforts.
The session concluded with a shared commitment to maintaining open communication and scheduling regular follow-up meetings to translate discussions into actionable outcomes.
This meeting signifies a renewed partnership between the government and unions, reflecting the Council of Ministers’ dedication to inclusivity and progress for the benefit of all Sint Maarteners.


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