PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- As part of its annual Health Observances Calendar (HOC), the Collective Prevention Service (CPS), is calling on the male population of Sint Maarten to “Man Up and Get a Check Up” with respect to prostate cancer.   

Prostate cancer poses a significant public health challenge in the Caribbean, with the region facing some of the highest incidence and mortality rates globally.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, and while it often grows slowly in its early stages, awareness is key for early detection and effective treatment.

The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder that is part of the male reproductive system. In the early stages of prostate cancer, men may experience no symptoms at all, which is why regular screenings and conversations with a doctor are so important, and therefore CPS is calling on men to “Man Up and Get a Check Up.”

As the disease progresses, signs such as difficulty or pain while urinating, a weaker urine flow, blood in the urine or semen, and pain in the lower back or hips may appear.

Factors such as age, family history, and race can increase a man's risk, but a significant number of cases are still diagnosed in men without these risk factors.

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, adopting a healthy lifestyle can play a crucial role in reducing your risk and improving your overall well-being.

A diet rich in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is recommended, while limiting the consumption of red and processed meats, high-fat foods, and dairy products.

Maintaining healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity are also strongly linked to a lower risk of more aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

In addition, avoiding tobacco use and moderating alcohol consumption are general health practices that can help lower the risk of many cancers, including prostate cancer.

A prostate cancer awareness panel discussion is planned for Friday, September 26 at the Lions Civic Center in Suckergarden from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and CPS is encouraging the men in the community to come out and be informed. The panel discussion will feature a number of prominent Sint Maarteners including a couple who are prostate cancer survivors.   

The most powerful tool for combating prostate cancer is early detection. Men should discuss their personal risk factors with their healthcare provider to determine the right time to begin screenings.

By taking proactive steps and prioritizing these conversations with a doctor, men can empower themselves to stay ahead of the disease and increase their chances of a positive outcome.

CPS encourages Sint Maarten men to make healthy choices, live a healthy lifestyle and be active.

Persons seeking additional information should contact their family physician or CPS at telephone numbers: 542-1570 or 542-1222.

PHILIPSBURG:---  While in Dubai attending the 28th Universal Postal Congress, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, also took the opportunity to participate in the opening day of the Food Security SummitX 2025. The international forum brought together policymakers, innovators, and experts to exchange ideas and best practices on sustainability, agricultural innovation, and global food security.

Minister Heyliger-Marten highlighted that the Food Security Summit was highly informative and provided valuable insights into international best practices that can be tailored to St. Maarten’s unique context.

"The Food Security SummitX in Dubai has reinforced how critical it is for small island nations like ours to learn from global expertise," said Minister Heyliger-Marten. "The strategies, technologies, and solutions I observed can inspire new approaches for food resilience and sustainability in St. Maarten."

The Minister further announced plans to host a series of spin-off meetings in St. Maarten to explore opportunities for collaboration with international partners and assess how best to implement solutions showcased in Dubai.

Through her participation in the Food Security SummitX, Minister Heyliger-Marten reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that St. Maarten remains engaged in global discussions that strengthen its economic resilience, food security, and international cooperation.

~CBCS formalizes collaboration with IEDOM~

WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:--- The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) and its Saint Martin counterpart, the Banque de France’s Institut d'Émission des Départements d'Outre-Mer (IEDOM), recently formalized their cooperation through a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement shows the commitment of both institutions to better understand how the unique open border shapes the intertwined economies of Sint Maarten and Saint Martin. The collaboration will ensure more accurate and timely data collection and enhance the CBCS’s understanding of the complex interplay between the two sides of the island, such as tourism arrivals and room inventory, thereby improving the quality of its economic analyses and forecasts. This, in turn, supports better-informed economic projections and effective monetary policy decisions. Looking ahead, this partnership establishes a solid foundation for future economic research on topics of mutual relevance, particularly to both sides of the tourism-intensive island as well as for other areas of central banking. CBCS President Richard Doornbosch signed the agreement, along with the president of IEDOM, Ivan Odannat at the CBCS Sint Maarten Office. Staff from both institutions were also present for the signing ceremony. Philipsburg, September 12, 2025

CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Dr. Luc Mercelina, accompanied by Chief of Staff Stuart Johnson, last week concluded a series of high-level shareholder and bilateral meetings in Curaçao, highlighting his government’s commitment to securing Sint Maarten’s fiscal stability, creating opportunities for its people, and advancing sustainable regional cooperation.

On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Prime Minister Mercelina attended the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of Saba Bank Resources N.V. Discussions focused on the company’s financial performance, governance, and long-term strategy. The Prime Minister stressed that ensuring revenue-generating opportunities must be the priority to guarantee the continuity and sustainability of Saba Bank Resources.

“Saba Bank Resources must not only be well-governed but must also remain a strong and sustainable source of revenue,” said Prime Minister Mercelina. “For Sint Maarten, the company’s future lies in developing opportunities that strengthen its continuity and create tangible value for all shareholders.”

The Prime Minister represented Sint Maarten at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Dutch Caribbean Air Navigation Service Provider (DC-ANSP). The agenda included approval of the 2024 Annual Report, discussion of the 2026–2030 Business Plan, and key board reappointments.

During the meeting, PM Dr. Mercelina reaffirmed that dividend payments remain an ultimate goal for Sint Maarten, as they are crucial for national fiscal planning. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of aligning investments in aviation modernization with opportunities for Sint Maarten’s workforce.

“Good stewardship requires balance,” PM Dr. Mercelina stated. “We must invest in modern and resilient air traffic systems, but also deliver fair shareholder returns. At the same time, DC-ANSP must serve as a platform for job creation and training opportunities, ensuring that St. Maarteners are directly included in the industry’s future growth.”

The Prime Minister’s interventions at DC-ANSP highlighted Sint Maarten’s support for a mid-term review mechanism in long-term investment plans, ensuring shareholders can adapt strategies to financial or operational changes.

While in Curaçao, Prime Minister Mercelina also held bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas, focusing on economic resilience, energy transition, and regional security.

“Strong collaboration between our islands is vital,” PM Dr. Mercelina affirmed. “By working closely with Curaçao, we strengthen not only our economies but also the future stability of the entire Dutch Caribbean.”

In addition, Prime Minister Mercelina met with Maria Liberia Peters, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles, where they exchanged reflections on the political and economic evolution of the Dutch Caribbean and the importance of leadership continuity.

“It was an honor to meet with Mrs. Liberia Peters, a leader whose vision helped shape our region,” said PM Dr. Mercelina. “Her insights remind us that building our future requires both respect for history and bold steps forward.”

Photo Caption: Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, Curacao's Minister of  Traffic,Transport and Urban Planning Charles Cooper and Stuart Johnson Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister at the DC-ANSP Shareholders Meeting in Curacao late last week.