PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an epidemiological update due to a sharp increase in cases of measles in the Americas Region during 2025 and early 2026. PAHO described this as a warning sign that requires immediate and coordinated action by Member States.

PAHO has called on Member States to prioritize strengthening routine surveillance and vaccination activities.
Measles is highly contagious. A single infected person can transmit it to up to 18 others. Vaccination remains the most effective means of protection.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, is calling on guardians and parents to check the vaccine status of their child (ren) to see that they are up to date.

CPS continues to closely monitoring the measles situation in the Region.

Measles can cause potentially serious illness. Symptoms of measles typically manifest between 10 and 12 days after exposure but occasionally can take up to 21 days.

Initially resembling cold-like symptoms, measles progress to include fever, respiratory symptoms, conjunctivitis, and a characteristic rash. This rash, starting on the face and behind the ears before spreading, may consist of raised, non-itchy spots that eventually evolve into blotchy patches.

Measles is contagious even before the rash appears, with a person able to spread the infection for up to four (4) days beforehand. Once the rash develops, they can still transmit the virus for another four (4) days. If a person is suspected of having measles and a healthcare professional confirms it, it's important to stay away from places like childcare, school, or work for at least four (4) days from when the rash first appears.

Resting and drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help alleviate symptoms and prevent dehydration.

The best way to prevent contracting measles is through vaccination. The majority of people who get measles are unvaccinated.

The two-dose MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent measles. The vaccine is available, free-of-charge, to children at CPS.

Every person regardless of their age and if they are not fully un or immunized, is therefore at risk of contracting the disease; this is especially true in those countries where persistently low immunization rates increase the risk of a large outbreak with possible tragic consequences.

Countries should achieve and/or sustain at least 95% coverage with two doses of measles-containing vaccine to prevent circulation in the event of an importation of measles.

Travelers who are not up to date with their vaccinations are at higher risk of contracting measles when in close contact with travelers from countries where the virus is still circulating.

If you have any questions about your child's vaccination status or wish to make an appointment for vaccination, please contact CPS Section Youth Healthcare at 914 or 520-4163 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If persons decide to travel, they should also check their vaccination status and to make use of every opportunity to get vaccinated according to Sint Maarten’s National Immunization Program. vaccination schedule. Consult your physician for additional information.

~Calling on Community Groups to Register Projects Before February 28 Deadline~

PHILIPSBURG:---  The SXM DOET team is urgently calling on community organizations on Dutch Sint Maarten to register their SXM DOET project(s) and submit their financial application(s) before the registration deadline.
SXM DOET, the island’s largest volunteer initiative, will take place on May 15 and 16, 2026, under the theme “From Jump Up to Step Up for a Brighter Sint Maarten.” The initiative provides organizations with the opportunity to receive volunteer support and financial assistance to execute projects that strengthen our community, organizations and improves the quality of life of the beneficiaries across the island.
With the February 28, 2026 deadline quickly approaching, the organizing team is encouraging NGOs, foundations, schools, sports clubs, neighborhood community councils, senior homes, at-risk youth organizations, and other non-profit initiatives to act now.
“Each year, SXM DOET makes a lasting, tangible difference in our communities, but that impact depends on the projects submitted by our local organizations,” the organizers stated. “We know there are many great ideas out there, and we strongly encourage organizations not to miss this opportunity to receive support, funding, and volunteers to bring those ideas to life.”
Organizations can submit projects focused on community beautification, social support, environmental improvement, at-risk youth and senior activities, facility upgrades, and other project ideas that benefit the wider community.
SXM DOET is part of a Kingdom-wide movement that mobilizes more than a thousand volunteers annually in Sint Maarten. The event not only delivers immediate community improvements but also showcases the spirit and importance of volunteerism and social responsibility on the island.
Organizations interested in participating must register their projects and submit any financial requests no later than February 28, 2026.

Project registration and guidelines are available at www.sxmdoet.com
For more information, organizations may contact the SXM DOET team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via Whatsapp at +1 721 587 7508.
Register your project today and let’s move from Jump Up to Step Up for a brighter Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is calling on residents, visitors, and the broader business community to cooperate fully with law enforcement as the island gears up for one of its most celebrated annual events — the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, set to take place during the first week of March 2026.
The Heineken Regatta is one of Sint Maarten's important events, drawing thousands of sailing enthusiasts and visitors from around the world each year. With that influx comes a significant increase in activity across the island, and KPSM wants to ensure the experience remains safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.
KPSM takes this opportunity to thank the public, event organizers, and the business community for their cooperation in previous years, which has been instrumental in maintaining public order, safety, and smooth traffic flow throughout the event. That same spirit of partnership will be crucial in 2026.
Motorists should be aware that traffic control measures will be in place, particularly in the Cole Bay and Simpson Bay areas, where the highest concentration of pedestrian and vehicular movement is expected. The most critical period will be the weekend of March 7 and 8, 2026, when temporary traffic adjustments will be implemented along Union Road. Drivers heading toward Port de Plaisance are urged to stay alert, follow all temporary signage and road directions, and comply with instructions from officers.
KPSM specifically asks all road users to follow traffic regulations without exception, allow extra travel time when passing through event zones, refrain from illegal parking or blocking roadways along Union Road, remain patient and respectful toward fellow road users, and report any suspicious activity to police immediately.
Officers will maintain a strong and visible presence throughout the Regatta period. KPSM is clear that visible policing is not simply a deterrent — it is a commitment to accountability and community protection.
The Regatta season will be followed by the Sint Maarten Carnival in April and May 2026, for which similar public cooperation will be expected. Together, these events represent the best of Sint Maarten, and KPSM is determined to keep them that way.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, says it has been six years since when the World Health Organization (WHO) sounded the alarm under international law declaring the outbreak of a new coronavirus diseases -later known as COVID-19- a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The PHEIC was declared over in May 2023.

Sint Maarten recorded its first confirmed COVID-19 case on March 17, 2020. While cases have drastically declined, CPS is reminding the community that COVID is still circulating.

COVID-19 is now one of the diseases routinely monitored on island by CPS. The department continues to execute health promotion and awareness, disease surveillance and vaccination programs.

The next COVID vaccination outreach is scheduled for Friday, February 27 at the CPS Offices at the Vineyard Building Office Park in Philipsburg.

The CPS clinic is open for COVID vaccines for persons aged 12 and older from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Persons are requested to call or email for an appointment by calling 914 (option 4) or 542-1570, or via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The booster is entirely free of charge and voluntary.

Please bring your vaccination card and a form of Identification (ID) to your appointment.

The community is encouraged to stay up to date on local public health issues by monitoring CPS’ Facebook page (Collective Prevention Services). For any health information, the community can contact CPS at 914.