PHILIPSBURG:--- (DCOMM) – Fire Chief and National Disaster Coordinator (NDC) of the Office of Disaster Management (ODM), Clive Richardson, is calling on residents and the business community to remain vigilant and monitor local weather reports from the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/ in connection with the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.

The latest July forecast from the Colorado State University (CSU) Department of Atmospheric Science indicates that the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season is expected to be well below normal, with nine named storms, four hurricanes, and one major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) with sustained wind speeds of 111 miles per hour or greater.

While this forecast suggests fewer storms than the historical average, it does not eliminate the risk to Sint Maarten.

Seasonal forecasts estimate the overall level of tropical cyclone activity across the Atlantic Basin, but they cannot predict where or when individual storms will develop or make landfall. It only takes one tropical storm or hurricane passing near or directly over the island to cause significant damage, disrupt essential services, and threaten lives.

The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) therefore reminds residents and the business community that preparedness should never be based solely on seasonal forecasts. Every hurricane season should be approached with the same level of readiness, regardless of whether it is forecast to be above normal, near normal, or below normal.

Preparedness is a shared responsibility. Taking action today, while weather conditions are favorable, is far easier and more effective than making last-minute preparations when a tropical storm or hurricane is approaching the country.

The remaining 2026 storm names are: Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Leah, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky, and Wilfred.

The community is urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and resources you need on how to prepare your family, home, or business for a storm/hurricane strike by visiting the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.” The information here is also valuable for new residents.

Listen to the Government Radio station – SXMGOV 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. You can also follow weather related news and information as well as national addresses by the Prime Minister, chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by going to @SXMGOV Facebook Page.

For official weather-related information, rely on forecasts that can be found at the website of the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/

Remember, it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season.  Remain vigilant and prepared!

The hurricane season runs through November 30.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Government of St. Maarten has approved the continuation of a structural subsidy of XCG 1,260,159.64 to the National Sports Institute (NSI) for the 2026 fiscal year, reaffirming its commitment to the management, maintenance, and continued development of Government-owned sports facilities while expanding sports programs across the country.

According to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (MECYS), the funding is intended to ensure that public sports facilities remain safe, accessible, and properly maintained while strengthening recreational opportunities for residents island-wide. The ministry said the investment demonstrates the Government's ongoing commitment to protecting and enhancing public sports infrastructure.

The NSI, established to strengthen sports development through a semi-privatized model, continues to play a central role in managing and maintaining key public sports facilities while increasing public access to sports and recreational activities.

The approved subsidy will support the management and upkeep of several Government-owned facilities, including:

• Raoul Illidge Sports Complex
• John Cooper / Jose Lake Ball Park
• L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium
• Melford Hazel Sports Complex
• Belvedere Sports Field and surrounding public spaces
• District courts and community sports facilities throughout St. Maarten

MECYS stated that the funding will help ensure these facilities remain operational and well maintained, creating an enabling environment for athletes, schools, clubs, and the wider community.

The ministry further noted that the NSI is required to operate in accordance with the Sports Facilities Policy and national frameworks. As part of its accountability obligations, the institute must comply with strict reporting requirements, including annual financial and social impact reports, program and maintenance performance updates, and ongoing monitoring by the Department of Sport. The NSI is also expected to pursue financial sustainability through partnerships and the generation of additional funding.

Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Melissa D. Gumbs said the subsidy reflects both the ministry's and the Government's commitment to increasing access to quality sports facilities, expanding inclusive sports programming, and building a sustainable and professional sports sector.

The minister added that the NSI is also exploring opportunities for greater public-private partnerships to improve existing sports facilities. She pointed to the recently soft-launched multi-purpose court, describing it as the result of a salvaged Memorandum of Understanding from the previous administration.

"Through NSI, there are also avenues towards greater public/private partnerships for improving our existing sports facilities," Gumbs stated. "The goal is, as always, a vibrant, inclusive and high-quality sports environment that benefits our athletes, our young people and the wider St. Maarten community."

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Melissa Gumbs, is pleased to announce that the Ministry has finalized a structural subsidy agreement with the St. Maarten Sports Federation (SMSF) for 2026, marking another step in the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen, professionalize and improve accountability within the local sports sector.
Under the agreement, the Ministry will provide support towards national uniforms, the institutional development of the Federation and eligible operational expenses. SMSF has, in turn, committed to regular financial reporting and to assisting the Department of Sports in collecting information from its member federations and associations to support informed policy development. The agreement comes at an important time as the Department
advances policies in areas such as anti-doping and athlete safeguarding.
The SMSF serves as the national umbrella body representing more than 20 local National Sports Federations and Associations. Following an extended period without an active governing board, the Federation was re-established in 2024 and has since worked tirelessly to
rebuild its structure and restore its role as a credible and representative voice for sport in Sint
Maarten.
“It gives me great pride to see the St. Maarten Sports Federation once again actively fulfilling the role for which it was established,” said Minister Gumbs. “Our National Federations and
Associations need a strong umbrella organization that can represent their collective interests, help coordinate the development of sport and provide a consistent point of engagement with Government. I am encouraged by the progress made and excited about what this partnership
can accomplish.”
Through this agreement, SMSF will continue to serve alongside the National Sports Institute (NSI) as one of the Ministry’s key executing partners in the sports sector. This allows the Ministry to focus on policy, standards, and oversight, while SMSF and NSI support implementation and respond to the practical needs of federations and athletes.
The Minister noted that strengthening SMSF is also part of a broader effort to create a more consistent, fair, and transparent framework for the allocation of funding within the sports sector, reducing reliance on individual or ad hoc requests.

“Our objective is to ensure that decisions about funding and support are guided by clear priorities, the demonstrated needs of the sector and the responsible use of public funds,” said Minister Gumbs. “This creates greater stability for our federations and greater confidence in how Government support is administered.”
While the Ministry remains committed to supporting the sector through structural subsidies, Minister Gumbs also encouraged the local business community to become more actively involved.
“Government has an important role to play, but the growth of sport cannot depend on public funding alone,” she said. “When a business supports an athlete, a team, or a federation, it is investing in the discipline, confidence, and potential of our young people. Sport gives them
purpose, strengthens character, and creates opportunities to represent Sint Maarten with pride.”
“Every time one of our athletes steps onto a field, court or track carrying our flag, it should be a source of pride for all of us. I therefore encourage the private sector to partner with SMSF and help create the opportunities our athletes need to develop, compete, and succeed. Supporting
sport is not simply sponsorship; it is an investment in our youth and in the future of our country.”
The Ministry looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with SMSF throughout 2026 and beyond, as the Federation executes its strategic priorities in support of Sint Maarten's National Sports Federations, athletes, and coaches. Through stronger institutions, accountable partnerships and broader community investment, the Ministry remains committed to creating an environment in which Sint Maarten’s athletes can develop, compete,
and represent their country with pride.

PHILIPSBURG:--- When discussing health and self-care, the feet are one of the body’s most commonly neglected areas. Many people rarely think about their feet unless something goes wrong, such as a stubbed toe, a painful blister, or discomfort from wearing restrictive footwear for too long. Although our feet support us every day, we often overlook their importance and only give them attention when pain or problems arise.

Recognizing the importance of foot health as a key component of overall wellness, the Sint Maarten Library organized a Senior Wellness Health Education Workshop focused on foot healthcare. The Library invited the Soleful Organization to provide valuable knowledge and guidance on proper foot care, emphasizing that healthy feet contribute significantly to mobility, independence, and quality of life.

Forty seniors gathered at the Belvedere Community Center for an informative and engaging session presented by Mrs. Wilson- Sagnia and L. Busby. The workshop focused on understanding the environment of the feet, proper foot care practices, and the importance of maintaining healthy feet through preventative measures.

The educational outreach initiative aimed to promote proper foot care, limb preservation, and increased awareness of how chronic medical conditions can affect foot health. A key component of the presentation focused on limb preservation, highlighting the importance of early detection, regular foot inspections, and making healthy lifestyle choices.

Participants also learned about the connection between chronic diseases and foot complications, helping them better understand the important role preventative care plays in maintaining overall health and mobility. The session further explored the benefits of medical pedicures and proper foot care practices.

During a hands-on demonstration, participants were shown how to properly inspect and care for their feet. Many actively participated by asking questions and seeking advice related to their personal health concerns. The interactive discussions and demonstrations created a welcoming environment where seniors could learn more about their feet and recognize the importance of paying attention to changes that may impact their health.

“All movement begins with the feet, and it is essential to take proper care of them,” emphasized the importance of understanding the relationship between foot health and overall well-being. The workshop was designed to help seniors prevent future foot-related issues, increase their awareness, and encourage proactive healthcare practices.

The Sint Maarten Library continues to support initiatives that improve access to knowledge, health education, and community healthcare resources. Through programs such as this wellness workshop, seniors are empowered with information that can help them make informed decisions and maintain a healthier lifestyle.