PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), through its Youth Health Care Baby Wellness Clinic, is hosting a vaccine outreach for community members on Thursday, July 9.

The vaccine outreach is primarily geared towards children who have not yet received their vaccines. If parents have missed recent vaccine appointments, CPS encourages them to take advantage of this opportunity for children ages 2 months to 17 years.

Parents and guardians can bring their children and teenagers to the clinic at the Vineyard Office Park on Thursday, July 9 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  You should also bring along your child’s vaccination record. 

The vaccines that are provided include: DTaP-IPV-Hib (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, and Poliomyelitis and Haemophilus influenzae type B), Hepatitis B, PCV13 (Pneumococcus Conjugate Vaccine 13-valent), MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), DT-IPV (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Poliomyelitis), and HPV (Human Papillomavirus).

For those who would like additional information to verify their child(ren) status or would like to make an appointment, you can call 721-542-3003 or message CPS via WhatsApp 721-520-4163.

Vaccination is essential in preventing a wide range of childhood diseases and significantly reduces the risk of illness, disability, and death.

These include conditions such as cervical cancer, diphtheria, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, pertussis (whooping cough), pneumonia, polio, rotavirus, diarrhea, rubella, and tetanus.

CPS also highlights the importance of the HPV vaccine, which is recommended for girls between the ages of nine and 17. This vaccine offers long-term protection against cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of death among women, making early vaccination a vital preventive measure.

Maintaining routine vaccination coverage is crucial. According to PAHO, gaps in vaccination can leave children vulnerable to preventable diseases, and particularly those with weakened immune systems. Ensuring full immunization not only protects individuals but also strengthens community immunity.

CPS urges parents and guardians to treat vaccination records with the same importance as other essential documents, such as passports or identification, ensuring they are up to date and safely stored.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Tax Administration is pleased to welcome five students participating in the Business Outreach and Placement Program (BOPP), organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS), for the month of July.

As part of their placement, the students will be assigned to the Business Unit and Income Tax Unit, where they will gain practical workplace experience while learning about the day-to-day operations of the Tax Administration.

“Investing in our youth is investing in the future of Sint Maarten,” said Mrs. Sharon Washington, Section Head, Business Unit. “Through programs like BOPP, we are able to provide students with valuable exposure to the workplace while introducing them to the many opportunities available within the tax sector. We hope this experience inspires them to explore future educational and career opportunities, build their confidence and skills, and gain a better understanding of public service.”

The Tax Administration wishes Christopher Williams, Jada George, Norris Marlin, Tah’Jenique Baron, and T’Saiyna Cristian a successful and rewarding placement experience.

PHILIPSBURG   :--- The Parliament of Sint Maarten invites the public to submit nominations for the Annual President of Parliament Award.

The nomination form can be found via the link https://form.jotform.com/241716306215853 or by scanning the QR code below. Persons have until August 17, 2026, to submit their nominations.

The purpose of the President of Parliament Award is to recognize and honor young people of Sint Maarten who have made positive contributions to the community and the country through exceptional achievement, leadership, innovation, or service in any field that has had a positive and meaningful impact on society.

Whether through education, entrepreneurship, the arts, sports, volunteerism, environmental initiatives, or any other endeavor that benefits the community and deserves recognition.

The eligibility criteria are:

• the candidate must have Dutch nationality and/or have been legally residing in Sint Maarten for 10 years or more consecutively and have been registered in the Civil Registry for that period of time;
• must be between the ages of 15 and 24 years;
• has made a worthwhile contribution to the development of the community and the country;
• these contributions/achievements must have taken place within the last three years;
• contributions/achievements must have been made while the individual was acting as a private citizen, not as an appointed or elected government official; and
• must have demonstrated a capacity for leadership and ability to motivate.

An award committee, consisting of Members of Parliament, reviews nominations and selects the recipient in consultation with the President of Parliament. The award is presented annually to the recipient during the Opening of the Parliamentary Year reception ceremony.

All residents of Sint Maarten who know a deserving young person meeting the above-mentioned criteria are encouraged to submit a nomination for the Annual President of Parliament Award.

Nominations can also be submitted by delivering a hard copy       to:

The Parliament of Sint Maarten

Attn: Annual President of Parliament Award Committee

Wilhelminastraart 1, Philipsburg

Sint Maarten             

Or via e-mail to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Residents and visitors are invited to join “Shark and Ray Discovery Day,” a Shark Week 2026 community event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of sharks and rays and highlighting the local efforts underway to protect these vital marine species.
The event is organized by the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten and will take place on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Simpson Bay Fish Market. Shark and Ray Discovery Day brings together local conservation organizations, scientific researchers, local fishers, and community groups with an interest in safeguarding Sint Maarten's marine environment.
A highlight of the day will be free lagoon boat tours departing every 30 minutes. These tours offer participants a unique perspective on the lagoon ecosystem and its connection to the island's biodiversity. Safety regulations will apply, and as space on each tour is limited, advance registration is strongly encouraged via WhatsApp message at +1 (721) 581-6365 or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Event activities are weather-dependent.
Throughout the event, attendees will have the opportunity to visit educational booths, meet conservation professionals, learn about ongoing research and protection initiatives, and discover the important role sharks and rays play in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems.
Designed for all ages, the event will feature interactive activities, games, and opportunities to win prizes while learning about the fascinating species that inhabit Caribbean waters. Visitors are welcome to attend at any time during the event and explore the exhibits at their own pace.
“Sharks and rays are among the ocean's most important species, helping to maintain balanced and healthy marine ecosystems,” said a representative of the Nature Foundation. “However, many populations around the world face increasing pressures from overfishing, habitat degradation, and other human activities.”
The organizers encourage families, students, residents, and visitors alike to attend and take part in this celebration of marine life and conservation during Shark Week.
The initiative is part of the MENAA (Marine Elasmobranch Nursery Area Advocacy) project at the Nature Foundation. MENAA seeks to form a foundation for the success of Sint Maarten’s marine and coastal area, particularly for sharks and rays. Research shows local waters serve as a nursery for species like tiger sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, and spotted eagle rays. These animals are crucial for reef health and fishery stability but remain threatened by poaching and ghost nets, despite local protections. Learn more at https://naturefoundationsxm.org/menaa.
MENAA is funded by BESTLIFE2030 (Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of European Overseas), a granting mechanism focusing on preserving and restoring biodiversity in the EU’s outermost regions (ORs) and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), which host rich biodiversity but also face significant climate change threats.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.