CAY HILL:---  The Mental Health Foundation (MHF), in collaboration with the Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA) department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, is proud to highlight the continued success and expansion of its Community Help Desk mental health initiative.

The project was designed to improve the accessibility and feasibility of delivering mental health care services within community-based settings. Following a formal collaboration agreement with CDFHA, the initiative was launched as a pilot program in June 2024, beginning with services at the Hope Estate Community Help Desk.

The project was intentionally introduced on a small scale, allowing for careful monitoring and evaluation. After its first year, a comprehensive assessment revealed overwhelmingly positive results, both for clients and service providers. These findings supported the expansion of services to additional help desk locations, reinforcing the project’s value as an innovative approach to community mental health care.

The initiative was guided by key objectives to enhance access to mental health services across three Community Help Desk locations, evaluate client response to receiving care in community-based settings, and explore opportunities for continued collaboration between MHF and CDFHA.

Throughout 2025, nearly 30 clients utilized the Community Help Desk locations for a range of services, including mental health counseling and emotional support, substance abuse support, assistance with domestic violence and family-related issues, as well as financial and employment support.

MHF clinicians, including psychologists and our occupational therapist, utilize these locations on a weekly basis, carefully scheduling sessions based on client needs and preferences.

Although MHF clinicians utilize the Community Help Desk locations to provide care, all clients are required to complete their intake process and initial session at the MHF facility in Cay Hill for administrative and assessment purposes. Not all clients are suitable candidates for community-based sessions and through consultation, the clinician determines whether sessions at these locations are appropriate based on the client’s needs and circumstances.

Feedback from clients has been highly encouraging. Many have expressed that accessing services closer to their workplace or community significantly reduces logistical barriers. Others noted that the added privacy of community-based sessions helps ease concerns related to stigma often associated with visiting a mental health facility.

The initiative has proven especially beneficial for school-aged clients in areas such as St. Peters, as well as individuals who may face transportation or mobility challenges, often seen in Dutch Quarter. Clients have demonstrated varied preferences, with some opting exclusively for help desk sessions while others prefer a hybrid approach between community locations and our Cay Hill location.

Staff feedback has also been positive, with clinicians reporting improved engagement and flexibility in meeting client needs within their own communities.

The Hope Estate location, furnished through a generous donation by Ashley’s Furniture, remains the most frequently utilized site, followed by St. Peters particularly due to its proximity to schools and working populations. While Cole Bay and Dutch Quarter locations currently experience lower usage, they remain available as options as demand evolves.

Each clinician schedules sessions based on community demand and client requirements, ensuring efficient use of resources while maintaining high standards of care.

Looking ahead, MHF and CDFHA are exploring opportunities to further enhance these spaces, including potential renovations to improve the environment and expand service capacity across all locations.

The success of this initiative underscores the importance of collaborative, community-driven approaches to healthcare. MHF remains committed to expanding its services in meaningful ways that prioritize accessibility, reduce stigma and meet clients where they are.

“This collaboration with CDFHA represents a significant step forward in how mental health care can be delivered within our communities,” says MHF Medical Director, Dr. Hendrikus van Gaalen. “We are encouraged by the positive impact seen over the past two years and remain dedicated to building on this foundation to better serve the people of Sint Maarten.”

“At CDFHA, we are deeply committed to strengthening support systems within our communities, particularly for individuals and families facing mental health and social challenges,” stated Acting Department Head of the CDFHA Kevin James. “Our partnership with the Mental Health Foundation reflects our shared vision of making care more accessible, approachable, and responsive to the needs of our people. By bringing services closer to where individuals live, work, and study, we are not only reducing barriers but also fostering a more supportive and inclusive environment for mental well-being across Sint Maarten.” 

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is calling on all shop owners, restaurant and bar owners, and street vendors to exercise heightened responsibility during the upcoming Carnival season by strictly adhering to laws governing the sale of alcohol.

KPSM is aware that, despite regulations, alcohol is sometimes purchased by adults and subsequently provided to minors. It is important to emphasize that this practice is illegal and constitutes a punishable offense.

In an effort to safeguard the well-being of young people and maintain public order, KPSM strongly urges all businesses and vendors to verify the age of customers before selling alcoholic beverages. When there is any doubt, proper identification should be requested.

The responsible sale of alcohol is a shared duty. By working together, the community can help reduce underage drinking and ensure a safer Carnival experience for everyone.

KPSM will continue to monitor compliance and take action where necessary.

PHILIPSBURG:----  As the Carnival season approaches, the Department of Youth within the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport (MECYS) calls on all young people to actively participate in the island’s rich cultural festivities while making responsible and informed decisions. In doing so, the Department reminds all stakeholders that children have a right to be protected from harm, as outlined in Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Carnival remains a cornerstone of St. Maarten’s cultural identity, offering a vibrant platform for expression, unity and celebration. While this period is marked by excitement, the Department emphasizes that enjoyment should never come at the expense of personal safety, well-being, or future opportunities.

“There is life after Carnival and the choices made today can have lasting effects on one’s health, reputation and future. Enjoy the culture, enjoy the moment, but pay mind to your conduct. You do not need alcohol or drugs to have a good time—be the vibe and take control of your experience,” the Department stated.

Youth are urged to refrain from the use of alcohol and drugs, to remain mindful of their behavior and to avoid situations that may lead to conflict, unsafe conduct, or legal consequences. Staying with trusted peers and making responsible decisions throughout the festivities remain key.

At the same time, the Department underscores the important role of parents and guardians in safeguarding children and adolescents.

The Department calls on parents to take an active role in guiding their children’s Carnival experience by asking questions, staying informed and making deliberate decisions about which events are appropriate to attend based on age requirements from event promoters

The Department further reminds all booth holders and vendors of their legal and social responsibility to strictly adhere to age requirements and refrain from serving alcohol and illegal substances to minors. Compliance with these requirements is essential to protecting young people and maintaining a safe Carnival environment.

“The future of our youth is a shared responsibility. Parents, vendors, communities, government, notwithstanding the youth themselves, all have a role to play in ensuring safe and positive experiences, the Department emphasized.

The Department of Youth calls for a collective effort among families, communities, and stakeholders to ensure that Carnival remains a safe, positive, and enriching experience for youth.

 Madame Estate:--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) hereby informs the public and residents of the affected area that road works started today, Thursday, April 9th, 2026, on Arch Road, Philipsburg, and will continue tomorrow, Friday, April 10th, 2026. The works will require a road closure between the intersection of A. TH. Illidge Road and Guadeloupe Road during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Alternative Route: Motorists are advised to access the area via Grenada Road and the connecting internal roads within Lower Prince’s Quarter to reach destinations beyond the affected section.

Access from the A.Th. Illidge Road intersection of Arch Road will be restricted during the closure.

The project will be executed by Windward Roads Infrastructure, and the Ministry urges all motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution and be mindful of the workers on-site.

Temporary Partial Road Closure Details:

Date: Thursday, April 9^th, 2026 and Friday, April 10^th, 2026, 2 days road closure

Time: 7:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Arch Road, Philipsburg

Alternative Routes: Access through Grenada Road and through to the available side roads to Arch Road.

Type of Closure: Temporary Partial Road Closure

The Ministry of VROMI appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as we work to improve the road infrastructure on Arch Road. Further updates will be provided as necessary. For more information, please contact the Department of Infrastructure at +1(721) 542-2363 ext 2412.