PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, as part of its annual calendar of health observances for the month of May, is urging persons to get their blood pressure checked regularly to prevent heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other serious health problems and to stay healthy.

Hypertension, also known as high or raised blood pressure, is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

“Blood is carried from the heart to all parts of the body in the vessels. Each time the heart beats, it pumps blood into the vessels.

“Blood pressure is created by the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels (arteries) as it is pumped by the heart. The higher the pressure the harder the heart has to pump.”  The heart has to work harder to pump the blood to all parts of the body.

Most people with hypertension have no symptoms at all; this is why it is known as the “silent killer”. Sometimes hypertension causes symptoms such as headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, palpitations of the heart and nose bleeds, but not always.

The higher the blood pressure, the higher the risk of damage to the heart and blood vessels in major organs such as the brain and kidneys. Hypertension is the most important preventable cause of heart disease and stroke worldwide.

If left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to a heart attack, an enlargement of the heart and eventually heart failure. Blood vessels may develop bulges (aneurysms) and weak spots that make them more likely to clog and burst. The pressure in the blood vessels can cause blood to leak into the brain and cause a stroke. Hypertension can also lead to kidney failure, blindness, and cognitive impairment.

The health consequences of hypertension can be compounded by other factors that increase the odds of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. These factors include tobacco use, unhealthy diet, harmful use of alcohol, lack of physical activity, and exposure to persistent stress as well as obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes mellitus.

All adults should have their blood pressure checked. routinely, it is important to know your numbers. If blood pressure is high, they need the advice of their family physician on the steps that need to be taken to ensure a healthy and good quality of life.

For some people, lifestyle changes such as stopping tobacco use, eating healthily, exercising regularly, and avoiding the harmful use of alcohol, are sufficient to control blood pressure. For this reason, it is recommended for one to always consult their physician to ensure that you are on the right track towards maintaining good health.

Adults can support treatment by adhering to the prescribed medication, lifestyle changes and by monitoring their health, according to the WHO information provided.

A stronger, better Sint Maarten relies on communities that collectively strive to promote good health, longevity, and a better quality of life.

For more information call CPS at 542-3003; or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHILIPSBURG:--- NAPB-Sint Maarten is expressing grave concern following the recent deployment of police officers to a violent prison riot at the Point Blanche Prison without confirmation of valid insurance coverage.

On Wednesday, 14th, 2025, dozens of KPSM officers, on and off duty, were urgently dispatched to respond to a large-scale disturbance inside Point Blanche Prison. While the officers acted with professionalism and courage, placing themselves in direct danger to protect lives and restore order, it has since come to light that they may not have had valid insurance coverage at the time of deployment.

“This is unacceptable,” said Marcus Pantophlet, President of the NAPB-Sint Maarten. “Our officers risk their lives daily to protect the Community of Sint Maarten. Sending them into a volatile situation like a prison riot without the basic safety net of insurance is not only irresponsible, it's a betrayal of their service and sacrifice.”

NAPB—Sint Maarten is calling for immediate action regarding this oversight and is demanding assurances from the Ministry of Justice that all officers will be covered under comprehensive insurance policies before being sent into high-risk situations in the near future.

“We expect — and demand — that officer welfare be a top priority,” said Pantophlet. “No officer should ever have to question whether their health, livelihood, or family’s security will be protected if they are injured in the line of duty.”

NAPB—Sint Maarten would also like to take this opportunity to commend all of its members who assisted in ensuring that order was restored to the Point Blanche Prison.

NAPB- Sint Maarten urges the administration to take swift corrective action, including reviewing all current insurance protocols, notifying affected officers, and ensuring no future deployments occur without proper coverage.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A fire that broke out inside the Pointe Blanche Prison erupted into chaos after guards reportedly fled the premises, leaving prisoners locked in their cells. According to sources, the lack of oversight during the incident placed the lives of many inmates at severe risk, and it was a fellow prisoner who stepped forward to avert disaster.

Prisoner Dante Ottley has been hailed as a hero for his courageous actions during the emergency. Witnesses report that Ottley risked his life to retrieve a set of keys from the prison office, unlocking cells and releasing inmates trapped as the fire spread. His swift actions are credited with preventing potentially catastrophic casualties.

Ottley's bravery did not end there. Amid the panic caused by the fire, tensions boiled over, leading to unrest among inmates. Eyewitness accounts suggest that a number of prisoners began rioting in an attempt to draw the attention of the authorities, particularly the Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling.

These chaotic scenes could have escalated further, but Ottley intervened, persuading the group to return to their cells after the fire was brought under control. His efforts to restore calm amid the turmoil have been widely commended within the prison walls.

Following the incident, it was reported that some prisoners were removed from the facility and relocated to alternative housing arrangements, as the extent of the damage was assessed. It remains unclear how the fire began and why prison staff abandoned their posts during such a critical situation.

Public outcry has mounted as details of the guards’ actions, or lack thereof, continue to emerge. Questions are now being raised about the overall safety measures in place at the prison and the response protocols for emergencies. Calls for a thorough investigation into the incident, as well as the conduct of the prison staff, are growing louder.

Despite the chaos, prisoner Dante Ottley’s extraordinary courage stands out as a bright spot in an otherwise troubling event. His actions not only saved lives but also helped to de-escalate an increasingly volatile situation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for reform and accountability within correctional facilities to ensure the safety of all individuals during emergencies.

An official statement from prison authorities regarding the fire and the conduct of the guards is still awaited. Meanwhile, Ottley’s selflessness has sparked conversations about humanity and heroism in the most unexpected of places.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Sint Maarten is facing a severe crisis as violence and chaos erupt at the Pointe Blanche Prison. Inmates have set parts of the facility ablaze, creating a dangerous and volatile situation that has drawn strong reactions from political leaders and exposed longstanding issues within the prison system.

 Members of Parliament Omar Ottley and Francisco Lacroes, both part of the United People’s Party (UPP) Faction, are demanding swift and decisive action from the Ministry of Justice to restore order, protect lives, and address systemic failures.

MPs Demand Accountability and Leadership

“This is a critical moment that demands immediate leadership and coordination from the highest levels of government,” said MP Omar Ottley. His statement underlines the urgency of the ongoing crisis, with safety and security at the facility now a top priority. Both MPs have expressed concerns over the Justice Ministry’s inability to act decisively during this emergency and address long-standing issues that have left the prison vulnerable.

MP Francisco Lacroes echoed these sentiments, criticizing the Ministry for failing to manage the justice chain adequately. “Her [the Minister of Justice's] failure to act has left our prison system vulnerable. The ongoing unrest is not just a wake-up call but the consequence of inaction,” Lacroes stated, referring to the Minister’s inability to finalize the legal positions (LBs) for police officers and address other pressing issues.

Police Respond to Escalating Violence

The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is on the scene, working alongside emergency services to stabilize the situation. Ground Dove Road, the access route to the Point Blanche Prison, has been temporarily closed to traffic to allow responders to operate safely. KPSM’s statement urged the public to cooperate by avoiding the area and remaining calm.

Despite their efforts, the situation remains volatile. The fire and riot have heightened tensions, posing risks to both inmates and prison staff. Police reinforcements are struggling to bring the situation under control while ensuring safety and minimizing further damage.

Underlying Issues at Point Blanche Prison

The crisis has shed light on deep-rooted problems within the correctional system. Pointe Blanche Prison has been plagued by overcrowding, unhygienic conditions, and a lack of resources, including insufficient staffing and inadequate medical supplies. These issues not only compromise the humane treatment of inmates but also jeopardize the safety and morale of the prison staff.

Adding to these challenges is the inconsistent approach to releasing prisoners. Nonviolent offenders, who could be considered for early release to ease overcrowding, often remain incarcerated. Meanwhile, individuals convicted of gun-related offenses are reportedly being released prematurely. These policies highlight the broader dysfunction within the justice system.

Lack of Response from the Minister of Justice

Notably absent from the unfolding events has been Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling. MPs Ottley and Lacroes have heavily criticized her lack of responsiveness and failure to provide strategic oversight in addressing the deteriorating state of justice institutions. Calls for action are growing louder as the government faces mounting pressure to take responsibility and implement reforms.

MP Ottley has specifically pointed out that the Minister’s focus on micromanagement has hindered effective decision-making within the Ministry. This, he argues, has left critical gaps in the justice chain, making incidents like the current crisis at Point Blanche Prison more likely.

Urgent Need for Solutions

The UPP Faction has urged the government to mobilize all available resources to restore order at the prison and conduct a thorough assessment of the damage. They emphasize the need to prioritize the safety of prison staff and humane treatment of inmates during and after the crisis. “We must protect the people working inside that prison and ensure that all inmates are treated humanely and with dignity—even amid such unrest,” said MP Lacroes.

The MPs also called for systemic reforms, including better resource allocation, improved policies to address overcrowding, and enhanced staff support. Without these changes, they warn, the justice system will continue to deteriorate, undermining public safety and confidence in the government’s ability to manage crises.

A Moment for Leadership

The ongoing unrest at Pointe Blanche Prison is not an isolated incident but a symptom of deeper systemic flaws that require immediate attention. The government’s ability to respond effectively to this crisis will serve as a litmus test for its overall competence and commitment to justice.

Leaders like MPs Omar Ottley and Francisco Lacroes are pressing for decisive action, but the ultimate responsibility lies with the Ministry of Justice and the broader government. Restoring stability, addressing the root causes of dysfunction, and safeguarding both inmates and staff must be the top priorities moving forward.

The people of Sint Maarten are watching closely, and the time for leadership is now.