PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Egbert J. Doran has formally placed the reintroduction of military-based training opportunities for Sint Maarten youth on the national agenda, describing it as a realistic and strategic response to the island’s rising youth delinquency and growing community concerns. The initiative, which existed prior to 10-10-10, previously offered young participants structure, discipline, and direction. MP Doran is now advocating for its return as part of a broader national approach to youth development.

MP Doran recently submitted a proposal to the Government of Sint Maarten following a productive discussion with the Minister of Justice of Curaçao, where he received preliminary information on the structure, intake process, and financial framework of the program. He is preparing for a follow-up conversation to explore how Sint Maarten can once again collaborate with Curaçao to provide military style training, discipline, and career pathways for young people seeking structure and opportunity.

As part of this effort, MP Doran has formally requested a meeting of the Parliament’s Committee of Justice to review the current youth crime situation and discuss structured training solutions that can support prevention and early intervention. He also requested the presence of Prime Minister Luc Mercelina and Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, noting that the topic requires coordinated leadership and a unified approach across government.

According to MP Doran, the reintroduction of military training represents more than a symbolic attempt at reform. He believes it provides a grounded and proven approach that can give young people direction, confidence, and the type of discipline that strengthens long-term decision making. He noted that the training also opens doors to careers in law enforcement, justice services, emergency response, and other fields where structure and public service intersect.

MP Doran emphasized that although youth delinquency has been discussed in the past, the seriousness of recent incidents demands renewed attention and decisive action. He noted that the concerns raised by families, communities, and stakeholders cannot be overlooked, and that Parliament must take a practical and solution driven approach to supporting vulnerable youth.

“If we want to see real change, we cannot continue speaking about the problem without bringing forward practical solutions,” MP Doran stated. “We need programs that give our young people structure, purpose, and opportunity. I believe this initiative can make a meaningful difference.”

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), kicks off on Tuesday, November 18 until the 24th. The theme for WAAW 2025 is “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future.”

This theme underscores the urgent need to take bold, united action to address Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). AMR is already harming our health, food systems, environment, and economies, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

It’s not a future challenge. It is happening now. Drug-resistant infections are increasing, yet awareness, investment and action are still falling short, the WHO points out.

WAAW is a global campaign to raise awareness and increase understanding of AMR and to promote global action to tackle the emergence and spread of drug-resistant pathogens. As one of the WHO’s official health campaigns, WAAW is mandated by the World Health Assembly.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) says AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to antibiotics used to treat a wide range of bacteria, making infections difficult to treat and at times impossible, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death.

Antibiotics and other antimicrobials play a key role in the success of modern medicine and have greatly improved the health of humans and animals. But overuse and misuse have reduced their efficacy, with more pathogens developing the ability to survive the antimicrobials designed to eliminate them, according to the WHO.

The objective of WAAW is to spread information to different groups within the community and for persons to be able to learn more about AMR, and why it’s a global concern and what impact it could have on Sint Maarten.

Antibiotic medicines were discovered a century ago and have significantly extended average life expectancy. Every day, these essential medicines save millions of lives.

WHO: “Building on the momentum of the 2024 United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting on AMR, this call to action urges all stakeholders, including governments, civil society, health-care providers, veterinarians, farmers, environmental actors and the public to translate the political commitments into tangible, accountable, life-saving interventions.

“To “protect our present and secure our future”, we must prioritize long-term investment and strategic action in the human, animal and environmental health sectors. Strengthening surveillance, ensuring equitable access to quality medicines and diagnostics, fostering innovation and building resilient systems all require long-term commitment and resources.

“Investment in AMR action is a smart move for a safer, healthier future. Whether it’s a hospital administrator setting up an antimicrobial stewardship team or a farmer adopting sustainable waste management practices, every action counts.

“No matter your role – whether shaping policy, delivering care, protecting ecosystems or raising awareness, “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future” is a shared responsibility. Together, we can keep antimicrobials effective and build a healthier, more sustainable world for the generations to come.”

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Library has received the latest books by Bonairean author Angliet Baidjoe. Her new Quadrilingual stories, The Journey of Bonnie the Fish and Kaki the Cactus, invite young readers into worlds filled with imagination, curiosity, and courage.
Both books are thoughtfully crafted to inspire children to dream big, explore the world, and embrace new experiences, all while staying connected to their roots. Through symbolic storytelling, Angliet Baidjoe encourages essential life values such as respect, community, and interconnectedness.
By weaving meaningful life lessons into engaging narratives, complemented by lush, full-color illustrations, these books create a reading experience that is both enjoyable and educational. They provide an excellent platform for discussion, reflection, and connection for young readers and their families.
Angliet Baidjoe’s work celebrates culture, community, and values, fostering pride in local heritage and inspiring children to dream boldly. Her stories are a testament to the power of literature to educate, entertain, and uplift the next generation.
The Journey of Bonnie the Fish and Kaki the Cactus is now available at the Sint Maarten Library for all young readers and families to enjoy.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, delivered a detailed presentation to Parliament outlining the longstanding issues affecting the Ambulance Department and the steps the Ministry has taken since assuming office in late 2024.

During the presentation, Minister Brug emphasized that the challenges facing the Ambulance Division were inherited, but have been actively addressed through assessments, consultations, and structured dialogue with staff and their union, WICSU-PSU.

Inherited Issues and Staff Concerns

According to the Minister’s briefing, key issues brought forward by the Ambulance Department include:

• Outdated Rechtspositie (legal status)
• Disparities in remuneration
• Vacation day accumulation challenges
• Need for updated and formalized job descriptions
• Alignment with standards used in Aruba and Curaçao

Brug explained that upon taking office, these longstanding concerns required a thorough review to ensure compliance with legal frameworks and fairness across government personnel systems.

Chronology of Government Actions

The Minister provided a timeline showing consistent engagement with the Ambulance Division throughout 2025. Among the significant milestones:

• August 27, 2025 – A draft covenant was introduced, providing a structured path toward formal negotiations.
• Ongoing communication and consultations were held to review staff concerns in detail.
• Despite a continued go-slow action — taken in solidarity with the Fire Department — Brug noted that the Ministry respected the staff’s position while keeping dialogue open.
• October 6, 2025 – The Ambulance Department expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s efforts and indicated readiness to begin formal negotiations.

A key pending component remains the appointment of a representative from the Department of Personnel & Organization (PNO), which is needed to legally and administratively advance the negotiation process.

Initiatives Already Implemented

Minister Brug outlined several internal initiatives already completed to prepare for formal restructuring. While the presentation did not detail each initiative slide-by-slide, it noted that assessments and internal reviews have positioned the Ministry to move efficiently once PNO participates.

The “content of the covenant, legal framework, and required administrative adjustments are already outlined,” the Minister said, adding that the Ministry is prepared to finalize matters collaboratively once all parties are represented.

Current Status and Next Steps

Brug told Parliament that the Ministry has made “significant progress” in addressing the Ambulance Division’s specific concerns. The final administrative step before negotiations can begin is the formal involvement of PNO.

Once that representative is assigned, the Ministry expects formal negotiation meetings with WICSU-PSU to proceed quickly.

Minister Reaffirms Commitment

In his concluding remarks, Brug reiterated his commitment to a structured, collaborative approach that resolves issues in a legally sound manner. He also acknowledged that the ongoing go-slow action is influenced by broader concerns linked to the Fire Department but emphasized that this has not slowed work on Ambulance Division matters.

“The Ministry has advanced substantially in addressing the Ambulance Division’s concerns,” Brug told Parliament. With the negotiation framework already prepared, he said the Ministry is “positioned to establish a formal covenant and move quickly and productively forward.”