PHILIPSBURG:  Prime Minister Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina, in his capacity as Acting Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), officially administered the oath of office to Ms. Xaviera Doekhie as a Pharmacist Assistant during a ceremony held on Monday, June 22, 2026, at Orange Grove Pharmacy.

The ceremony marks the Prime Minister's first official swearing-in of a healthcare professional since assuming the responsibilities of Acting Minister of VSA and underscores the Ministry's continued commitment to safeguarding professional standards within Sint Maarten's healthcare sector.

In accordance with the applicable legal requirements, pharmacist assistants must take the prescribed oath before the Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor before they are authorized to carry out their professional duties. The signed Proces-Verbaal of the swearing-in ceremony will be submitted to His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten as part of the official process.

Prime Minister Mercelina congratulated Ms. Doekhie on reaching this important professional milestone and emphasized the significance of the oath in protecting the health and well-being of the community.

 "An oath is far more than a legal formality—it is a solemn promise to serve with integrity, professionalism, and respect for human life. Every healthcare professional entrusted with the care of our people carries a profound responsibility. I congratulate Ms. Doekhie on this achievement and wish her every success as she begins this important chapter of service to the people of Sint Maarten."

The Prime Minister also highlighted the indispensable role pharmacist assistants play within the country's healthcare system.

 "Pharmacist assistants are an essential part of the healthcare team. Through their knowledge, accuracy, compassion, and daily interaction with patients, they help ensure the safe and responsible use of medication. Their professionalism strengthens public confidence in our healthcare system and contributes directly to better health outcomes for our community."

The Ministry of VSA remains committed to upholding the highest professional and ethical standards across the healthcare sector while supporting the continued development of qualified healthcare professionals who dedicate themselves to serving the people of Sint Maarten.

The Ministry congratulates Ms. Xaviera Doekhie on her successful swearing-in and wishes her a rewarding and distinguished career in the service of public health.

~Ryan Gumbs' death sparks fresh outrage as court trial remains set for October 29~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The wife of Ryan Gumbs, the scooter rider who was killed in a fatal traffic collision on June 11, says neither she nor Gumbs' mother was ever informed that the man accused in the crash was going to be deported from St. Maarten, despite criminal proceedings remaining before the court.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the tragedy, Gumbs' widow said she was shocked when prosecutors allegedly informed her that the suspect would be handed over to immigration authorities because of his legal status. She claims neither the Prosecutor's Office, the Police Force, nor Immigration ever officially notified the family when or if the deportation would take place.

The case has drawn renewed public attention as the trial is scheduled for October 29, with the victim's family demanding answers about how the matter has been handled.

"Nobody Told Us"

According to Gumbs' wife, prosecutors informed her there was insufficient evidence to proceed with certain charges after investigators concluded the suspect had been driving on the opposite side of the road while allegedly attempting to overtake other vehicles.

She said she offered investigators the names of witnesses and suggested authorities seek surveillance footage from nearby homes if traffic cameras failed to capture the collision.

"I can give you two people's phone numbers," she recalled telling investigators, claiming additional evidence was available but not pursued.

She further alleged that she only learned the suspect would be transferred to Immigration during a conversation with prosecutors.

"Immigration never called me. The police never let me know, and the Prosecutor's Office never let me know he was going to be deported or what day," she said.

Taking Matters into Her Own Hands

Frustrated by what she believes was an incomplete investigation, Gumbs' widow said she intends to visit the Prosecutor's Office on Monday to seek answers and plans to retain the services of an attorney to represent the family's interests.

She said that because, in her view, police and prosecutors failed to pursue all available evidence, she had decided to begin her own investigation.

"I'm going to take it upon myself," she said, explaining that she will search for witnesses, surveillance footage, and any other evidence she believes could help establish what occurred on the night of the fatal collision.

A Night that changed Everything

The grieving widow also recounted the final moments she shared with her husband.

She said Ryan left their home shortly after telling her he loved her and headed out to buy a hot dog before leaving again. Within minutes, she received a phone call from her sister informing her he had been involved in a crash.

She rushed barefoot to the scene after first stopping at the hospital, only to learn her husband had died.

"When I got there, I saw my husband's shoe first. His scooter was one way, the car was on the opposite side of the road, and my husband was lying there," she said while recalling the traumatic scene.

Family Raises Questions

The widow also questioned investigators' handling of the case, alleging the suspect did not immediately seek medical treatment following the fatal collision. Instead, she claimed, he left the scene, went to his barber shop on Pondfill Road, and remained there for several hours before turning himself in to the police at approximately 4:00 p.m. that same day. She alleges he was intoxicated at the time of the crash and believes he went to the barber shop to "sleep off the rum" before surrendering to authorities. These allegations have not been independently verified.

She further alleged that the Jamaican barber is known within the community for driving while intoxicated. According to the widow, eyewitnesses told her that during Carnival festivities along the Ring Road Strip, the accused allegedly struck a food grill belonging to one of the bars and also hit a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol. She said she has provided investigators with the names of individuals who can corroborate those allegations and questioned why those leads were not pursued. These allegations have not been independently verified.

The widow also claimed that relatives of the accused threatened members of Ryan Gumbs' family following the crash, another matter she believes warrants investigation.

Trial Scheduled for October

Ryan Gumbs, described by his wife as a licensed scooter rider, died in the June 11 collision, which has generated widespread public concern and calls for accountability.

The criminal matter is currently scheduled to be heard in court on October 29.

The Prosecutor's Office has not publicly responded to the family's latest claims regarding notification of the suspect's reported deportation. In a statement on Wednesday, the Prosecutor's Office said the case will go to trial.

Ryan Gumbs leaves to mourn his passing his wife, their one-year-old child, his mother, and numerous other relatives and friends, who continue to seek answers and justice following his untimely death.

For Gumbs' family, however, the central issue remains justice.

"We were never told," his widow said. "All we want is justice for Ryan."

PHILIPSBURG:---  Windward Islands Emergency Medical Services (WIEMS) proudly celebrated the successful completion and graduation of its latest Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training on June 13, 2026.

A total of 22 students successfully completed the EMT program, demonstrating dedication, discipline, and commitment throughout the training process. Of the graduating class, 17 graduates were of the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) Airport Rescue Firefighters Department, highlighting the department’s continued investment in emergency preparedness and professional development.

The EMT program trains participants with the knowledge, clinical skills, and practical experience necessary for medical emergencies. This training includes CPR, AED use, and airway management for patients of all ages, providing critical pre-hospital emergency care and responding effectively during medical emergencies. Through intensive instruction and examinations, graduates were challenged to meet the standards expected of emergency medical professionals.

WIEMS extends sincere appreciation to the PJIA Airport Rescue Firefighters Department for their partnership and support in arranging and accommodating the two-week examination period, enabling the examinations to be successfully conducted at their facilities.

Special recognition is also extended to GMET members Jonathan Streat and Doreen Gumbs Vines for their time, expertise, and professionalism in conducting the examinations and supporting the evaluation process.

WIEMS congratulates all 22 graduates on this achievement and wishes them continued success as they apply their skills in emergency medical care and public service.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On the occasion of World Vitiligo Day, former Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), Richinel S.J. Brug, is commending the organizers, advocates, and individuals living with Vitiligo who continue to raise awareness, promote acceptance, and educate the public about the condition.

Having attended the opening activities earlier this month and received a Certificate of Appreciation, Brug said the recognition belongs to those who continue to courageously share their stories and advocate for greater understanding.

"One of the things that stood out to me was the connection between Vitiligo awareness and mental health. Too many children who appear different face bullying, teasing, or exclusion, and we often underestimate the impact this can have on their confidence and well-being," Brug said.

He also noted how inspiring it was to meet and learn about individuals living with Vitiligo who have excelled professionally and hold prominent positions in various fields around the world.

"Their success reminds us that a person's condition does not define their potential. Their talent, determination, and character do."

Brug congratulated the organizers for their continued efforts to promote inclusion and understanding, adding that World Vitiligo Day serves as an important reminder that every person deserves to feel accepted, respected, and valued.

"As a community, let us continue building a Sint Maarten where our differences are not viewed as weaknesses, but as part of what makes us stronger together. By embracing one another with kindness, understanding, and respect, we create a society where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential."