CAY HILL:---  The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) has completed its clinic client evaluation, a client satisfaction survey conducted among individuals receiving care at our Foundation’s outpatient clinic. The initiative forms part of MHF’s ongoing commitment to its mission of “providing efficient, client-centred and quality mental health care to the satisfaction of our clients.”

The survey was carried out during the first two months of 2026 and was completed by clients aged 18 to 60, with most respondents in the 31 to 45 age group. The participants provided their opinions on their treatment from 2025 to 2026.

The evaluation consisted of 10 straightforward questions in which clients rated their experience on a scale from 1 to 5. In addition to the rating questions, clients were also invited to share written feedback about what they value most about the clinic and where they believe improvements could be made.

According to the results, clients overwhelmingly highlighted several strengths within the clinic’s services.

“Feeling heard and understood” emerged as one of the most valued aspects of care. Many clients described the importance of having “a listening ear,” noting that staff take the time to listen attentively and engage in open conversations about their concerns.

Clients also emphasized the kindness, respect, and friendliness of staff, frequently describing the clinic’s team as caring, professional, and welcoming. Feeling treated with dignity and compassion was identified as a key part of the care experience.

Another theme that stood out was personalized and responsive care. Respondents expressed appreciation when treatment is tailored to their individual needs, when staff clearly explain their situation, and when adjustments are made to accommodate personal circumstances.

Clients also highlighted therapists' professionalism and accessibility as a strong point. Many noted the knowledge and competence of therapists, timely access to medication, clear communication, and responsiveness from the clinic’s team.

Several clients shared that they had experienced positive personal changes as a result of their treatment. Some described feeling better, experiencing personal growth, or finally feeling able to “breathe and be themselves,” reflecting the meaningful impact of the support they receive.

In addition to positive feedback, clients were encouraged to offer suggestions for improvement. The feedback provided valuable insights and identified several areas for continued development.

Suggestions included improving clarity in the treatment plan, interest in expanded accessibility outside the main building of MHF, organizational, and additional facility improvements.

Overall, the feedback reflected a strong appreciation for the compassionate and professional care provided by MHF. Many respondents indicated that they were satisfied with the services and felt supported throughout their treatment.

“This survey was carried out because listening to our clients is essential to delivering meaningful mental health care,” said Medical Director, Dr. Hendrikus van Gaalen. “Their experiences and perspectives help us understand what we are doing well and where we can continue to improve. While complaints do occasionally occur, they offer important insights that help us to optimize the quality of our care.”

The Mental Health Foundation will continue to conduct the clinic client evaluation annually, reinforcing one of our core values of client-centered care by ensuring that treatment plans are developed collaboratively, with clients and their care providers working together to identify priorities and agree on the path forward, alongside implementing other key improvements across our services.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation is proud to announce that SXM Tech Tides, the island’s first robotics team to compete at a regional level, has achieved an impressive 2nd place finish among teams from eight countries at the OECSRA (now ECRIA) Super Regional Robotics Challenge, held in St. Kitts, earning both the Code Mastery Award and the Digital Engagement Award.

Students Jacob Boxshall of Learning Unlimited Preparatory School and Akash Pillai of St. Maarten Academy represented the 10-member team and delivered an outstanding performance on the regional stage.

Their robot, the Soualiga Seaside Sweeper (SSS-37), was purpose-built to address real-world environmental challenges. The robot features a dual-motor drive system for mobility, an extendable arm, and a servo-powered intake mechanism, similar to a street sweeper, designed to efficiently collect debris. The system is powered by a central battery and operated via remote control.

This achievement is particularly remarkable given that many competing teams had years of REV Robotics experience, while the St. Maarten team had only a few weeks to prepare. Under the guidance of coaches Mr. Julian Mason and Mr. Conlan King, the students demonstrated exceptional dedication, teamwork, and innovation.

“This milestone reflects the potential of our youth and the importance of investing in STEAM and robotics education on the island,” said Dr. Rolinda Carter, President of the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation. “To place second out of eight countries in our first regional appearance is an achievement the entire island can be proud of.”

This accomplishment marks an important step in the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to formalize and expand robotics and innovation initiatives in St. Maarten.

The team’s participation in the regional robotics challenge was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten.

The St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation remains committed to inspiring a passion for STEAM and robotics, empowering students to innovate, collaborate, and represent the island on regional and international stages.

The team returned home on Saturday, March 21, 2026, where they were warmly welcomed by the Honourable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports, Ms. Melissa Gumbs, along with board members of the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation, family members, school representatives, and peers.

For more information and updates, follow the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SXMSCIENCEFAIR
Instagram: @sxm_sciencefairfoundation

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is currently investigating a fatal traffic accident that occurred on Welfare Road late Saturday afternoon, March 21, 2026.

Just before 5:00 PM, Central Dispatch received multiple calls reporting a serious accident involving a scooter rider. Preliminary information indicates that the rider was traveling on Welfare Road from the airport toward the Kruithof Roundabout.

 While overtaking several vehicles, the scooter rider collided with a bus parked along the roadside.

Police patrols and ambulance personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, emergency responders provided medical assistance to the victim.

 Despite their efforts, it was later confirmed that the scooter rider succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The Traffic Department is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

KPSM extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.

Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Following a swift and coordinated response, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) has arrested a suspect in connection with an armed robbery and vehicle theft that occurred early Saturday morning on Soualiga Road.

At approximately 01:00 AM, Central Dispatch received a report of an armed robbery on Soualiga Road. A male victim reported that he had been robbed of his Lexus SUV by an assailant dressed entirely in black clothing. The suspect threatened the victim with what appeared to be a black firearm, forcibly took the vehicle keys, and fled the scene in the direction of Point Blanche. The incident occurred in the vicinity of a gentleman’s club on Soualiga Road.

Immediately following the report, several police patrols were dispatched to the Point Blanche area. Shortly thereafter, officers received additional information regarding the stolen vehicle's direction of travel.

Officers on patrol subsequently spotted the stolen SUV on Buncamper Road, traveling from the direction of Point Blanche toward the Freedom Fighters Roundabout. A pursuit was initiated, which continued onto Bush Road. The chase ended when the suspect lost control of the vehicle and drove into a road divider near the Churchill Roundabout, rendering it inoperable.

The suspect exited the vehicle and fled on foot onto a property located at L.B. Scott Road #1. After a short foot pursuit, during which a warning shot was fired by police, officers successfully apprehended the suspect, identified by the initials N.D.I.A.

A search of the stolen vehicle did not initially yield a firearm. However, during a subsequent search of the surrounding area near the arrest location, officers recovered a black firearm, which was confiscated for further investigation.

The suspect was transported to the Philipsburg Police Station, where he remains in custody for questioning. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.

KPSM commends the swift and coordinated efforts of its officers, which led to the rapid arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the stolen vehicle.

The Police Force urges anyone with additional information related to this incident to contact the police station at +1 (721) 542-2222 or the anonymous tip line at 9300.