GREAT BAY--The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) wishes to clarify inaccurate statements made during a recent parliamentary discussion on May 25, 2026 regarding the qualifications of family physicians practicing in St. Maarten.

MARIGOT, Saint Martin--The Collectivité of Saint-Martin hosted an official commemoration of the abolition of slavery at The Old House in the Orléans district on Thursday, honoring the victims of slavery and paying tribute to the ancestors who endured the loss of freedom under the slave system.

GREAT BAY--The Honorable Prime Minister, Dr. Luc Mercelina, wishes to provide additional clarity following comments and discussions that emerged during today’s public meeting of Parliament concerning physicians, medical qualifications, and the legal framework governing the practice of medicine in Sint Maarten.

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Egbert J. Doran raised concerns on Thursday based on statements made by Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina in Parliament earlier in the week regarding the approval process for a doctor to practice as a general practitioner in St. Maarten.

GREAT BAY--Chairlady of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams adjourned Wednesday’s public meeting with Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Richinel Brug after statements concerning the qualifications of medical professionals in St. Maarten raised serious public concern and, in her view, required immediate clarification between government and Parliament.

PARAMARIBO, Suriname--Chief of Police Carl John of St. Maarten has been elected Chairman of the ACCP. The election took place during the 40th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP), held from 11 to 15 May 2026 at the Royal Torarica Hotel in Paramaribo, Suriname. Chief of Police John had served as First Vice Chairman since 2025 and now succeeds the outgoing chairman.