In Memoriam: Ondina Altagracia Muñoz

As the 2026-2027 school year gets underway in Sint Maarten, the Collective Prevention Services (CPS) is calling on parents, guardians, and caregivers to help schoolchildren build healthy eating habits and active lifestyles. The public health agency is using the start of the new academic year as an opportunity to spotlight the importance of nutrition and physical activity among young people. CPS is directing its message specifically at the adults responsible for children's daily routines, recognizing their central role in shaping long-term health behaviors. The appeal reflects broader public health concerns about childhood wellness in the Caribbean, where diet-related conditions remain a persistent challenge. By timing the initiative with the school year's opening, CPS aims to encourage families to establish positive habits from the outset rather than addressing them after problems arise. No specific programs or events were announced in the excerpt, but the campaign signals an active public health push at the community level.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) of Sint Maarten is calling on parents, guardians, and caregivers to prioritize healthy eating and physical activity for school-aged children as the 2026–2027 school year gets underway. The initiative highlights the critical role that proper nutrition plays in children's academic performance, concentration, and overall well-being. CPS is urging families to provide nutritious meals and encourage regular physical activity as foundational habits during the formative school years. The campaign targets the start of the school year as a strategic moment to reset routines and establish healthier practices at home. By engaging parents and caregivers directly, CPS aims to create a supportive environment that reinforces health education beyond the classroom. The announcement was issued through the Department of Communication (DCOMM), signaling an official government-backed public health push for the new academic year.

A 61-year-old local man died after suffering a medical emergency while hiking near Mount Christoffel in Curaçao on Wednesday, August 19. The Maritime Operations Center (MOC) of the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard was notified of the incident by the Curaçao Police Force. Staff from Christoffel Park responded immediately to the scene to provide assistance. The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard was mobilized as part of the emergency response effort. Mount Christoffel, located within Christoffel National Park, is one of Curaçao's most popular hiking destinations, attracting both locals and tourists. The incident raises concerns about hiker safety and the availability of emergency medical support in remote natural areas of the island.