St. Maarten Hopes for Safer Sea Turtle Nesting Season in 2026

Construction of the new Gwendoline van Putten Secondary School on Sint Eustatius (Statia) has entered its final phase, signaling the near-completion of one of the island's most significant infrastructure projects. The construction contract was signed in June and work began in 2022, making this a multi-year effort to deliver a modern secondary school facility to the island. The project represents a major investment in education infrastructure for Sint Eustatius, a small Dutch Caribbean island with limited resources for large-scale construction. The completion of the school is expected to significantly improve learning conditions for secondary students on the island. This milestone marks a turning point for a community that has long awaited upgraded educational facilities following years of planning and development.

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.