Point Blanche Prison Launches First Book Club with 'The Alchemist

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), operating under Sint Maarten's Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), is calling on residents to take immediate steps to eliminate mosquito breeding sites following heavy rainfall on Sunday. Standing water left behind by rainfall creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed, raising the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus. CPS is reminding the public that common household items — such as flowerpots, buckets, tires, and gutters — can collect rainwater and become breeding grounds if not properly drained or covered. The agency is urging residents to inspect their properties, empty any containers holding stagnant water, and take preventive measures to reduce mosquito populations in their neighborhoods. Public health officials stress that community participation is essential to controlling mosquito-borne disease outbreaks, particularly in the days following significant rainfall events.

Educator, author, and youth advocate Angelique J.G. Romou launched her first children's book, 'Saint Martin, I Love You Just the Way You Are,' on International Literacy Day. The book is designed to introduce young children to the beauty, culture, heritage, and identity of the island of Saint Martin. The launch took place in Philipsburg, on the Dutch side of the island. By releasing the book on International Literacy Day, Romou tied the project to a globally recognized moment aimed at highlighting the importance of literacy and education. The book appears intended to fill a gap in locally focused children's literature, giving young Saint Martiners a story that reflects their own home and identity. Romou's background as a long-time youth advocate underscores the educational mission behind the project. The release is being celebrated as a meaningful contribution to both the literary and cultural life of the island.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department under Sint Maarten's Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), is calling on residents to take immediate action to prevent mosquito proliferation following heavy rainfall on Sunday. Standing water left behind by the rains creates ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, raising concerns about vector-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. CPS is urging households to inspect their properties and remove or empty any containers, tires, gutters, or other items that may be collecting stagnant water. The appeal is directed at all residents across the island, as mosquito control is most effective when communities act collectively and promptly after rainfall events. Health officials stress that proactive elimination of breeding sites is the single most important step residents can take to reduce mosquito populations and protect public health.