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Chart showing a comparison between the Delta and Omicron cases count.

~ St. Maarten in the midst of its 5th wave ~

PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Omar Ottley, comparing the impacts of the Delta versus the Omicron variants, says although Omicron spreads faster it is milder.

  The Omicron variant is in St Read more

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Ombudsman Concludes Systemic Investigation Into Glucometers

PHILIPSBURG, Ombudsman Gwendolien Mossel recently concluded the Systemic Investigation into the procurement procedure of SZV for the selection of medical aid equipment (glucometers). After providing a Preliminary Findings Report, the Final Report was submitted on 30 December 2021 to the Director of SZV, Mr. Glen Carty. The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Mr. Omar Ottley, was also provided with a copy of the report.

On 26 May 2020, a complaint was filed by a member of the general public regarding alleged faulty glucose testers being allowed as the sole option under the insurance of SZV Read more

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Ombudsman Concludes Systemic Investigation Into Glucometers

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Ombudsman Gwendolien Mossel recently concluded the Systemic Investigation into the procurement procedure of SZV for the selection of medical aid equipment (glucometers). After providing a Preliminary Findings Report, the Final Report was submitted on 30 December 2021 to the Director of SZV, Mr. Glen Carty. The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Mr. Omar Ottley, was also provided with a copy of the report.

On 26 May 2020, a complaint was filed by a member of the general public regarding alleged faulty glucose testers being allowed as the sole option under the insurance of SZV Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- Ombudsman Gwendolien Mossel recently concluded the Systemic Investigation into the procurement procedure of SZV for the selection of medical aid equipment (glucometers). After providing a Preliminary Findings Report, the Final Report was submitted on 30 December 2021 to the Director of SZV, Mr. Glen Carty. The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Mr. Omar Ottley, was also provided with a copy of the report.

On 26 May 2020, a complaint was filed by a member of the general public regarding alleged faulty glucose testers being allowed as the sole option under the insurance of SZV Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Omar Ottley informs the public, that due to technical problems with the establishment of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the AOV (Old-age pension), and AWW (Widow- and Orphan Insurance) will not be assessed in time to be indexed per January 1, 2022.

Annually, in accordance with the legislation, the amounts of AOV and AWW are adjusted on the basis of an increase in the CPI of the current year compared to the previous year Read more

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Ottley: Business Hours Linked To Covid-19 Hospitalisation

PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Omar Ottley says the scaling back of business hours will be linked to COVID-19 hospitalisations.

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Ministro Ottley: La Reduccin Del Horario Comercial Estar Vinculada A La Hospitalizacin Por Covid-19.

PHILIPSBURG El Ministro de Salud Pblica, Social Desarrollo y Trabajo, Omar Ottley afirm que si bien estamos notando un aumento en los casos activos en St. Maarten, el pblico no debe entrar en pnico.

El pnico causa un miedo repentino e incontrolable o ansiedad, y aqu es cuando las cosas tienden a salirse de control. El ministro Ottley insta al pblico a recordar adherirse a los protocolos de salud, administrar pases sanitarios para establecimientos, usar la mascarilla, desinfectarse con frecuencia, limitar las reuniones masivas y vacunarse Read more

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Minister Ottley: Scale Back Of Business Hours Will Be Linked To Covid-19 Hospitalization

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten –The Minister of Public Health, SocialDevelopment and Labor, Omar Ottley stated that while we are noticing an increase in active cases on St. Maarten, the public should not panic. Panic causes sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety, and this is when things tend to go out of control.

Minister Ottley urges the public to remember to adhere to the health protocols, administer health passes for establishments, wear your mask, sanitize frequently, limit mass gatherings and get vaccinated / boostered. 

“While I am the Minister of Public Health, I am also the Minister of Labor, and with the country facing dire financial strain, we just cannot afford any lock downs Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- 

The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Omar Ottley stated that while we are noticing an increase in active cases on St. Maarten, the public should not panic. Panic causes sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety, and this is when things tend to go out of control.

Minister Ottley urges the public to remember to adhere to the health protocols, administer health passes for establishments, wear your mask, sanitize frequently, limit mass gatherings, and get vaccinated / boostered.

"While I am the Minister of Public Health, I am also the Minister of Labor, and with the country facing dire financial strain, we just cannot afford any lockdowns Read more

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Ottley Says Colombia No Longer Accepts Unvaccinated Patients

~ Urges persons to get COVID-19 vaccination ~

PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Omar Ottley urges persons to take note that Colombia is not accepting patients who are not vaccinated.

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** Travel Requirements Scheduled To Change As Of January 1St 2022; Applicable For Persons 18 Years And Up **

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) Omar Ottley hereby informs the publicthat, given the rapid worldwide spread of the Omicron variant, SintMaarten will be implementing various protective measures.

With Omicron fast becoming the dominant variant in numerous countries, the following changes to Sint Maarten’s entry protocols will go into effect as from Saturday January 1st 2022 for all incoming travelers to Sint Maarten. 

Unvaccinated persons will require a 48 hour PCR test, while persons who received both doses of an approved COVID vaccine will require a 48 hour PCR test or a 24 hour antigen test Read more

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Finso Promised To Pay Contractors And Vendors In Time For Christmas.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Labor and Public Health Omar Ottley confirmed on Wednesday at the Council of Ministers press briefing that he received confirmation from the contractors of the New General Hospital that they will try to make the overdue payments to contractors and vendors before the Christmas Holiday.
The Minister also confirmed that several persons contacted him raising concerns about the non-payment from FINSO Read more

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Emmanuel Wants Ottley To Investigate Disturbing Reports At Hospital Project

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Independent Member of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel on Monday said that it has been brought to his attention that something is amiss with the ongoing construction/expansion of the St. Maarten General Hospital (SMGH) and has called on Minister of Health Omar Ottley to investigate the matter and inform Parliament and the public accordingly.

Emmanuel said for the past few weeks little to no work has been executed at the project site, with key players in the project reportedly unhappy with the fact that they have not been paid Read more

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Minister Ottley And His Team Bring Christmas Cheer To Dutch Quarter

VSA Minster Omar Ottley spent the day Saturday helping to bring holiday cheer to children, families and the elderly during a special Community Fun Day at the De Weever property in Dutch Quarter. Ottley is pictured handing out gifts to excited children at the event.

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First Omicron Case Detected On Island

PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Omar Ottley urges all persons who are not vaccinated, to seriously consider doing so.

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Unemployment Key Focus For Ministry, Says Ottley

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Omar Ottley says combatting unemployment remains a focal point for the ministry next year.

Ottley gave Members of Parliament (MPs) an overview of the ministrys plans of approach with regard to unemployment in St. Maarten in Parliaments Central Committee meeting on Tuesday.

Ottley said this plan consists of a comprehensive approach in key areas: improvement of the regulatory environment, focus on creating job opportunities and creation of an online portal.

The ministry is implementing the labour legislation and policy-approved Civil Code New Title 10, Book Seven of the Civil Code, replacing Book 7A Read more

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Unemployment Key Focus For Ministry, Says Ottley

PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Omar Ottley says combatting unemployment remains a focal point for the ministry next year.

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Minister Ottley And Simpson Bay Resort Signs Off On Food And Beverages Training Center

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — On Monday December 13th, the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Omar Ottley was invited to deliver a speech at the launching of the Simpson Bay Resort’s food and beverages training center. Minister Ottley signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with the Simpson Bay resort on Friday December 10th, which branches off of the Ministers incidental work policy with the aim to strengthen the local work force.

The MOU documents the collaboration agreement between the Simpson Bay Resort and VSA’s National Employment Service Center (NESC), to facilitate the proper training for St Read more

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Your Invited To The Community Fun Day Event On December 18.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Minister Omar Ottley and the Department of Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA), proudly announce and invite the public to a Community Fun Day on Saturday, December 18 at the De Weever Property in Dutch Quarter.

The family fun day kicks off at 10.00 AM to 4.00 PM. There will be a childrens corner, lots of popcorn, cotton candy, a bouncy castle, face painting, Santa Claus, and visitors can win various prizes Read more

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Minister Ottley And Simpson Bay Resort Signs Off On Food And Beverages Training Center

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – On Monday December 13th, the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Omar Ottley was invited to deliver a speech at the launching of the SimpsonBay resorts food and beverages training center. Minister Ottley signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with the Simpson Bay Resort on Friday December 10th, which branches off of the Ministers incidental work policy with the aim to strengthen the local work force.

The MOU documents the collaboration agreement between the SimpsonBayResort and VSA’s National Employment Service Center (NESC), to facilitate the proper training for St Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday, December 13th, the Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, Omar Ottley was invited to deliver a speech at the launching of the Simpson Bay Resort's food and beverages training center. Minister Ottley signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with the Simpson Bay Resort on Friday, December 10th, which branches off of the Ministers incidental work policy with the aim to strengthen the local workforce.

The MOU documents the collaboration agreement between the Simpson Bay Resort and VSA's National Employment Service Center (NESC), to facilitate the proper training for St Read more

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Simpson Bay Resort Inaugurates Food And Beverage Training Centre

Minister of Labor Omar Ottley (third from left) with Simpson Bay Resort/Royal Resorts CEO Rodrigo Gamboa Guzman (fourth left), General Manager Marcel Javois and Project Director Jozef ONiel (both standing at the rear), and food and beverage management and staff at the training centre inauguration. (Robert Luckock photo)

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Minister Ottley Emphasizes Importance Of Creating Sustainable Health Care Programs

~End of year virtual tripartite meeting of Government SMMC SZV~

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten On Monday December 6, Minister of VSA Omar Ottley chaired the virtual Government SMMC SZV Tripartite meeting, closing off the 2021 scheduled sessions. The purpose of the Tripartite meetings is to exchange information between the parties and discuss, in an early stage, those topics that impact the sustainability of the healthcare cost for Sint Maarten Read more

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Minister Vsa Says While He Understand Mp RomouS Queries; Her Comments Are Misleading And Lacks Facts

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Minister of VSA Omar Ottley saysmembers of Parliament are apart of the legislative branch, who have the authority to amend laws that they may consider negatively affecting the countrys progress.Member of Parliament MP Angelique Romou should change the National Ordinance on Healthcare Institutions (landsverordening zorginstellingen) if she wants to help the two Mental Healthcare Psychiatrists who have taken Government to Court.The Ministersaid the main challenge is that the existing Ordinance does not permit establishing a Psychiatric practice without a collaboration agreement with the Mental Healthcare Foundation.

“It is disheartening when persons, especially those who have access to the facts, peddle half-truths to the public. Despite the challenges with the law, I have been trying to find ways and means of helping the Psychiatrists.”

The Minister referred to comments made in the local media by MP Romou regarding the revocation of a Ministerial Decree that previously granted two Psychiatrists Drs Read more

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