The Collective Prevention Service (CPS), an executive agency of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry of VSA), is inviting the public to participate in a World Diabetes Day health screening and educational program on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
The event will take place at the Belair Community Center from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM and is being organized in collaboration with the Sint Maarten Lions Club, the Diabetes Foundation of St. Maarten and the Dialysis Department on French Saint Martin.
CPS welcomes the collaboration with the Sint Maarten Lions Club on this project and is also looking forward to many more joint projects.
World Diabetes Day is observed annually on November 14. The international theme for 2026 and 2027 is “Early Action on Diabetes,” with emphasis being placed on early diagnosis, reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and ensuring timely access to appropriate treatment and care.
Health screenings will begin at 8:00 AM and continue throughout the day. Members of the public will be able to access diabetes checks and receive information and professional guidance relating to nutrition, kidney health, dental health, foot care and other aspects of diabetes prevention and management.
CPS and teams will be conducting the traditional finger prick and urine screening at the fair which is a first for CPS. This joint collaboration will also allow the organizers to have local data island wide.
The opening ceremony will begin at 9:00 AM with welcome remarks by CPS Department Head Dr. Eva Lista-de Weever. Opening remarks will also be delivered by Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Hon. Claret Connor; President of the Diabetes Foundation of St. Maarten Louis Wever; President of the Sint Maarten Lions Club Elton Richardson; and Chairman of the Lions Club Health Committee J. Challenger.
The educational program will feature presentations from healthcare professionals representing various areas of diabetes care.
Nephrologist Dr. Jean-Marc Gabriel of Saint Martin will discuss the connection between diabetes and kidney health. Kenia Simon, Dialysis Screening and Prevention Nurse Coordinator at AUDRA Saint Martin, will address outpatient care, dialysis screening and prevention.
This is the first time for this new joint collaboration with AUDRA Saint Martin marking the first of many collaborations between both sides of the island on this topic that jointly impacts both sides equally.
Dentists Dr. Rafael Bueno-Díaz and Dr. Kasandra Dowling of the Dental Care Clinic will explain the relationship between diabetes and dental health. Registered Nurse Shardina Blomont-Federick will provide information about district nursing care.
Other presentations will focus on occupational wellness, nutrition and dietary guidance, and medical foot care. Presenters will include Occupational Therapist D’Antoinette Roger-Sorton of Enable Holistic Occupational Therapy Clinic; Registered Dietitian Karen Eusebius; and Registered Nurse Liska Busby of Soleful Medical Services.
The presentations are scheduled to conclude at approximately 11:15 AM, while health screenings will continue until 3:00 PM.
CPS said early action is essential because type 2 diabetes may develop gradually and can remain unnoticed for an extended period. According to the World Health Organization, more than 40 per cent of people living with diabetes globally remain undiagnosed.
Common warning signs of diabetes may include increased thirst, frequent urination, unusual tiredness, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss and wounds that are slow to heal. Some persons with type 2 diabetes may experience few or no noticeable symptoms, making regular screening especially important.
Persons may face an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes if they are overweight, physically inactive, have a family history of diabetes, experienced diabetes during pregnancy, or have high blood pressure or unhealthy cholesterol levels.
CPS thanks its collaborating organizations, participating healthcare professionals and volunteers for working together to make health information, screening and preventive services accessible to the community.
Know the signs. Know your numbers. Act early on diabetes.
