SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Richinel Brug extends his sincere appreciation to Fundación Semana Dominicana for organizing Jornada de Salud Restauración 2026, a health fair dedicated to improving health awareness and providing valuable information and services within the community.
Brug also thanks the organizations and individuals whose collaboration helped make this important initiative possible: SVOBE, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Elektralyets Foundation, Positive Foundation, Mental Health Foundation, St. Maarten AIDS Foundation, Dr. Callo, Physiotherapy Bulo Van Delden and everyone else who contributed their time, expertise, resources or support.
“Community health fairs are essential as prevention begins with awareness,” Brug stated. “When people have access to reliable information, basic health services and professional guidance, they are better equipped to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families. While government has an important responsibility to protect and promote public health, it cannot accomplish this work alone. Community organizations, foundations, churches, healthcare professionals and residents must also play an active role.”
He particularly commended Fundación Semana Dominicana for taking the lead in reaching members of the Dominican community. Organizations that understand the language, culture and everyday experiences of the people they represent are often best positioned to communicate important health information and encourage participation.
Drawing on his experience as a former Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Brug encouraged organizations representing other nationality groups on Sint Maarten to follow this example and develop health-awareness initiatives tailored to their respective communities. Such activities can help overcome cultural and language barriers while strengthening trust and encouraging personal responsibility.
“A healthy and informed population is a crucial part of nation-building,” Brug added. “Every nationality and every community contributes to the future of Sint Maarten. When organizations take responsibility for educating, supporting and empowering their people, the entire country benefits.”
