Site Visit Marks Forward Momentum in Development of Sint Maarten’s New Mental Health Facility
Site Visit Marks Forward Momentum in Development of Sint Maarten’s New Mental Health Facility
Mon Jun 16, 2025
https://sxmnews.ai/from-bid-rigging-to-land-stealing-story-of-christopher-emmanuels-crash-out/
On Thursday, June 5, Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), the Honorable Richinel Brug, led a key delegation on a site visit to the future location of Sint Maarten’s new mental health facility in St. John’s.
Site Visit Marks Forward
This site visit represents a decisive step forward in the Mental Health Project, which the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) is implementing on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten.
The project’s core goal is clear: to expand and strengthen the island’s mental health service capacity.
Throughout the visit, Minister Brug emphasized the ministry’s full commitment to the project’s progress. “This mental health project is one of my top priorities,” he said.
Site Visit Marks Forward
“As a Ministry, we are committed to doing everything on our end to eliminate delays. I am encouraged by the strong collaboration with the NRPB, the World Bank, and all stakeholders driving this effort forward.”
Over the course of three days, the visit included technical planning sessions and early-stage design discussions.
The delegation featured representatives from the NRPB, VSA, the Mental Health Foundation (MHF), engineering firms Independent Consulting Engineers (ICE) and ILACO,
the World Bank, and international design firm Politecnica. Their combined expertise underscores the significance and ambition behind the facility’s development.
https://sxmgovernment.com/christophe-emmanuel-broke-joke-angry-at-st-maarten-s/
ILACO Director Ravin Patandin highlighted the importance of leveraging local knowledge from the outset. He stated, “We’ve worked in Sint Maarten before and understand its infrastructure and climate.
Our aim is to support a design that is durable, low-maintenance, and feasible under local constraints. We want a facility that can endure the next 30 or 40 years.”
Politecnica, the Italian design firm selected through a competitive process, brings decades of experience in healthcare infrastructure across the Caribbean and beyond.
Architect Claudia Romero praised the inclusive, community-focused design process. “This level of early engagement from the Ministry and local partners is rare and essential.
Mental health care requires thoughtful, people-centered design. We’re bringing global expertise paired with regional understanding to ensure long-term success.”
Site Visit Marks Forward
MHF Board Secretary Erika van der Horst expressed optimism about the progress. “We’re finally seeing tangible movement toward better mental health care on the island.
A modern facility will reduce stigma, improve patient experience, and enhance safety and working conditions for staff. This project marks a turning point.”
The groundbreaking is set for 2026, with completion expected by 2027. Funded by the Sint Maarten Trust Fund—financed by the Government of the Netherlands and managed by the World Bank—
Site Visit Marks Forward
the Mental Health Project symbolizes a meaningful investment in community health. With strong partnerships,
local leadership, and a clear timeline, Sint Maarten is taking firm strides toward a more resilient and compassionate mental health system.