MARIGOT/PHILIPSBURG – 80 persons have finalized their participation in the training as interviewers for the ‘How Healthy is Sint Maarten/Saint Martin?’ public health survey.
The training was facilitated by the University of the U.S. Virgin Islands (UVI) through their collaboration with the University of St. Martin (USM) (UVI @ USM), as well as the Department of Statistics (STAT) and three Health Care Professionals volunteering their time and skills for the initiative.
The training, a part of the ‘How Healthy is Sint Maarten/Saint Martin?’ project, was hosted by representatives from both the Dutch and French Governments, under the auspices of the Observatory of Sint Maarten/Saint Martin.
The Honorable Minister of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA), Rafael Boasman, Acting Secretary General Ministry VSA Joy Arnell, the Head of the Public Health Department, Fenna Arnell, the Honorable 2ndVice President of the Collectivite of Saint-Martin, in charge of Health and Social Affairs, Mrs. Connor, and 4th Vice President of the Collectivite of Saint-Martin, Mrs. Gumbs, along with the President of the Observatory, Dr. Louis Jeffry recognized the participants for their contribution to the study and the importance of their participation.
Together with the President of the Board and Director of USM, Valerie Giterson-Pantophlet and the Dr. Francio Guadeloupe, the participants were congratulated on a job well done.
The training consisted of five evenings, which were intense, knowledgeable, at times confrontational, but foremost enlightening.
Dedicated and knowledgeable trainers from UVI, STAT and the Health Care Sector did a great contribution to the success of the training of the individuals.
The tremendous interest and dedication shown by the trainees in assisting the Observatory in getting the information that is needed to improve health care and general health situation on the entire island was motivational and shows that the project must indeed become a success.
A follow-up summary training will ensue where a selection will be made of the persons going out into the field to execute the survey.
Persons can expect to see the recognizable interviewers going door-to-door to randomly selected households within a short matter of time. The participation of the selected individuals is vital to ensuring a better health for all.
PHOTO CUTLINE: (L-R): The Head of the Public Health Department, F. Arnell, Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, J. Arnell, 2nd Vice President of the Collectivite of Saint-Martin, in charge of Health and Social Affairs, Mrs. Connor, Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, R. Boasman, 4th Vice President of the Collectivite of Saint-Martin, Mrs. Gumbs, President of the Observatory Sint Maarten/Saint-Martin, Dr. L. Jeffry, President of the Board of USM, V. Giterson-Pantophlet.
