Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – October 6, 2025 - In recognition of the International Day of Older Persons, the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization Trinidad and Tobago Country Office (PAHO/WHO TTO) which also serves Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, reaffirms its commitment to advancing healthy aging across the Dutch Caribbean.
PAHO/WHO TTO celebrates its ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) of Sint Maarten to promote healthy aging and improve the lives of older persons. Earlier this year, the PAHO/WHO TTO provided technical support to conduct a Baseline Assessment on Healthy Aging in Sint Maarten. The assessment explored the health, social, economic, and environmental conditions affecting older adults and identified opportunities for multisectoral action.
The findings from this Assessment were presented at the “Aging with Dignity” Conference, held on September 29–30, which brought together over 100 participants from across government ministries, NGOs, foundations, faith-based organizations, and older persons. The event was attended by The Honorable Minister of Health Mr. Richenel Brug and His Excellency Ajamu Baly, Governor of Sint Maarten, reflecting high-level commitment to advancing aging policy.
The conference served as a platform for stakeholders to validate the assessment findings and collaboratively develop a national roadmap for healthy aging. This roadmap will guide future efforts to create inclusive, supportive environments that enable older persons to live with dignity, independence, and purpose.
PAHO’s support aligns with the goals of the WHO Decade of Healthy Aging (2021–2030), which calls for transforming the way societies approach aging through integrated care, age-friendly communities, and inclusive policy development.
As Sint Maarten moves forward with its roadmap, PAHO remains committed to supporting its Member States in building healthier, more equitable futures for older populations across the region.
