SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - On Friday, September 4, SZV Social & Health Insurances hosted a Community Stakeholders Meet & Greet with its Executive Leadership Team. The gathering provided a platform for open dialogue on healthcare, prevention, service accessibility, and the broader well-being of the people of Sint Maarten.
Representing SZV’s Executive Leadership Team were Mr. Elton Felisie, Deputy Director, Mrs. Cassandra Marlin-Webster, Chief Financial Officer, Mrs. Parveen Boertje, Chief Social Insurance Officer and Dr. Chandra Rombley, Chief Medical Insurance Officer.
The meeting brought together community organizations and stakeholders to strengthen relationships with SZV, share lived experiences, identify gaps, and discuss opportunities for improved coordination. The feedback received is essential in helping SZV better understand areas where its service provision, communication, and partnership approach may be further strengthened.
A key theme throughout the discussion was the importance of preventive healthcare, health education, and health literacy. Community representatives noted that residents may only seek health information after experiencing a health concern, emphasizing the value of accessible information, early awareness, and coordinated prevention efforts.
“This meeting was essential because it gave us the opportunity to hear directly from organizations that are closely connected to the communities we serve,” said Mr. Elton Felisie, Deputy Director of SZV. “The discussion helped identify information, access, and coordination gaps that can guide us as we continue to improve our service provision and partnership approach. Many of the concerns raised require a collective response, and SZV looks forward to continue to engage constructively with government, healthcare providers, community organizations, and other relevant partners within their respective roles and mandates.”
Participants also raised concerns related to access to caregiving and specialized services, sick-leave reporting, medical referrals abroad processes for companions, healthcare legislation and benefits, mental health, and social well-being. SZV reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner that can contribute to constructive dialogue, clearer information, and coordinated efforts that support the well-being of the population.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration with the Government of Sint Maarten as well as healthcare providers, social-well-being organizations, employers, and other community stakeholders. SZV recognizes that sustainable progress in prevention, service accessibility, and health outcomes depends on coordinated action across these partners.
As part of its people-centered approach, SZV will continue to review the feedback received and identify appropriate opportunities to improve SZV service information, contribute to health literacy, strengthen community engagement, and support initiatives that are aligned with its role and mandate.
The Community Stakeholders Meet & Greet forms part of SZV’s continued effort to ensure that community perspectives are heard and considered as the organization works to improve its services and contribute to broader healthcare and social-well-being goals for Sint Maarten.
