GREAT BAY--The Windward Islands Bank (WIB) is supporting Breathe 2026, a new three-day respiratory health conference aimed at strengthening knowledge, collaboration and public awareness around respiratory health in St. Maarten and the wider Caribbean.
The inaugural conference, organized jointly by the Pharmacy Association of St. Maarten (PAS) and the Windward Islands Medical Association (WIMA), will take place from September 18 to 20, bringing together healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers and other stakeholders.
Breathe 2026 will open on September 18 with a public engagement session, followed by a scientific conference on September 19 and 20. The program will include expert presentations and panel discussions addressing respiratory health and related issues, with organizers seeking to strengthen professional knowledge and contribute to improved health outcomes across the region.
“WIB is proud to financially support an initiative that brings healthcare professionals and other stakeholders together around such an important issue affecting our community,” said Emilia Thomas, General Manager Customer Experience and ESG Representative at WIB. “Investing in education, collaboration and initiatives that contribute to the well-being of our community is an important part of our commitment to St. Maarten.”
Franklin Chang Sing Pang, pharmacist of Orange Grove Pharmacy, welcomed WIB’s early support for the conference.
“We are delighted to have WIB support Breathe 2026 and appreciate its early commitment to this inaugural event. Support from community partners helps create a strong foundation for bringing healthcare professionals and the wider community together around respiratory health,” Chang Sing Pang said.
Through its support for Breathe 2026, WIB said it continues its commitment to initiatives focused on education, professional development and community well-being. Organizers are encouraging healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers and other interested stakeholders to participate in the conference and its public engagement activities.
The Windward Islands Bank describes itself as “Your Partner in Progress” and supports initiatives promoting sustainable growth, education and social development across St. Maarten.
Photo caption:Emilia Thomas, General Manager Customer Experience and ESG Representative at WIB, with Franklin Chang Sing Pang of Orange Grove Pharmacy. WIB is supporting the inaugural Breathe 2026 Respiratory Health Conference, scheduled for September 18 to 20.
