Willemstad/Philipsburg:--- The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) has been named the winner of the prestigious Currency Manager Award 2026 by Central Banking this year. This award is part of the annual Central Banking Awards, which recognize excellence in the central banking community worldwide. The CBCS is receiving this distinction for the successful introduction of the Caribbean guilder in 2025.
“The introduction of the Caribbean guilder has been one of the CBCS’s most significant undertakings in recent history. Being selected as the recipient of Central Banking’s Currency Manager Award is a profound honor for our institution. This award shows what is possible for a small central bank when a professional and enthusiastic team is working relentlessly in close cooperation with trusted partners and advisors”, Richard Doornbosch, CBCS-president, stated.
The Central Banking Awards were judged by a panel made up of members of the Central Banking Editorial Team and Editorial Advisory Board, based on their analysis, benchmarking, and reporting. According to the judges, the successful introduction of the Caribbean guilder demonstrates that small teams that develop and execute a well-considered plan consistently, while taking on expert advice where needed, pays off.
Christopher Jeffery, Chairman of the Central Banking Awards Committee, said: “The CBCS’s success in converting skepticism into ownership through a clear multilingual outreach, neutral island‑themed design and next‑generation security has strengthened monetary sovereignty and public trust.”
The Central Banking Awards are being presented for the 13th time this year and are based on more than three decades of independent and in-depth analysis of developments within central banks worldwide.
Willemstad, March 19, 2026
CENTRALE BANK VAN CURACAO EN SINT MAARTEN
Police Investigating Robbery and Traffic Incident Involving Injured Officers.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is currently investigating an armed robbery that took place at a pizza establishment on Bush Road on the morning of Thursday, March 19th, 2026, shortly after 09:00 AM.
According to preliminary reports, two suspects on a scooter carried out the robbery and fled the scene towards A.Th. Illidge Road, heading towards the French border.
Police patrol units responded immediately and attempted to intercept the fleeing suspects.
During the pursuit, one of the police vehicles lost control while maneuvering to avoid another vehicle and subsequently collided with a truck that was parked along the roadside in Sucker-Garden.
As a result of the collision, three police officers sustained serious injuries. They were being transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for medical treatment.
The suspects managed to continue their escape, fleeing towards the French side of the island. KPSM is actively working in close collaboration with its French counterparts to locate and apprehend those responsible.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
KPSM urges anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information that could assist in the investigation to come forward and contact the police. 1721 5422222 or the tipline at 9300
Serious Traffic Accident on Buncamper Road KPSM Calls On Riders And Parents to take Road Safety Seriously.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is investigating a serious traffic accident that took place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at approximately 9:30 PM on Buncamper Road, near the Freedom Fighters Roundabout. The circumstances of this incident serve as an important reminder of the very real consequences that can result from disregarding traffic laws.
A motorcycle and a Chevrolet Spark passenger vehicle were involved in a serious accident. The driver of the Chevrolet Spark was travelling along Buncamper Road toward the Freedom Fighters Roundabout when the motorcyclist, approaching from Sucker-garden Road, entered the roundabout in the wrong direction before proceeding onto Buncamper Road, colliding with the left side of the vehicle.
The motorcyclist sustained serious injuries, including a fracture to the left leg, and was transported to the hospital for further medical care. It has since been confirmed that the rider is a minor.
KPSM wishes to address a pattern of riding behavior that continues to be observed on St. Maarten's roads and that causes genuine concern for public safety. A number of motorcycle and scooter riders are regularly seen riding against traffic, entering roundabouts incorrectly, speeding through busy areas, and ignoring basic road markings and signals, often without helmets or proper documentation.
Tuesday's accident is a clear illustration of where this kind of behavior can lead. Serious injury or worse is the very real outcome of riding without regard for the rules of the road.
The involvement of a minor in this accident is a matter that KPSM cannot overlook. Parents and guardians are reminded that they bear a significant responsibility for the safety of their children in traffic. Allowing minors to operate motorcycles or motor vehicles unsupervised and without a license is both dangerous and illegal.
KPSM respectfully but firmly urges parents and guardians to have open conversations with their children about road safety, know where their children are, and ensure they are not operating motor vehicles without proper authorization and supervision.
The safety of St. Maarten's roads is a shared responsibility. KPSM remains committed to working with the community to reduce accidents and protect all road users. The Force thanks the public for their continued cooperation and encourages anyone with information relevant to this incident to come forward.
KPSM remains committed to ensuring public safety and urges anyone with information related to this or any other case to call +1721-54222 or the tip line at 9300.
Minister Brug Maintains On-Site Cabinet Presence at Hope Estate Community Help Desk, until Next District.
PHILPSBURG: --- Minister Brug Maintains On-Site Cabinet Presence at Hope Estate Community Help Desk, until Next District.
On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Minister Richinel Brug initiated a new community outreach project as part of his commitment to be more present in the neighborhoods. Rather than operating solely from the Government Administration Building, the Minister began holding Cabinet hours at the Community Help Desk in Hope Estate on a rotating basis.
The Ministry considers this a tangible step toward bringing government closer to the people, particularly residents of Sucker Garden and surrounding communities.
During this period, the Minister and his Cabinet provided direct public access on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Residents were encouraged to walk in, schedule appointments, and engage directly with the Minister and his team—creating a space for open dialogue, problem-solving, and community connection.
Throughout the engagement period, the Cabinet addressed a wide range of matters, including assistance for seniors with GEBE relief registration, questions regarding financial assistance procedures, SZV-related concerns, and follow-ups on previously submitted complaints. The Community Center also served as a platform for residents to share constructive suggestions to improve services within the Ministry.
A number of cases required coordination with other ministries, prompting inter-ministerial collaboration. In such instances, the Minister and his Cabinet initiated discussions with other ministries to ensure coordinated decision-making. Where matters fell entirely under the responsibility of another ministry, residents were guided accordingly. Many individuals expressed appreciation simply for being heard—highlighting the value of accessibility and empathy in governance.
“This rotating community-based approach will continue in other districts as well.”, stated Minister Brug. For now, the Minister of VSA and his cabinet will remain at the Community Center in Hope Estate until the end of March. Based on feedback received, the Cabinet has also recognized the importance of introducing walk-in hours after 5:00 p.m., allowing individuals who are unable to visit during regular working hours the opportunity to access the Community Help Desk and seek assistance. Starting March 16st, 2026, the new walk-in hours will be:
Monday: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Friday: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
The public is warmly invited to engage with the Minister and his team as this outreach initiative continues across Sint Maarten
Senior Carnival Contestant Breyenne Brown Brings Budgeting to Life with “Budget 101”
PHILIPSBURG:-- Laughter quickly filled the room when Senior Carnival Contestant #3 Breyenne Brown challenged participants to manage a “monthly salary” during her lively “Budget 101” workshop held on March 14 at Republic Bank St. Maarten. As expenses such as GEBE, groceries, rent, mortgages, internet, and other household bills were added to the list, many were surprised to see just how quickly their paycheck disappeared.
The interactive workshop, organized in collaboration with Republic Bank St. Maarten and financial educator Mrs. Shanica Ravenburg-Carty of the BudgetBae, brought together Brown’s fellow Teen contestants and invited guests for an afternoon of learning, discussion, and shared experiences.
Brown, who also serves as a Personal Loan Officer at Republic Bank St. Maarten, introduced the initiative as part of her pageant platform. As the first contestant to bring financial literacy forward as a pageantry platform, she wanted to create a space where conversations about money could feel engaging, relatable, and even fun.
“Financial Literacy doesn’t have to be complicated’, Mrs. Ravenburg-Carty shared. “ I fully recommend to parents to always have fun and engaging conversations with their children on how money works early”. They will gain the confidence to make smarter decisions for their future.
Ms. Judith Bain, Business Support Manager representing Republic Bank St. Maarten, commended the initiative and the positive environment created during the workshop.
“Financial literacy is an important life skill, and it is encouraging to see young people learning about money in such an engaging and relatable way,” Ms. Bain shared.
Breyenne Brown expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the workshop a success.
“I’m truly grateful to everyone who came out to support this initiative,” Brown shared. “Seeing my fellow Teen contestants and invited guests participate, laugh, and learn together made this sisterhood experience incredibly special. I would also like to thank Mrs. Ravenburg-Carty of the BudgetBae, Ms. Judith Bain, my Republic Bank family, sponsors, Amisha Lake, Vanesia James, Alexander Marlin, SCDF Pageant Committee, as well as the parents and chaperones for their continued support.”
With her community initiatives now complete, Brown now prepares for the highly anticipated Senior Carnival Queen Pageant on April 20th at the Jocelyn Arindell Festival Village and warmly invites the public to come out and enjoy a vibrant evening celebrating the beauty, talent, and spirit of Carnival.