WILLEMSTAD:---  The Economic and Social Council (SER) of Curaçao today submitted its advisory opinion to Minister Charetti America-Francisca of Social Development, Labour and Welfare (SOAW) on the draft national decree, containing general measures, which formalizes a measure already implemented on August 1, 2023. The initiative strengthens the purchasing power of older people by raising the supplementary allowance for beneficiaries of the General Old-Age Insurance (AOV) and broadening the eligibility criteria.

As of 1 August 2023, the monthly supplementary allowance was raised from Cg 130 to Cg 169. Henceforth, all Curaçao-resident AOV-beneficiaries whose total income is equal to or less than the full-pension benchmark of Cg 862 per month (applicable to a fully built-up 50-year insurance record) qualify under the new scheme. The draft national decree, containing general measures, places this arrangement within Curaçao’s legislative framework, establishing a definitive legal basis.

The estimated additional annual financial burden is approximately Cg 6 million, to be covered from the existing SOAW budget line ‘Social Relief Benefit and Emergency Provisions’. While the measure offers immediate relief to thousands of older people who are reliant exclusively on AOV income, the SER underlines that this remains an interim step: automatic indexation of the AOV benefit, a transparent multi-year financing plan and recognition of the long-term pressures posed by demographic ageing and erosion of older citizen purchasing power are essential.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The police force of Sint. Maarten KPSM, together with the Prosecutor’s Office Sint Maarten OM SXM, appeals to the public for assistance following a violent armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 17 October 2025, at approximately 1:30 pm at Ocean Jewelry in the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Dawn Beach.

During this incident, three masked individuals drove onto the premises and entered the establishment, brandishing a gun.  Following that, the perpetrators fled the scene in a stolen black Kia Soul with an undisclosed amount of jewelry.

Law enforcement is investigating this serious crime. To support this effort, screenshots from surveillance video have been made public for identification purposes. The goal is to find anyone who may have witnessed the robbery, but has not yet been questioned by police, including anyone who saw a suspicious yellow van and a dark sedan  (entering or leaving the area of Dawn Beach around 1:30 pm and 2:00 pm) or has any other information, even minor, to come forward immediately.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the police at 1721-5422222, or the tip line 9300, or visit the police station. All information is valuable and can significantly help the investigation. 

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a heated and urgent public meeting of Parliament on Monday, November 17, 2025, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina found himself at the center of controversy over his handling of negotiations with the WICSU/PSU union regarding the grievances of frontline workers, including firefighters and ambulance personnel. The meeting, convened to address the escalating tensions, revealed a troubling pattern of miscommunication, broken trust, and alleged dishonesty on the part of the Prime Minister.
The crux of the issue lies in the Prime Minister's conflicting statements regarding his commitment to resolving the longstanding concerns of the Fire Department. During the meeting, Dr. Mercelina presented a detailed timeline of government actions and correspondence, repeatedly emphasizing his administration's "commitment" to addressing the workers' demands. However, when pressed by Member of Parliament (MP) Darryl York, the Prime Minister admitted that he could not make a firm, binding commitment, despite having previously assured the union in writing that he would.
This admission has sparked outrage among MPs and frontline workers alike, with many accusing the Prime Minister of knowingly misleading Parliament and attempting to placate the union with empty promises.
MP York highlighted the lack of trust between the government and the union, pointing out that the Prime Minister's refusal to sign a formal commitment letter has only deepened the divide. "This is not about emails or presentations," York stated. "This is about trust, and the Prime Minister has failed to build it."
The union's grievances include demands for retroactive pay, recognition of career lines and promotions, and a revisiting of the function book that governs their roles and responsibilities. While the Prime Minister claimed to have addressed these points in correspondence, MPs questioned the sincerity and effectiveness of his actions. MP Lacroes criticized the government's lack of timelines and financial transparency, stating, "We find money for everything else, but not for what is truly important—our frontline workers."
Adding to the controversy, the Prime Minister's presentation revealed that key decisions, such as the establishment of a placement committee and the ratification of a national decree, were made without adequately informing the union or the Fire Department's leadership. This lack of communication has further eroded trust and fueled suspicions of bad faith negotiations.
The meeting also exposed a stark contrast between the approaches of different ministries. The Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, Mr. Richinel Brug.
MPs from both sides of the aisle expressed frustration with the government's failure to resolve the crisis, with MP Lewis calling for immediate action and accountability. "This is not about who's right or wrong," he said. "This is about ensuring that our frontline workers are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve."
The Prime Minister's repeated claims of "inheriting" the problem from previous administrations did little to quell the criticism. MPs reminded him that his role as the leader of the country is to provide solutions, not excuses. "Stop playing games with the people," MP Lewis declared. "We need execution, not more presentations."
As the meeting adjourned without a resolution, the go-slow action by firefighters and ambulance personnel continues, leaving the nation in a precarious position.

The Prime Minister's inability to secure the trust of frontline workers and their union has not only jeopardized public safety but also cast a shadow over his leadership.
The people of St. Maarten deserve better. They deserve a government that prioritizes their well-being and respects the sacrifices of those who risk their lives to protect them. Dr. Luc Mercelina's failure to deliver on his promises and his apparent attempt to mislead Parliament and the public is a betrayal that cannot be ignored. The time for excuses is over—it's time for action.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) is pleased to announce the completion of Sint Maarten’s first National PAHO/WHO STEPS Survey on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). The final report has now been officially submitted to the Minister of VSA.

Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Hon. Richinel S. J. Brug, expressed his appreciation for the timely submission of the report, noting that the STEPS results come at a pivotal moment.
“I am grateful to receive the full findings at this time,” Minister Brug stated. “The data and recommendations will be directly integrated into the Ministry’s Health in All Policies approach, which will be launched in the first quarter of 2026. This report strengthens our foundation for coordinated, evidence-based action across all sectors.”
Conducted between July 2023 and October 2024, the STEPS Survey represents Sint Maarten’s first nationally representative assessment of the behavioral and biological risk factors that contribute to chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, cancers, respiratory illnesses, and kidney disease. Using the internationally recognized WHO STEPS methodology, the survey included interviews, physical measurements, and blood testing among 2,042 adults aged 18–69 across every district in the country.

The successful implementation of this national survey was made possible through strong collaboration and support from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the Tijdelijke Werkorganisatie (TWO), dedicated field teams, VSA staff, community partners, and the many residents who generously participated. The Ministry extends its sincere gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to this important national milestone. The STEPS findings will play a central role in shaping future health policies, strengthening prevention programs, and guiding coordinated action across sectors.

As part of the next steps, the Ministry of VSA will host a stakeholder information session at the end of November, during which key partners from government, and within the community, will receive a detailed presentation on the results and recommendations included in the final report.

More information regarding the session will be shared in the coming days.