WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:---  The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) has detected counterfeit NAf. 100 banknotes in circulation. The counterfeit NAf. 100 banknotes are of very good quality, making them challenging to distinguish from genuine NAf. 100 bills.
Following a thorough analysis of the counterfeit banknotes, the CBCS has observed the following prominent distinguishing characteristics:
- The paper used for the counterfeit banknotes feels thicker, stiffer, and coarse compared to that of genuine banknotes.
- Genuine banknotes feature a shadow watermark bearing the former CBCS logo. When held up to the light, the shadow watermark displays a gradient of lighter and darker shades relative to the surrounding paper. The relief of the watermark can be observed when real banknotes are laid flat, and it is also tactile. To verify the watermark, place a thin piece of paper on it and lightly shade over it with a soft pencil. If the outline of the shadow watermark does not appear, the banknote is suspicious.
- On genuine banknotes, the letters N and A should align perfectly when held against the light. The letter N on the front fits precisely into the letter A on the back, forming an image. Counterfeit bills often exhibit imperfect alignment (with noticeable gaps where the letters should align).
- The front of the banknote features a tactile ink layer in several areas, such as the numerical value, the text, and the bird illustration. Additionally, the upper right corner of the bill contains an identifying mark for the visually impaired, which can be easily detected by touch.
- The gold-colored foil on the front of genuine banknotes is shiny and has a (lighter) golden yellow color against the white area of the banknote. In contrast, the gold-colored foil of counterfeit banknotes is dull in color and has a dark golden-brown color against the white area.
- The ink used for the small print within the text block on the back of authentic banknotes is slightly lighter and displays a subtle color-gradient effect, transitioning from lighter to slightly darker. Conversely, the ink on counterfeit banknotes is darker in appearance and (almost) lacks any noticeable color gradient. The small print on genuine banknotes is sharply legible, while on counterfeit banknotes, these (small) letters are often not as sharp and, therefore, less easily legible.
- The bird illustration on the front and the Bank's former logo on the back of counterfeit banknotes are printed using darker ink. - Counterfeit banknotes have virtually no planchettes (glitter). The planchettes change color on genuine banknotes as the banknote is tilted or rotated.
- Using a "counterfeit money pen" to draw a line on a counterfeit banknote will leave a black/brown mark on the banknote, whereas this is not the case with genuine banknotes.
- The margin at the bottom of the counterfeit banknotes is wider than that of genuine banknotes.
The CBCS encourages the public to exercise increased vigilance when handling banknotes (particularly 100 guilder bills). Counterfeiters tend to operate during evening hours (especially at hospitality venues) or in dimly lit locations, making it more challenging to identify counterfeit currency. Owners and employees of such establishments are particularly urged to remain vigilant. If you have significant doubts about the authenticity of a banknote, it is advised to decline it and contact the police.
For more information about the security features of our banknotes, please visit the CBCS website http://www.centralbank.cw/banknotes. On our website, you will also find an educational video about the various security features of our banknotes. The video also emphasizes the fact that it is not the appearance of a paying person that tells if a banknote is authentic, but that the authenticity can only be determined based on the security features. The video can be viewed via the following link: https://www.centralbank.cw/education/videos/security-features-of-banknotes
You are reminded that it is illegal for any person and or institution to accept and keep counterfeit banknotes. You are advised to immediately contact the police if you think you’re dealing with a counterfeit banknote. The counterfeiting of banknotes and the fraudulent use of counterfeit means of payment are punishable by imprisonment of up to 9 years.

Willemstad, April 26, 2024 CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN

PHILIPSBURG:--- On April 16th and 17th, a delegation from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management visited Saba. The delegation was headed by the Director General for Environment and International Affairs at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (I&W), Afke van Rijn, with her team, Sebe Buitenkamp and Milton Horn.
Their visit began with a tour of the solar park, accompanied by Governor Jonathan Johnson and Island Secretary Bram Streppel. They were hosted by Managing Director of Saba Electric, Mark Zagers, who expressed his thanks to various Ministries and funding agencies for assisting with the building of the solar park. He also described the challenges faced such as the rising cost of fuel and equipment.
A visit to the Hell’s Gate Guts followed as Governor Johnson explained various issues surrounding this area such as illegal dumping of garbage and erosion.
On the 17th of April, at Saba Splash, the delegation was welcomed by Oscar Vander Kaap who gave a tour of the facility. He explained the process of how the water is filtered, the addition of the minerals in accordance with Dutch law, and the bottling process. He stated that testing on St. Maarten continues for each batch and indicated that while 60% of the population uses Saba Splash, there is still capacity to grow, with hopes for further reducing the cost.
Following this, a meeting was held between the delegation and Department Heads of Waste Management, Policy and Project Bureau, and Infrastructural and Spatial Development. One of the main discussion points was clarity on the upcoming implementation of the IAB BES and how the Ministry of IenW, along with the Inspectorate for Human Environment and Transport (ILT), would work with PES in actualizing this goal. The delegation team also acknowledged the unique situation on Saba which must be considered.
In the afternoon, the delegation joined Zelda Meeuwsen, Head of Infrastructural & Spatial Development, Courtney Hassell, Policy Advisor, and Mark Zagers at Fort Bay. Meeuwsen showed the location for the new Black Rocks Harbor and shared the plans and timeline for construction, while Zagers presented the potential location of the new solar park. Zagers shared his concerns about drainage and runoff into the ocean as there is growing environmental concern. Hassell reiterated this, citing the decline in coral from around thirty percent coverage in the 1990s to just eight percent now, which encourages Saba to work more towards protecting the environment when making strides to becoming more self-sufficient.
The delegation then visited the waste management facility. Waste Management Department Head Roxanne Simmons explained the process of exporting waste and the changes that have been made since the beginning of the year. She also expressed the challenge related to community involvement, as efforts are still being made to encourage people to dispose of their waste responsibly via the correct bins.
During their last stop at the Saba Research Center, Alwin Hylkema shared information on various projects such as the Diadema-Sea urchin research which focuses on restoring the coral reefs around Saba.
The delegation left on April 17th with the Makana ferry, going onward to Sint Eustatius.

PHILIPSBURG:--- After enduring setbacks and delays, the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunication (TEATT) announced Thursday that the much-awaited Philipsburg Marketplace reconstruction project, which has received its final approvals, will start on June 1, 2024. The project, aimed at replacing the marketplace ravaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017, is now set to be completed 75 days after the start of construction.
James and James Construction Company was awarded the contract for the construction, and all administrative tasks, such as signing agreements, have been signed.
Honourable Arthur Lambriex, Minister of TEATT, addressed the recent developments, acknowledging the frustrations faced by the Philipsburg Marketplace vendors and the community due to the prolonged delay. Minister Lambriex empathized with the vendors, recognizing their need to voice their dissatisfaction. He also shared his disappointment stemming from administrative challenges that hindered the acceptance of external assistance. Lambriex said, “This project has been a challenge but I am pleased to have had the opportunity to finalize the process despite my very short time in office.”
Throughout the arduous process, Minister Lambriex commended the steadfast commitment of the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Port St. Maarten for their unwavering support and resilience in the face of bureaucratic obstacles. Their dedication to the project's success has been instrumental in overcoming hurdles and advancing towards reconstruction.
Minister Lambriex emphasized a streamlined approach, expressing a commitment to efficiency and opting to forego an elaborate groundbreaking ceremony to expedite the construction process. "We want to get straight into construction on a set date," stated Minister Lambriex, highlighting the importance of prioritizing tangible progress over ceremonial formalities.
In line with this directive, Philipsburg Marketplace vendors will be notified of the upcoming steps regarding their temporary relocation, construction commencement date, and the anticipated timeline for project completion. This proactive communication aims to clarify and support affected stakeholders throughout the reconstruction phase.
The reconstruction of Philipsburg Marketplace will be a significant milestone in St. Maarten's journey towards recovery and revitalization. Minister Lambriex and the Ministry of TEATT remain dedicated to ensuring the successful realization of this essential project, which will enhance the community's economic and social fabric.
For further information and updates on the Philipsburg Marketplace reconstruction project, please visit the Ministry of TEATT website or contact the Ministry directly. As outgoing Minister of TEATT Lambriex said he was very pleased to have had the opportunity to serve his country. He expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to his fellow colleagues in the Council of Ministers as well as the entire staff from the Ministry of TEATT and different Ministries of government who he said played an important role in him being able to do his work. “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of St. Maarten and wish much success to the incoming Minister as they take the baton and move the economy a step further in the interest of the people.”

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning, and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI), Department of Infrastructure announces the holiday operational schedule for the Main and Irma Landfills on Pond Island.

The holidays referred to are King's Day/Carnival and Labor Day.

King's Day

Please be aware of the change of hours for the Main/Irma Landfill on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Regular operational hours will return to normal on Sunday, April 28, 2024.

Grand Parade Day

Please be aware of the change of hours for the Main/Irma Landfill For Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Labor Day

Please be aware of the change of hours for the Main/Irma Landfill For Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Regular operational hours will return to normal on Thursday, May 2, 2024.