~Better Data for Better Decision-making in Focus~

WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:---  On May 21, the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) hosted its second symposium for this year, specifically focusing on Sint Maarten. The “Better Data, Better Decisions’’ symposium emphasized the role and importance of data, especially balance of payments statistics, used by the CBCS for research, economic analysis, and policymaking in the monetary union. Through its research, the CBCS aims to foster dialogue and collaboration with the academic community, its regional counterparts, and other key stakeholders. Small countries often face challenges in collecting accurate and reliable statistics due to limited resources, capacity constraints, and vulnerability to external shocks. Sint Maarten is no exception. Compounding this for Sint Maarten is the open border with Saint Martin, which adds further complexity to building a robust and comprehensive statistical system. The symposium’s purpose, therefore, was threefold. First, to raise awareness of the importance of data and statistics for the CBCS’s work and core tasks. Second, to present findings from its empirical work on Sint Maarten, such as the country’s performance in terms of foreign direct investment inflows and regional integration. And third, to engage with the public in a meaningful exchange that will help the CBCS improve the quality and relevance of both its statistics and its research. The program featured presentations and panel discussions, with participants representing the government, the business community, and other stakeholders with an interest in improving the country’s data landscape. In keeping with the spirit of regional integration and better statistics, a highlight of the event was the presence of representatives of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), including its governor, as well as the regional director of the Institut d'Émission des Départements d'Outre-Mer (IEDOM), to share their experiences and participate in the dialogue. This was the second in a series of research-focused symposiums scheduled for this year. In January, the CBCS hosted the first symposium in Curaçao, which addressed the critical role of government in the economy. Later this year, in November, the CBCS will host the annual Monetary Studies Conference of the Caribbean Economic Research Team, comprising countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). During this conference, researchers from across the Caribbean will come together to share insights on critical and timely economic topics. In the meantime, the CBCS is actively working to improve the availability and quality of Sint Maarten’s data landscape through collaboration with key stakeholders and enhancing the compilation of its balance of payments statistics. The CBCS is also in discussions with IEDOM on ways to exchange information and data to better measure cross-border flows and GDP. In addition, the CBCS aims to strengthen local collaboration with Sint Maarten’s Department of Statistics (STAT) and other key stakeholders to improve not only trade statistics but also real sector data, such as national accounts and inflation figures in the interest of Sint Maarten. The presentations delivered during the symposium are available on the website of the CBCS: https://www.centralbank.cw/event-calendar/events/symposium-better-data-better-decisions

Willemstad May 22, 2025 CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN

Simpson Bay, St. Maarten — Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) is proud to announce its first-ever “PJIA Shopping Experience,” taking place on Friday, May 30, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This special event will welcome the community inside the newly completed terminal for an unforgettable evening of shopping, entertainment, and community celebration.

For one evening only, residents and guests are invited to explore the interior of the airport without a boarding pass and enjoy access to the wide range of duty-free shops, restaurants, and exclusive retail offers typically reserved for travelers. This is a unique opportunity to rediscover PJIA in a way the public has never seen before.

A special gesture of inclusion will also mark the event. PJIA is honored to welcome 20 foster children and 22 senior citizens from the White and Yellow Cross Foundation, ensuring that this experience is one shared by all members of the community.

Visitors will enjoy summer-themed promotions across all participating shops and restaurants, offering a taste of travel without ever leaving the island. These deals will be truly exclusive for this one-night event, as PJIA will be waiving its concessionaire fees, allowing retailers to pass on even greater savings to shoppers. The event will also feature live entertainment and a dedicated children’s area with activities such as face painting and a bouncy castle, ensuring fun for the entire family.

Throughout the evening, attendees can win exciting raffle prizes, including airline contributions courtesy of Caribbean Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, and others still to be confirmed. Hotel accommodations will be raffled from esteemed partners such as Golden Rock Resort in Statia, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, and Princess Heights Boutique Hotel. Additional prizes will include jewelry from Little Europe, Ballerina Jewelers, Gold Coin, electronics from Boolchand’s, car rental vouchers from Dollar Thrifty Sint Maarten, and many more exciting gifts still to be announced.

Those wishing to attend should register through the official link https://tally.so/r/3xBx2k shared on PJIA’s social media platforms. A valid government-issued ID will be required for entry into the secured departure hall area, including for children. Public parking will be free for all guests on the night of the event.

The PJIA Shopping Experience reflects Princess Juliana International Airport’s commitment to community engagement, with a warm, island welcome. This event is not just about shopping; it’s about reconnecting with the heart of the airport and celebrating its role as more than a gateway, but a proud part of St. Maarten’s cultural and economic identity. Due to the enthusiastic response and strong community interest, the PJIA Shopping Experience is set to become a recurring event throughout the year, offering more opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the unique atmosphere of PJIA.

THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE):---  On Friday, May 16, 2025, Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell took part in a panel session at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. The event focused on themes such as the role and experiences of the Ministers Plenipotentiary in The Hague, as well as on topics like cybersecurity, education, and strengthening collaboration.

The session began with a brief introduction by moderator Marcel Daniëls, followed by an opening statement from Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell. The Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao, Carlson Manuel, was also present via livestream. During the panel, a wide range of questions were discussed.

Students inquired about the relevance and responsibilities of the Ministers Plenipotentiary in the Netherlands, as well as the importance of fostering stronger ties between the countries within the Kingdom.

One of the questions focused on the goals of the Minister Plenipotentiary. In her response, Minister Arrindell emphasized the importance of reaching out to students and members of the diaspora living in the Netherlands. She noted that a new database is currently being developed to improve outreach and engagement.

Another question addressed collaboration with civil servants in The Hague and beyond. Minister Arrindell highlighted the value of firsthand knowledge: "Visit the countries you work with and stay connected to the islands. It's important not to rely solely on media portrayals."

The conversation concluded with a discussion on cyber resilience. According to Minister Arrindell, she is able to draw on previous experiences, including her participation in the Geneva Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building GC3B Conference on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

"I support the widely acknowledged notion that our security is only as strong as its weakest link when it comes to cybersecurity capacity building. Risk assessment, prevention, and a resilience-driven vision must be translated into coherent policy. This goes beyond technical capabilities — it is about making the decisions needed to turn vision into action."

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is about to start within the next two weeks, and the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) said on Thursday that emergency plans should be reviewed by residents who live along the country’s coastal areas or flood-prone environs prior to the start of the six-month season.

If the aforementioned is not the case, ODM is urging (coastal, flood-prone environs) residents and businesses to start making emergency plans now, ahead of the arrival of potential storms for the hurricane season, which has been forecasted to be an active season.

Coastal residents living near beaches as well as businesses that are located along coastal areas or flood-prone environs, are advised to have plans in place for possible storm surge inundation in the event of a passing hurricane along the south coast of the country.

Most coastal communities are vulnerable to one or more different kinds of flooding and related hazards: frequent flooding from storm surge and winds; and storm-caused erosion of bluffs and beaches.

Coastal areas of Sint Maarten are mostly found on the south side of the island, and these are: Beacon Hill, vicinity of the Princess Juliana International Airport Road connection to Beacon Hill, Simpson Bay beach, Pelican, Philipsburg, the Great Bay beach (along the boardwalk), Point Blanche, Oyster Pond/Dawn Beach, and Guana Bay.

In the event of a passing hurricane, homeowners should secure their possessions to upper levels of the structure.  If you decide not to stay in your home, you should make the necessary arrangements about where you and/or your family will stay to ride out the storm/hurricane.

One should not wait until the last moment to evacuate; this should be done before the hurricane arrives, at least a minimum of 24 hours prior to the arrival of the storm system. 

First responders won’t be able to go out during hurricane force winds to execute a rescue if you are trapped and inundated by storm surge. Rising storm waters can also flood coastal roads; therefore, you should leave 24 hours before.

The most important link in the chain of preparation and response for coastal flooding is you.  Take the necessary measures to prepare your family, home, and business early, ODM advises.

Here is a check list if you have to leave your home before a hurricane strike due to anticipated high storm surge: turn off water and gas; have a radio and spare batteries; a first aid kit; flashlight; spare bedding; bottled water and canned food; house keys; prescription medicine; cash and credit cards; ID Card, passport and insurance documents; mobile phone and spare clothing.

For general information about preparing prior to a storm/hurricane strike, visit the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.”

Listen to the Government Radio station – SXMGOV 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. You can also follow weather related news and information as well as national addresses by the Prime Minister, chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by going to @SXMGOV Facebook Page.

For official weather-related information, check out the website of the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com

Be prepared for this hurricane season!