PHILIPSBURG:---  Strengthening Sint Maarten's ability to recognize human trafficking, protect victims and bring traffickers to justice was the focus of a five-day training programme organized by the National Reporting Center (NRC), in partnership with the Prosecutor's Office (OM), from October 19 to 23, 2026.

The training responds to shortcomings highlighted in the United States Department of State's Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, which placed Sint Maarten in Tier 3, the lowest classification for governments' efforts to combat human trafficking.

Tier 3 means a country does not fully meet minimum anti-trafficking standards and is not making significant efforts to do so. The classification brings increased international scrutiny and potential restrictions on certain forms of US assistance, subject to applicable rules and exemptions.

Led by Mr. Maarten Noordzij, National Prosecutor for Human Trafficking in the Netherlands, the training focused on recognizing exploitation, protecting victims, investigating suspected offenses, and strengthening cooperation among agencies.

Ms. Florence Marlin, Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice, delivered the opening keynote address. Chief Prosecutor Manon Ridderbeks and the prosecutor responsible for human trafficking cases, Ms. Carlijn Casteleijns, emphasized the importance of a coordinated national response.

A key focus was distinguishing human trafficking from migrant smuggling. Smuggling generally involves facilitating illegal entry into a country for payment, while trafficking involves exploitation through force, deception, or coercion and does not require crossing borders. This distinction is critical, as someone encountered during an immigration inspection may be a trafficking victim needing protection rather than an immigration offender.

Human trafficking can occur in plain sight, including in workplaces and private homes. Warning signs may include confiscated passports, threats, unpaid labor or restrictions on a person's movements. Victims may fear seeking help because of threats, financial dependence, or concerns about their immigration status.

Organized under the leadership of National Coordinator Mr. Erling Hoeve, the programme brought together law enforcement agencies, inspectorates, and partner services to strengthen victim identification, referral procedures, and investigations.

Representatives of the Prosecutor’s Office, the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (including UMM and the ALPHA Team), the Customs Department, and the Immigration and Border Protection Service attended the session. Cabinet staff, representatives of the Department of Labor and Social Affairs, the Inspectorate of Health, Food Safety and Labor of the Ministry of VSA, and the Inspectorate of Economic Control, Casino Control and Transport of the Ministry of TEATT also participated. The programme was geared towards strengthening cooperation between these services and partner service providers in addressing these complex crimes.

Through case discussions and practical exercises, participants explored how information gathered during inspections, investigations, and service delivery can help identify victims and trigger appropriate intervention.

The training addressed TIP Report recommendations for stronger cooperation, improved victim referrals, information sharing, and effective investigations. However, lasting progress requires sustained action to identify victims, provide protection, and hold traffickers accountable. While the training has concluded, the work continues.

See Something, Say Something.

Human trafficking often remains hidden because victims are afraid or unable to seek help. Residents, employers, and service providers of the community can help by recognizing warning signs and reporting any suspicion of exploitation. A single report may help protect someone from further harm.

Learn more at www.nrc.sx/know-the-signs.

If you suspect human trafficking or migrant smuggling, report it at www.nrc.sx/report, call the NRC hotline at 9300, or scan the QR code below.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams has written to Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina and Minister of TEATT Grisha Heyliger-Marten. In her letter, the MP asks why the government cannot implement several measures recommended in the RAC/BTP report on electricity and water tariffs while BTP completes its final analysis.

BTP, now assigned as regulator of the utilities sector, has said it needs about one more month after receiving information from SOL. Wescot-Williams points out that the report has been in Government's hands since April 2025. Many of its findings do not depend on SOL data at all.

“In fact, my letter was dispatched before I learned of the next roadblock being encountered. This latest revelation regarding SOL’s position only strengthens my case to act on the BTP/RAC report .”

"People are asked to pay their GEBE bills every month," Wescot-Williams continued. "Errors in the fuel clause formula, publishing the tariffs, and the surplus collected from consumers are matters Government can act on today. Waiting does not refine them; it only prolongs them."

Among the steps the MP reported can be taken immediately:

• Correct GEBE's fuel clause formula. Currently, electricity consumers bear the fuel cost of producing water.
• Account for the fuel clause surplus. The report puts it at about US$6.9 million over 2022–2024, and the MP asks what happens to that amount.
• End the double charge and decide on the Seven Seas contract. Charge electricity used for water production through both the electricity and water tariffs.
• Publish monthly fuel clause calculations and tariffs. BTP should check them before billing.
• Prepare for the Water Supply Agreement with Seven Seas. It expires on February 13, 2027.

The MP also raised questions about the port throughput fee, which SOL charges GEBE and builds into the fuel price, and therefore into every electricity bill. She asks:

• what the fee is based on;
• which port facilities SOL actually uses in return for it;
• how much it has raised.

She also asks the Prime Minister to explain his statement that the fee adds very little to consumers' bills.

"Small per kilowatt-hour perhaps, but not small for the people paying it, and the same fee applies at the pump."

The letter to the ministers contains 16 questions in total, and the MP expressed the hope that the response will be quick, candid, and resolution-oriented.

Willemstad:---  The Board of Financial Supervision of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (Cft) stresses that while tourism growth brings economic opportunities to Curaçao, it also creates new challenges. The CFT recommends that the Government pursue an integrated vision and clear direction for tourism development. This is the only way tourism can contribute to long-term prosperity and financial sustainability.

Tourism development is an important driver of Curacao’s economic growth. However, its continued success also increases pressure on the island’s financial capacity. Public facilities and natural resources are increasingly reaching their limits. Examples thereof include airport capacity, increasing traffic congestion, the pressure on the housing market, and the health of the coral reefs.

The Cft points out the fact that unchecked growth may eventually undermine Curacao’s appeal as a tourist destination. Therefore, further growth requires Government guidance, cooperation with social partners, and targeted investments, among others, in infrastructure, waste management, energy, and nature conservation.

Economic structure

The rise of tourism also alters the island's economic structure. According to the International Monetary Fund, employment increasingly shifts toward low-wage positions in tourism and informal activities, while formal employment declines. This affects tax revenue and social security funding.

Curaçao has opportunities to increase the economic added value of tourism. The CFT emphasizes qualitative rather than quantitative tourism growth. The focus must be on more formal employment, increased labor productivity, more local economic added value, and a broader tax base. Targeted financial and fiscal incentives can support the desired tourism development. In this way, tourism development can contribute to a sustainable, future-proof economy.

Budget for 2027 and subsequent years

Due in part to favorable economic circumstances, Curacao estimates substantial budget surpluses for the 2027-2030 period. However, the economy remains vulnerable to shocks and financial risks. Furthermore, Curacao faces several financial challenges. For example, the solution to the Curaçao Medical Center's financial situation has yet to be finalized. More broadly, the structural financial sustainability of the healthcare and social security funds remains a significant challenge. Given Curaçao's already high collective tax burden, it is important to implement healthcare and social security reforms to safeguard financial sustainability.

SINT MAARTEN:---  Three days of learning, leadership, networking, and celebration marked the successful conclusion of the JCI Dutch Caribbean National Convention 2026 on October 24. Hosted in Sint Maarten under the theme “Passing the Torch,” the convention brought together JCI members, delegates, trainers, and young professionals to exchange knowledge and inspire positive change across the Dutch Caribbean.

October 22 | Day One: Training, Opening Ceremony and TOYP Awards

The opening day featured professional development sessions, including Professional Etiquette, facilitated by Mr. Rolando Tobias, Distinguished Toastmaster and General Manager of Retail Banking, and Project Management, led by Shakira Sedney-Albertoe, 2023 JCI Dutch Caribbean National President.

The day concluded with the official Opening Ceremony and the Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) Awards, recognizing seven individuals for their contributions to their communities:

* Shanica Romney — Humanitarian and/or Voluntary Leadership

* Tanya Balani — Medical Innovation or Achievement

* Shaomeni Patrick — Business and Entrepreneurship

* Ralph Cantave — Political, Legal, and/or Governmental Affairs

* Joy Carty — Cultural Achievement

* Sabrine Brismeur — Moral and/or Environmental Leadership

* Natorii Illidge — Personal Improvement and/or Accomplishment

October 23 | Day Two: General Assembly

Day two focused on the JCI General Assembly, where members and national representatives discussed organizational matters and the continued development of JCI Dutch Caribbean.

October 24 | Day Three: AI, Generational Wealth and Public Speaking

The final day emphasized innovation, business development, and communication through Business Etiquette and Marketing with AI, facilitated by Laurina A. Gombs, and Business Management with Claude AI, led by Luidgi Carolina-Litan of JCI Martinique.

The panel discussion, “Building Generational Wealth with AI,” featured Emilio Kalmera, Laurina A. Gombs, Irion Ardwell, and Luidgi Carolina-Litan. The panel explored the opportunities artificial intelligence presents for business development, financial growth, and generational wealth creation.

The closing ceremony featured Lucinda Audain as keynote speaker, delivering an inspiring message to close the convention and reinforce its theme, “Passing the Torch.” Her keynote reinforced the convention’s focus on leadership, personal development, and the responsibility to inspire and empower future generations.

The event also featured the JCI Speaking Competition, where Ruiz Tadimoeljo of St. Maarten Academy won the Youth Division with his speech, “Be a Leader.

During the installation ceremony, Elvis Lewis and Francis Carty were installed as JCI Senators in recognition of their continued involvement in the organization.

The convention concluded with the installation of the 2027 JCI Dutch Caribbean National Board:

* National President: Sergihno Finies

* National Vice President: Christine Regis

* Immediate Past President: Anjeanee Mathew

* Treasurer: Nathan Morishaw

The organizing committee, JCI National Board, members, Senators, trainers, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and participants made this successful convention possible. We sincerely thank everyone who helped make this convention a success.

Thank you for helping us pass the torch and continue building a stronger JCI Dutch Caribbean!