~To support economic analysis~

Willemstad/Philipsburg:---  The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) in collaboration with the Curaçao Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KvK) and the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry (COCI) is launching a new survey to gather insights on the construction sector. Insights into developments in the construction sector are essential for assessing economic activity as well as measuring investment trends and business sentiment. This survey follows last year’s edition covering the manufacturing sector, for which a follow-up survey will be conducted in Curaçao to compare the results with those gathered last year. The construction sector survey will collect information on business performance, the broader economic environment, and expected developments. The results will be published in the fourth quarter of this year. On August 19, 2025, a link to an online survey, available in Papiamentu, Dutch, and English, will be sent by email to businesses in the construction sector of both countries. The estimated time to complete the survey is 10 minutes. Responses will remain anonymous, and all data will be treated with strict confidentiality. The CBCS publishes an Economic Bulletin every quarter, analyzing the economies of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. The analyses help guide monetary, fiscal, and economic policies and assess their effectiveness. They also serve as a source for businesses in financial planning and investment decision-making. The CBCS regularly updates its economic outlook by assessing both domestic and international developments. In this regard, the perspectives of businesses on their current performance, the general economic situation, and their expectations for the near future offer valuable insights for economic analysis and forecasting. The survey will also take a retrospective approach, asking respondents about their past performance to establish a benchmark for future comparison. The CBCS kindly requests the cooperation of companies in the construction sector in Curaçao and Sint Maarten in completing the survey before September 1, 2025. Businesses operating in the construction sector that have not received the survey but would like to participate, may request the link to the online survey via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. insights and experiences will contribute toa better understanding of the development and performance of the economies of Curaçao and Sint Maarten.

Willemstad, August 19, 2025 CENTRALE BANK VAN CURACAO EN SINT MAARTEN

PHILIPSBURG:--- NOW Member of Parliament (MP) Lyndon Lewis has issued a strong call to all school boards, specifically Catholic school boards, to respect the pending legislation prohibiting discrimination against students based on hairstyles, respectively, long hair, as announced by Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Melissa Gumbs, during recent Parliamentary meetings.

MP Lewis stated that while the legislation will formally take effect later in the school year, schools are already expected to align with the principle that no child should be denied access to education because of their hairstyle.

“It is unacceptable that in 2025, we still face situations where parents are being told their children cannot register for school due to the way their hair is styled. Education is a right, not a privilege subject to arbitrary and outdated rules,” MP Lewis emphasized.

MP Lewis would like to address all school boards, especially Catholic school boards, in Sint Maarten, whom he has been receiving numerous complaints about regarding the pending legislation. “I’m urging them to lead by example and adhere to both the letter and the spirit of the pending legislation”.

“I remind the Catholic school boards that even within their statutes and symbols of faith, they revere depictions of Jesus Christ with long hair. If the Son of God himself is shown with flowing hair, it is contradictory and discriminatory to deny children access to learning based on long hair,” MP Lewis said.

He further noted that Catholic schools, as institutions entrusted with shaping the minds and values of the nation’s children, have a moral duty to demonstrate inclusivity and compassion.

“I call on Catholic schools to open their doors fully, without prejudice, to all parents and students, regardless of hairstyle. Long hair does not determine one’s education or character. Let us not perpetuate practices that hurt children and families. Instead, let us embrace a more modern and humane approach to education in Sint Maarten,” Lewis concluded.

MP Lewis added that he will continue to support a more modern-day society and the legislation against hair discrimination and expects all schools (public and private) to respect and implement this progressive policy without delay.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Department of Community Development, Family and Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA), in collaboration with Leaders For Change Foundation, has launched the “Homelessness Crisis Response and Empowerment Project” – a six-month initiative spanning the second half of 2025 to provide both immediate relief and sustainable support for individuals experiencing homelessness.

This project is directly aligned with the Ministry’s vision, falls within CDFHA’s mandate, and is in accordance with the Government’s Governing Program under the pillar of social development. It underscores the importance of collaboration between government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), recognizing NGOs as essential grassroots partners who champion innovative ways to address challenges faced by vulnerable groups.

The project will respond to urgent needs through the distribution of hygiene kits, clean clothing, reusable water bottles, and meals, while also conducting weekly outreach visits to assess needs, build trust, and offer continued support. Beyond immediate aid, the initiative will explore long-term solutions such as skills training, livelihood opportunities, and partnerships to help beneficiaries work toward self-sufficiency.

Over 100 individuals are expected to receive direct assistance through the project, along with resources to improve their health, dignity, and quality of life. Data collected during the initiative will guide future interventions, strengthen policy development, and ensure a more targeted and effective response to the homelessness crisis.

“ Homelessness is not merely a housing issue, but a human issue that demands compassion, collaboration, and concrete action,” stated Minister Brug, Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA)“Through this project, we are combining immediate relief with long-term empowerment to restore dignity and provide real opportunities for those in need. By working hand-in-hand with NGOs like Leaders For Change, we are strengthening resilience and building a community where no one is left behind.”

If you know someone who is homeless, sleeping rough, or at risk of homelessness, please contact +1 (721) 523-4160 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, extends heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Peggy-Ann Dros Richardson, her dedicated team within the Department of Social Services, and Notary Mingo for organizing and executing a highly successful public information session on “Preparing for the Unexpected: Estate Planning & Wills” held on August 13, 2025. The event, hosted in collaboration with the Mingo Civil Law Notary Office, addressed the critical topics of estate settlement procedures, the importance of wills, and the steps involved in their preparation. But in addition to recording your wishes, there was also plenty of room for clarification about relationships that are not formally documented. For example, when living together, certain rights can be acquired. This led to interesting conversations with significant consequences. The Government Administration Building’s Room 1 and Room 2 were filled, with a number of attendees unfortunately turned away due to space limitations. “I knew this event would be a success,” stated Minister Brug, “especially given that similar sessions were hosted twice last year, both of which drew strong attendance. The fact that we had such an overwhelming turnout once again shows how deeply this topic resonates with our community across all walks of life.” The Minister expressed hope that the program would be repeated and suggested that future sessions be recorded and shared with the wider public to ensure that as many residents as possible can benefit from this important information. “These sorts of initiatives, developed and implemented by the hardworking teams within the Ministry of VSA, make me proud to serve,” Minister Brug added. “It is clear that our ministry is not only working but also making a meaningful impact in people’s lives by providing them with knowledge that empowers and protects them and their families.” The Ministry of VSA encourages residents to remain engaged with future public information sessions and to take proactive steps in their estate planning.