~At a regional meeting in Montevideo, the Social and Economic Council of Curaçao emphasized the need to connect education, labor policy, and social cohesion~

Willemstad/Montevideo:--- In a region where artificial intelligence, migration, and inequality are rapidly reshaping the world of work, Curaçao faces a pressing policy question: how to ensure that young people, women, and workers are not left behind.

That question was at the center of the participation of the Social and Economic Council of Curaçao, the SER, in an international meeting of economic and social councils and institutions for social dialogue, held from May 19 to 21, 2026, at the Centro de Formación de la Cooperación Española in Montevideo, Uruguay. The SER was represented by Raul Henriquez, director and secretary-general, and Miloushka Sboui-Racamy, senior adviser for international affairs.
The meeting brought together social dialogue institutions from Spain, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Portugal, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, Costa Rica, Panama, and Curaçao. Discussions focused on democratic governance, migration, discrimination, inequality, women’s access to opportunity, education, and the social consequences of artificial intelligence.
The meeting was officially opened by Juan Castillo, Uruguay’s minister of labor and social security. His presence underscored a central message of the gathering: social dialogue is not merely a formal consultative mechanism, but a tool for making societies more resilient in a period of rapid social, technological, and economic change.
During the meeting of CESISALC, the regional network of economic and social councils and similar institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean, the SER contributed to two themes directly relevant to Curaçao’s policy agenda: women’s access to development opportunities and the future of education in the age of artificial intelligence.
According to the SER, these issues converge in one central task: building a stronger connection between education, skills, the labor market, and social mobility. Formal equality is necessary, but not sufficient. Real opportunities for women require access to education, work, entrepreneurship, leadership, and decision-making. Education, vocational training, and lifelong learning are therefore not secondary policy concerns; they are conditions for economic independence and meaningful participation in society.
Artificial intelligence, the SER emphasized, should not be treated as a purely technological development. For a small, open, and multilingual economy like Curaçao, AI is above all a policy question. The way schools, employers, workers, and government respond to digital transformation will help determine whether new technologies expand opportunity or deepen existing labor-market divides.

“For Curaçao, the central question is not whether artificial intelligence will change the labor market, but whether our education and labor-market policies will adapt quickly enough to include young people, women, and workers
in that transition,” said Henriquez. “Institutionalized social dialogue is not an administrative formality. It is a necessary instrument for making policy workable, balanced, and broadly supported.”
The urgency for Curaçao is concrete. According to the most recent figures from Curaçao's Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), the overall unemployment rate fell from 13.1 percent in 2022 to 7.8 percent in 2024. Youth unemployment declined over the same period from 29.8 percent to 16.3 percent. That improvement is significant, but the level of youth unemployment remains a clear warning: the connection between education, vocational training, and the labor market must be strengthened further.
For Curaçao, the debate in Montevideo therefore had direct significance. A country seeking inclusive growth can no longer treat education, digital skills, women’s participation, migration policy, and social protection as separate policy fields. Together, they form the basis for income security, productivity, and social cohesion.
Alongside education, gender equality, and technological transformation, migration and inequality featured prominently on the agenda. For Curaçao, those issues are not abstract. Labor migration, demographic change, and social cohesion directly affect the structure of the labor market, the pressure on public services, and the quality of policymaking. That is why the SER considers active participation in regional networks essential: they allow countries and institutions to exchange knowledge, experience, and policy practices.
On May 21, the SER also attended the opening of a meeting of RICESIS, the Ibero-American network of economic and social councils and similar institutions. Since Curaçao is not an Ibero-American country, the SER’s engagement with this network is framed around observer participation. That position offers an additional route to connect Curaçao with Ibero-American networks for social dialogue, policy knowledge, and institutional cooperation.
According to the SER, international participation is not an end. Its value lies in translating regional insights into better, evidence-based advice for Curaçao. The issues addressed in Montevideo — migration, inequality, women’s opportunities, education, and artificial intelligence — directly affect the future of work, income, and social cohesion on the island.
With its participation, the SER reaffirmed its commitment to connecting Curaçao with regional and global knowledge networks for social dialogue. At a time when social and economic challenges increasingly cross borders, that connection is essential to enrich Curaçao’s policymaking with comparative insights, practical experience and broadly supported solutions.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Sint Maarten entered 2026 with relatively stable consumer prices, even as global fuel markets experienced renewed volatility. According to the Department of Statistics (STAT), the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the first quarter of 2026 reached 115.78, reflecting a modest quarterly increase of 0.43% and a year-on-year rise of 0.66%.

The report paints a picture of an economy balancing rising transportation and food costs against easing housing and energy pressures. While inflation continues to affect essential goods and services, the pace of price growth remains moderate compared to the more severe inflationary periods experienced globally in recent years.

Understanding the CPI and Why It Matters

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures changes in the prices consumers pay for a basket of goods and services over time. It is one of the most important indicators for tracking inflation and assessing the cost of living.

STAT collects CPI data during the first two weeks of every month and validates it later in the month. This timing became especially important in Q1 2026 because a major global fuel price surge occurred after the second week of March, following geopolitical tensions related to the war in Iran. As a result, the sharpest fuel increases were not fully reflected in the quarter’s CPI results.

Inflation Remains Moderate

The overall inflation rate of 0.66% year-on-year indicates that consumer prices in Sint Maarten are growing slowly rather than rapidly. This suggests that while households are still experiencing higher costs in certain areas, inflation is not accelerating uncontrollably.

Several offsetting forces helped maintain stability:

• Lower electricity and energy-related costs
• More affordable housing units are entering the market
• Declines in some personal care and financial service expenses
• Controlled increases in food and transportation costs

The most influential CPI categories included Housing, Water and Energy (36.1% weight), Transport (14.6%), Miscellaneous Goods and Services (13.4%), and Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (7.2%).

Housing Costs Help Ease Inflationary Pressure

Housing remains the largest component of the CPI basket, accounting for over one-third of total consumer spending weight. Although the category recorded a slight quarterly increase of 0.57%, it actually declined by 1.57% compared to Q1 2025.

The decline was driven primarily by reductions in electricity, gas, and other fuels, which fell by 7.64% year-on-year. Electricity prices alone declined by nearly 10%.

At the same time, the housing market experienced increased availability of affordable apartments, helping moderate rental pressures. However, maintenance and dwelling repair costs continued to rise, contributing to the category’s quarterly increase.

This dynamic demonstrates how different components within the same category can move in opposite directions while still producing a relatively stable overall result.

Transportation Costs Continue to Climb

Transportation emerged as one of the strongest inflationary drivers during the quarter. The transport category rose by 0.68% compared to the previous quarter and by 2.45% year-on-year.

Much of this increase came from:

• Rising transport service costs
• Higher air travel expenses
• Increased fuel prices for vehicles

Air transportation in particular experienced significant upward pressure, increasing by 13.88% year-on-year.

Fuel prices also climbed sharply during the quarter:

• Gasoline prices rose 6.8% quarter-on-quarter
• Diesel prices rose 9.8% quarter-on-quarter
• On a yearly basis, gasoline increased 5.0% and diesel 10.8%

The chart on page 4 of the report shows that average gasoline prices rose from 2.202 in Q4 2025 to 2.351 in Q1 2026, while diesel increased from 1.883 to 2.068 over the same period.

These increases reflect broader international energy market instability, particularly following geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Food Prices Show Mixed Trends

Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages increased by 0.78% during the quarter and 1.29% year-on-year.

The strongest increases came from:

• Food products not elsewhere classified (+16.07%)
• Coffee, tea, and cocoa (+8.83%)
• Vegetables and meat products

However, not all food categories became more expensive. Milk, cheese, and eggs declined by 5.75%, helping offset broader food inflation.

These mixed movements suggest that supply chain conditions and international commodity prices continue to affect different food groups unevenly.

Fuel Clause Decline Softens Inflation Impact

One of the more important findings in the report concerns the Fuel Clause, which rose modestly by 0.53% quarter-on-quarter but declined by 16% compared to the previous year.

The Fuel Clause is especially significant because it affects electricity-related charges and utility costs. Its annual decline helped offset the impact of rising transportation fuel prices.

According to the report, this reduction in energy-related costs played a major role in keeping overall inflation low despite increases elsewhere in the economy.

The tables and charts on page 4 visually illustrate how the Fuel Clause averages in Q1 2026 remained below Q1 2025 levels despite slight quarterly increases.

What This Means for Residents

For the average household in Sint Maarten, the Q1 2026 inflation data reflects a mixed economic reality:

Positive Signs

• Overall inflation remains low and manageable
• Electricity and energy costs have eased
• Housing inflation has moderated
• The broader economy appears relatively stable

Ongoing Challenges

• Transportation and fuel costs continue rising
• Air travel has become significantly more expensive
• Certain food products are increasing sharply
• Global geopolitical tensions could create additional price volatility later in the year

The relatively stable CPI suggests that consumers are not facing widespread runaway inflation. However, the concentration of price increases in essential sectors like transport and food means many households may still feel financial pressure in daily life.

Outlook for the Rest of 2026

While Q1 2026 showed stability, the report hints at potential future risks. Because the major fuel surge tied to the Iran conflict occurred late in March—after much of the CPI data had already been collected—the full impact may appear more strongly in Q2 2026 figures.

If international oil prices remain elevated, Sint Maarten could experience:

• Higher transportation inflation
• Increased utility costs
• Rising imported food prices
• Stronger overall inflationary pressure

At the same time, continued stability in housing and energy markets could help cushion these impacts.

Conclusion

Sint Maarten’s Q1 2026 CPI report presents a cautiously optimistic picture. Inflation remains contained despite global uncertainty, largely due to declines in housing and electricity costs. Nevertheless, rising transportation expenses and fuel prices serve as reminders that the island’s economy remains sensitive to international developments.

The balance between external shocks and domestic stabilizing factors will likely determine whether inflation remains manageable throughout the remainder of 2026. For now, the data suggests that Sint Maarten has successfully avoided severe inflationary escalation while continuing to navigate a challenging global economic environment.

POND ISLAND:---  The 2026 Dutch Caribbean Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Alliance (DC ALFA) Conference officially commenced this week in Sint Maarten, bringing together representatives and stakeholders from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and Sint Maarten for a week of dialogue, collaboration, field activities, and policy-focused discussions surrounding the future of agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and food security within the Dutch Caribbean.

DC ALFA, originally established in 2023 as a regional alliance focused on strengthening cooperation within the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors, continues to evolve into a more strategic platform centered on regional collaboration, food security, innovation, and long-term sustainability across the islands.

The conference agenda spans several days of scheduled activities, including workshops, policy dialogues, field visits, stakeholder engagement sessions, and inter-island presentations focused on food security, fisheries development, climate-smart agriculture, trade connectivity, youth involvement, financing opportunities, and regional cooperation.

The official opening ceremony took place today at Simpson Bay Resort, where the Honorable Grisha S. Heyliger-Marten, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT), delivered opening remarks highlighting the importance of agriculture and food security as critical components of economic stability and regional development within small island economies.

During her address, Minister Heyliger-Marten emphasized that food security, agriculture, livestock, and fisheries can no longer be viewed as secondary sectors, particularly amid increasing geopolitical uncertainty, rising food costs, supply chain disruptions, and climate-related pressures affecting the region. The Minister further noted the importance of stronger regional cooperation, knowledge-sharing, innovation, and practical solutions aimed at reducing dependency and strengthening local food systems.

The Minister also highlighted several initiatives currently being supported by the Ministry of TEATT, including agricultural awareness programs, hydroponics exposure within schools, fisheries dialogue, and the Agriculture Business Academy developed in partnership with Qredits, SOFIN, and TWO, aimed at supporting entrepreneurship, financing access, and agricultural business development in Sint Maarten.

The conference has also brought together a wide cross-section of regional and international stakeholders, including representatives from the World Horti Center, The University of the West Indies (UWI), Wageningen University & Research, the Ministries of BZK and EZK from the Netherlands, LVVN, VNP, TWO, as well as the Ministry of VSA, which continues to work closely alongside TEATT’s Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (LVV).

Throughout the sessions and discussions held thus far, extensive policy and operational matters have been addressed, including opportunities for stronger inter-island coordination, knowledge-sharing mechanisms, technical cooperation, research support, innovation, and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors throughout the Dutch Caribbean.

Following the official opening, participating islands engaged in presentations outlining their current position, ongoing developments, challenges, and opportunities within the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors. Presentations focused heavily on food security initiatives, sustainability efforts, regional collaboration opportunities, and policy development throughout the Dutch Caribbean.

A presentation was also delivered by the Acting Head of TEATT’s Policy Department, Mr. Shervin Frederick, who provided insight into several ongoing initiatives and developments taking place within Sint Maarten related to agriculture, fisheries, food security, and inter-island cooperation. Discussions also included updates connected to the E6 Country Package initiatives and the broader efforts being undertaken to strengthen data collection, agricultural planning, stakeholder support, and long-term sector development.

Additional project and research insights were presented by Mr. Eugene Hoogstad, who highlighted the importance of evidence-based research and strategic development initiatives aimed at assisting stakeholders within the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries industries. Presentations included discussions surrounding the development of an agricultural digital portal platform, agricultural research initiatives, farm-to-market pilot concepts, feasibility studies, MSME-related opportunities, and broader food security-related projects currently being explored in Sint Maarten.

The Ministry of TEATT and the Government of Sint Maarten extended appreciation to the organizers and coordinators of the DC ALFA Conference, participating islands, stakeholders, and development partners for contributing to the successful hosting of this important regional initiative.

Special appreciation was also expressed for the continued support provided by the Netherlands and its supporting entities, whose collaboration has assisted in making the conference and several ongoing agricultural and food security initiatives possible throughout the Dutch Caribbean.

The Government of Sint Maarten reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration, innovation, and regional engagement aimed at strengthening food systems, agricultural development, fisheries practices, and economic opportunities across the region.

~Local Employee Raises Serious Concerns Regarding Treatment at FINSO~

PHILIPSBURG:---  Serious allegations concerning payroll irregularities, workplace treatment, and labor practices have emerged from within the construction project for Sint Maarten’s new General Hospital, after a local employee formally raised concerns involving contractor FINSO.
The employee, who describes himself as the only local worker in his specific work environment on a significant national project, claims he has endured prolonged salary discrepancies, unexplained wage reductions, repeated administrative issues with sick leave submissions, and escalating disciplinary action after voicing concerns internally.
According to the documentation and statements provided, the issues allegedly persisted despite prior employment-related legal proceedings between the employee and the company.
The employee states that after those proceedings concluded, he hoped the working relationship and conditions would improve. Instead, he claims the situation deteriorated further.
Among the most concerning allegations is an incident involving medical documentation that had reportedly already been submitted to the company but was later treated as “missing.” The employee says this resulted in accusations of unauthorized absence, salary deductions, and the issuance of formal warning letters against him.
Only after the employee produced proof of submission did the company acknowledge that the sick leave periods were, in fact, covered, according to the employee.
The employee also alleges that he experienced extended periods during which he reported to work daily and remained available for duty, yet was repeatedly left without meaningful assignments or operational responsibilities. He says he raised these concerns with management on multiple occasions but saw no meaningful resolution.
A particularly troubling payroll dispute reportedly occurred when the employee initially received a pay slip reflecting what he says was the correct salary owed to him. However, the corresponding funds allegedly never arrived in his bank account.
After approximately five days, the employee says he contacted the company seeking clarification regarding the missing payment. He claims that shortly afterward, the original pay slip was revised to reflect a substantially reduced amount of approximately USD 790 — less than a quarter of the salary he expected to receive.
The employee further claims that repeated attempts to resolve the issues internally proved unsuccessful, ultimately forcing him to seek assistance from the Department of Labor Affairs.
The ongoing situation, he says, has created severe financial and emotional strain, including difficulty meeting financial obligations and growing concerns regarding his health and well-being.
“I regret that the matter ultimately had to escalate to the Department of Labor Affairs,” the employee stated, “however, I felt compelled to seek assistance after repeated efforts to resolve the issues internally failed to produce a meaningful resolution.”
The employee says he currently has supporting documentation, including pay slips, communication records, sick leave submissions, court-related documents, and correspondence involving both the company and the Department of Labor Affairs.
The allegations emerge against the backdrop of one of Sint Maarten’s most important public infrastructure projects — the construction of the new General Hospital — a development widely viewed as critical to the island’s healthcare future.
At this stage, the claims remain allegations, and no ruling has yet been publicly issued regarding the matter. However, the case raises broader questions concerning labor protection, payroll transparency, workplace treatment, and oversight on major national projects involving local employees.
It should also be noted that this is not the first time employees and subcontractors have told their workers that FINSO did not make the payments, as it is a World Bank project, and payments take time due to the lengthy process.
Requests for public clarification or comment from FINSO and relevant labor authorities may be expected as the matter develops.