Willemstad/Philipsburg - The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten has received subscriptions with respect to the Curaçao Government Bond issued at 3.6% per December 18, 2025- 2055 for a total nominal amount of Cg 115,700,000 at an issue price of 100.00.
The subscription has been accepted at a price of 100.00 and at a yield of 3.6%. The nominal amount of the loan accepted is Cg 115,700,000.
Settlement took place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten.

Willemstad, December 23, 2025
CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  As the clock ticks down to Christmas 2025, families have already been looking at their holiday meal options and shopping requirements, and these final days will be very busy.

Cooking up a storm for this holiday season is one of the Christmas traditions, and therefore proper food preparation is key to avoid food-borne health hazards that can ruin more than just a holiday meal – they can cause serious illness and even death.

Double check expiration dates on food items prior to purchasing or for use in meal preparation.

As part of Collective Prevention Services (CPS), Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Safe Holiday Season calendar of observances, in collaboration with the Department of Communication (DCOMM), residents are advised to keep the season safe by following some tips on how to enjoy holiday meals safely.

Here are some tips to avoid bacteria growing in your meals and delicious dishes:

1. Use a thermometer. Be sure stuffing, chicken and any other poultry dishes are cooked thoroughly to 165 degrees F; ground beef and ham must be cooked thoroughly to 155 degrees F. All other foods, including eggs should be cooked to 145 degrees F.

2. Do not leave foods containing meat, milk, eggs, fish, or poultry at room temperature for more than four hours. This includes pudding and custard-type pies that are popular during the holidays.

3. Cool all leftovers to 41 degrees F within four hours after cooking.

4. Do not thaw food at room temperature. Plan ahead and thaw them in the refrigerator. If the food needs to be thawed quickly, use the microwave or cold running water, and then cook promptly after it has thawed.

5. If you are traveling with food, be sure to keep it cold 41. F. or hot 140 F or above while transporting.

6. After the big meal, be sure to refrigerate any leftovers within 1 hour. Bacteria love room temperatures and grow quickly in amounts enough to make people ill.

To Prevent Food from Becoming Contaminated

1. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water before food preparation and after coughing, sneezing, using the toilet, changing diapers, eating, drinking, or smoking. If you have diarrhea or are feeling ill, avoid handling food in order to prevent the transmitting or spreading of oral/fecal infections.

2. Do not prepare or handle food if you are ill; a cook’s gastrointestinal illness could be spread to others sharing the meal.
3. Thoroughly clean and sanitize knives, cutting boards and other utensils before and after preparing raw foods and foods that do not require further cooking. Sanitize with a solution of one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water.

4. Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables.
Contrary to popular belief, if you do become ill from contaminated food, it is not always the last meal you ate that’s the culprit. Food-borne illness can occur anywhere from one hour to 72 hours and even longer after eating contaminated food.

Please help make the 2025 holiday season be a safe one by paying attention to proper food preparation and handling techniques. Happy Holidays!

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Tax Administration hereby informs taxpayers that due to an administrative error, a number of “Jaar aanslagen 2020” for Wage Tax and the Premiums AOV/AWW and AVBZ were mistakenly issued.

These assessments carry a due date of December 31, 2025, and pertain specifically to assessments bearing the following description:

“U heeft geen verzamelloonstaat/Loonkaarten over het betreffende jaar ingediend. De aanslag is taxatief.”

The Tax Administration emphasizes that these assessments were issued in error and should not have been sent. Taxpayers are hereby informed that the assessments will be fully cancelled; no payment is required, and no further action is necessary.

The Tax Administration regrets any confusion or inconvenience this may have caused and assures the public that corrective measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence.

For more information or assistance, please contact the Tax Administration at 542-2143, 542-3782, 542-3839, or 542-3840, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:--- Under the banner Live Love Smile 2025, the staff of The Windward Islands Bank (WIB) once again stepped outside the walls of banking and into the heart of the community during the weekend of December 5–7. With colour, care, and compassion, WIB employees united to deliver eight impactful community projects that touched the lives of children, seniors,  vulnerable youth, and families across St. Maarten.

 Live Love Smile has long been a signature initiative of the MCB Group—celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025. What began two decades ago as a way to spread kindness during the holiday season has evolved into a powerful expression of purpose and partnership across the Dutch Caribbean. This year, WIB proudly carried that legacy forward in St. Maarten with meaningful projects rooted in compassion, inclusion, and connection. “This initiative is more than a moment of giving—it’s about showing up for our community with heart,” said Mrs. Daisy Tyrol-Carolus, Country Manager of WIB. “From painting murals to planting herbs, every project reflects the values of compassion, partnership, and progress that define who we are as a bank.”

Project Highlights

Brighten the Future
WIB volunteers revitalized the student hangout area at Sint Maarten Academy Business Vocational School with bold, uniform-inspired colours and a new Live Love Smile mural, offering over 200 students a vibrant, welcoming space to gather each day.

Growing Together
At the White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation, seniors and WIB staff bonded over a mini gardening activity—decorating pots, planting herbs, and creating lasting connections while enjoying festive steel pan music.

Healthy Habits, Happy Kids
67 students at Sister Borgia Primary School enjoyed a “Build Your Own Parfait” breakfast activity, where WIB staff encouraged healthy eating through fun, interactive nutrition lessons.

Family Fun Day for Seniors
WIB organized a joyful celebration for seniors living with dementia and Alzheimer’s, including music, games, lunch, and educational talks. Caregivers and residents alike shared smiles and meaningful moments.

Blessing Bags
‘Blessing Bags’ filled with daily essentials and comfort items were packed and distributed by WIB teams to residents of Guided Living Home, Dr. J Foundation, and underserved individuals in targeted communities.

A Magical Christmas for Foundation Judicial & Institutional Services
WIB hosted a festive Santa party for 75 foster care children, complete with games, holiday treats, and a visit from Santa Claus bearing gifts—bringing joy and unforgettable memories to young hearts.

Lighting Up Simpson Bay
In the spirit of unity and sustainability, WIB staff and community members lit up Simpson Bay with solar-powered Christmas lights and reusable decorations, sharing cheer while promoting environmental awareness.

Dream Builders at UJIMA Home
Volunteers supported vulnerable youth with practical yard clean-up, spouting repairs, and a vision board workshop that encouraged them to dream big and build a brighter future.