WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao:--- Sustainability, resilience, and innovation took center stage as Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten hosted the fourth edition of the UoC SustainaBUL Awards 2026, an initiative designed to empower students to solve real-world sustainability challenges.
Delivering the opening remarks, Richard Doornbosch welcomed guests, students, board members, and partners, emphasizing the importance of youth-driven solutions in addressing the pressing environmental and economic issues facing small island states.
The SustainaBUL Awards focus on accelerating the sustainable transition of the economy, government, and wider society. According to Doornbosch, the program offers a “double-edged sword” of benefits: students gain unforgettable learning experiences while organizations receive innovative solutions to their sustainability challenges.
This year’s competition placed special attention on the construction and tourism sectors—two pillars of Curaçao’s economy that are also highly exposed to climate risks. Their vulnerability, combined with their economic importance, made the initiative especially relevant for the central bank’s own climate-related priorities.
Doornbosch explained why a central bank has a growing interest in sustainability and climate resilience. In recent years, the global economy has faced a series of shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, surging food and energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and cyber incidents. He noted that these events underscore the need for resilience—and warned that climate-related shocks could be just as disruptive for small island economies.
As the institution responsible for safeguarding financial stability, the central bank is increasingly focused on understanding how climate risks can affect financial institutions, markets, and national resilience. This includes monitoring systemic risks, conducting research, and developing policies that strengthen preparedness.
Doornbosch also highlighted the importance of partnerships. The bank works with organizations such as the Curaçao Meteorological Services to obtain reliable climate data and collaborates regionally with other central banks on initiatives such as green taxonomies and supervisory guidance for responsible finance.
He praised University of Curaçao for its leadership in sustainability education, citing past events like Green Week and its continued commitment to fostering young talent through the SustainaBUL program.
Looking ahead, Doornbosch said collaboration between institutions, academia, and society is essential to building a stronger future. He expressed confidence that initiatives like SustainaBUL can help shape a more robust national adaptation strategy for Curaçao while strengthening the island’s long-term resilience.
Closing his remarks, he turned to the student participants with encouragement and optimism: he looked forward to their pitches and wished every team success in contributing to a more sustainable Curaçao.
Two Off-Duty Police Officers Under Investigation After Festival Village Altercation.
PHILIPSBURG: --- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is providing the public with an update on the physical altercation that occurred in the early morning hours of April 24, 2026, shortly after the closure of Festival Village.
A preliminary investigation by detectives revealed that two off-duty female police officers were involved in the incident. As a result, both an internal and criminal investigation have been launched.
KPSM confirmed that its Internal Affairs Department has opened a formal inquiry into the conduct of the officers. One of the officers identified had already been suspended in connection with a separate ongoing internal investigation.
Following the review of digital evidence, both officers have been summoned to provide official statements regarding their involvement in the altercation. Detectives are simultaneously pursuing the matter from a criminal perspective.
The Prosecutor’s Office has been officially notified and remains actively involved in the case. It will determine the next steps concerning any criminal offenses that may have been committed.
KPSM stressed that its zero-tolerance policy applies equally to all individuals, without exception. No one is above the law, and any participation in criminal or disorderly conduct will be dealt with appropriately.
The Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and preserving public trust, while continuing to safeguard the safety and security of the community.
KPSM Maintains Zero-Tolerance Approach Following Altercation at Festival Village.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) informs the public that in the early morning hours, shortly after the official closing time of the Festival Village at approximately 04:00 AM, officers were once again required to intervene in an ongoing physical altercation on the premises.
In line with the previously communicated zero-tolerance policy regarding fights and disorderly conduct during the Carnival period, officers acted swiftly to restore order. As a result of the incident, two female suspects and one male suspect were arrested for their involvement in the fight.
Additionally, a second male suspect was arrested after attempting to interfere with police officers while they were carrying out their duties during the arrest process.
KPSM reiterates its firm stance that any individual engaging in physical altercations or disruptive behavior will be arrested and dealt with severely. Such actions pose a direct threat to public safety and undermine the secure and enjoyable environment that authorities are working to maintain during the Carnival festivities.
The police continue to urge all attendees to act responsibly and respect the law. These types of behaviors will not be tolerated and will be addressed swiftly and decisively in the interest of the general safety of all.
Official Statement from the Ministry of Justice - Passing of KPSM Officer.
PHILIPSBURG:--- It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that the Ministry of Justice announces the passing of our KPSM colleague, Brigadier Keri Hyman, on the evening of April 23rd, 2026.
We not only lost a dedicated officer, but we also lost a woman who embodied service in its truest form. Brigadier Hyman served the people of Sint Maarten with unwavering commitment, strength, professionalism, and integrity. She stood on the frontlines of our justice system with resilience and a deep sense of duty, earning the respect of her colleagues and the trust of the community she protected.
Her passing leaves a void felt throughout the entire justice chain, most profoundly within the KPSM family. In this moment of grief, we stand united, not only in mourning but in honoring a life of service that has left a lasting imprint on our organization and our country. We reflect on her dedication, her strength of character, and the countless ways in which she contributed to the safety and well-being of our community.
On behalf of the Ministry of Justice, the management team, and all KPSM personnel, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones. No words can ease the pain of such a loss, but we hope they find some comfort in knowing that her service mattered, her work made a difference, and her legacy will never be forgotten.
May her dedication continue to inspire us all, and may she rest in eternal peace.
CBCS Wants Higher Executive Salaries as President Announces Exit: A Growing Governance Debate for Curaçao and Sint Maarten.
WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) is facing mounting public scrutiny after two major developments collided at the same time: a request to significantly raise executive salary caps and the announcement that CBCS President Richard Doornbosch will step down effective 1 September 2026.
Individually, either story would attract attention. Together, they create a serious governance debate about leadership, accountability, and public trust at one of the most important institutions in the Dutch Caribbean.
The Salary Increase Request
According to recent reports, the CBCS Supervisory Board has formally asked the Ministers of Finance of Curaçao and Sint Maarten to approve a higher compensation ceiling for the bank’s top management.
Under current rules, the legal maximum compensation stands at NAf 386,000 annually. CBCS is reportedly seeking to increase that ceiling to NAf 501,800—roughly a 30% rise.
The bank’s argument is straightforward: maintaining the current limit could make it difficult to recruit and retain highly qualified professionals for positions critical to monetary policy, banking supervision, financial stability, compliance, cybersecurity, and institutional governance.
CBCS reportedly warned that without more competitive salaries, the quality of future leadership could suffer.
Then Came the Resignation Announcement
Shortly after the salary request became public, CBCS confirmed that President Richard Doornbosch will leave office on 1 September 2026.
The announcement immediately changed the context of the compensation debate.
What may have looked like a long-term policy discussion now appears directly tied to an urgent leadership transition. With the top position soon becoming vacant, the public can reasonably ask whether the proposed salary increase is intended to attract a successor.
That question may be fair—or it may be uncomfortable—but it is unavoidable.
Why the Timing Matters
Leadership transitions are moments when transparency matters most.
When an institution requests higher executive pay shortly before its president departs, several obvious questions emerge:
- Is the current salary structure inadequate to attract qualified candidates?
- Why was succession planning not already addressed?
- Is a 30% increase necessary, or simply preferred?
- What performance benchmarks justify the request?
- Why should CBCS receive an exemption while others face limits?
These are not political attacks. They are governance questions.
Public Sector Austerity vs Institutional Exception
The issue becomes even more sensitive because public entities across Curaçao have faced increasing pressure to respect top-income restrictions and compensation discipline.
That means many government-linked institutions are being told to contain costs, while CBCS is asking to exceed the standard ceiling.
To many citizens coping with higher living costs, housing pressure, and stagnant wage growth, the optics are stark:
One set of rules for the public, another for the powerful.
Even if CBCS has a legitimate operational case, perception matters.
CBCS’s Strongest Defense
To be fair, CBCS can make a credible argument.
Central banks are specialized institutions. Their executives require rare expertise in:
- Financial regulation
- Anti-money laundering oversight
- Reserve management
- Payment systems
- Crisis response
- Digital finance innovation
- Cross-border supervision
Replacing experienced leadership in a small island jurisdiction is not simple. The candidate pool is limited, and qualified professionals often have access to higher-paying international opportunities.
CBCS may genuinely believe it cannot compete under the existing cap.
But the Public Trust Risk is Real
Central banks rely not only on technical skill—but credibility.
They regulate commercial banks, influence economic confidence, and advise governments on fiscal responsibility. If such an institution appears to seek privileges unavailable to everyone else, trust can erode quickly.
And trust, once damaged, is expensive to rebuild.
What Ministers Should Demand Before Approving Anything
The Finance Ministers of Curaçao and Sint Maarten should not treat this as a routine HR matter. Before approving any increase, they should insist on:
- A current independent compensation benchmark (2026, not outdated studies)
- Full disclosure of total executive benefits and allowances
- Transparent succession planning for the presidency
- Performance-linked compensation standards
- Public explanation of why current levels are insufficient
If the case is strong, CBCS should be able to prove it.
Bigger Than Salaries
This controversy is no longer just about money.
It is about whether institutions entrusted with discipline apply the same standards to themselves that they expect from others.
The combination of a salary hike request and the imminent departure of Richard Doornbosch has created a defining moment for CBCS governance.
Bottom Line
CBCS may be right that world-class leadership requires competitive pay.
But if it wants public support, it must show that higher salaries serve the public interest—not just executive interests.
Because in the end, the most valuable currency a central bank holds is not money.
It is confidence.
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