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.
Community Help Desk Yields Positive Impact; Temporary Pause Announced for April.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Honorable Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Mr. Richinel Brug, is pleased to report on the successful outcomes of the “Minister in Your Neighborhood” that was at the Community Help Desk held in Hope Estate from January through March 2026.
During this period, the Help Desk served as a vital bridge between government and community, assisting more than 60 residents from Hope Estate, Suckergarden, and Philipsburg. The initiative focused on direct engagement, ensuring that residents received timely support and guidance on a wide range of concerns.
Key areas of assistance included:
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Registration support for the NV GEBE relief program, particularly for seniors
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Clarification of financial assistance procedures
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Guidance on SZV-related matters
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Follow-up on previously submitted complaints
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Addressing labor-related issues, including concerns regarding unlawful practices by employers
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Providing a platform for residents to share constructive feedback on public services
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Community-driven ideas and projects were proposed, particularly in health and food security.
A notable outcome of the initiative was the strong community response. Many residents expressed appreciation not only for the assistance received, but simply for being heard, underscoring the importance of accessibility, empathy, and presence in public service delivery.
Temporary Pause and Continuation
The Minister wishes to inform the public that the ‘Minister in Your Neighbourhood” project at the Community Help Desk will be temporarily paused during the month of April. This pause is intended to facilitate internal evaluation, coordination, and preparation for the next phase of the initiative.
While the “Minister in Your Neighbourhood” project will rotate to other districts, with schedules to be announced, it should also be noted that the regular services typically provided by the Community Help Desk will remain ongoing.
The Ministry of VSA remains committed to strengthening community-based governance and ensuring that services are accessible, responsive, and people-centered.