September 25, 2026 No comments
Tourism-led growth and fiscal stability underpin the outlook Economic growth remains resilient amid global uncertainty
SINT MAARTEN/CURACAO - In its September 2026 Economic Bulletin, the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) expects growth to continue across the monetary union in 2026 and 2027, albeit at a more moderate pace than in recent years. Real GDP in Curaçao is projected to grow by 2.8%, while Sint Maarten’s economy is expected to expand by 3.1% in 2026. While fiscal positions are expected to remain stable, inflation is projected to rise moderately in Curaçao and Sint Maarten, reflecting ongoing external pressures. The outlook remains subject to considerable external uncertainty, including geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, and the potential pass-through of higher commodity prices and transportation costs to domestic inflation. A strong start amid shifting external conditions According to the CBCS’s...
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September 25, 2026 No comments
SEDC Launches “AI for Small Business” Program to Strengthen MSME Competitiveness
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The St. Maarten Entrepreneurship Development Center (SEDC) will launch AI for Small Business, a four-week training program designed to help local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) build practical artificial intelligence skills, running October 19 to November 16, 2026, with sessions Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7:00 - 9:00 PM. SEDC implements the program through the Ministry of TEATT, funded by TWO under the E6 Country Package managed by RVO. SEDC has contracted the services of Ife Badejo to design and deliver AI for Small Business Program. Ife Badejo is one of Sint Maarten’s AI Ambassadors and Founder and CEO of Islandpreneur International. Badejo has trained more than 400 professionals in AI across the Caribbean over...
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September 25, 2026 No comments
PJIA AIRPORT AND SXM PAWS CONTINUE “PAWS IN FLIGHT SATURDAY” TO HELP RESCUED PUPPIES REACH NEW HOMES
SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY-AIRPORT) - Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIAE), in partnership with SXM Paws, once again welcomed rescued puppies to Princess Juliana International Airport as part of its Paws in Flight Saturday initiative. This latest visit featured Asher, Theo and Felix, three SXM Paws puppies currently available for adoption. During their time at the airport, the puppies received plenty of attention from passengers and members of the KLM cabin crew, who took a moment to meet and cuddle the young dogs before departure. The initiative forms part of a wider collaboration between PJIA and SXM Paws aimed at helping rescued dogs from St. Maarten connect with the flights, volunteers and traveling companions they need to reach adoptive families...
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September 25, 2026 No comments
Minister Claret Connor Champions Sustainable Procurement at UNGA 81 High-Level Forum
SINT MAARTEN/NEW YORK — Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), the Honorable Claret Connor, today delivered remarks during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN Global Compact High-Level Forum on the Coalition for Sustainable Procurement. Minister Connor is attending the high-level engagements on behalf of the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina, who was originally scheduled to attend but was unable to do so due to pressing matters requiring his continued attention locally. Addressing ministers, heads of delegation, United Nations representatives, development partners and private-sector leaders, Minister Connor emphasized that sustainable procurement must be viewed as a powerful instrument for development, particularly for small island states such as Sint Maarten. “Procurement is...
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September 25, 2026 No comments
MPs Ottley and Kotai Explore Aruba’s Electricity Pricing Model, Seek Lessons for St. Maarten And GEBE
SINT MAARTEN/ARUBA (ORANJESTAD) - Members of Parliament (MPs) Omar Ottley and Viren Kotai used their attendance at the Parlatino convention in Aruba this week as an opportunity to look beyond discussions and explore practical solutions that could benefit the people of St. Maarten. On Thursday, September 24, the MPs visited Aruba’s water and electricity utility, WEB, where they received an indepth presentation on the country’s energy operations, sustainability goals and plans for the future. The visit was particularly significant given the continued concerns surrounding the cost of electricity in St. Maarten. Rather than viewing Aruba’s model as something that can simply be copied, the MPs approached the meeting as an opportunity to learn, ask questions and determine what lessons could realistically be...
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