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
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 24, 2026 No comments
When an AI Agent Crosses the Line, Small Islands Must Be Ready
SINT MAARTEN (COMMENTARY – By Roddy Heyliger) - An AI agent was assigned a routine research task: find Australian government figures on spending for medicines. In pursuing that task, it accessed files on a government health statistics website that it was not authorized to access. The agent was developed by OpenAI, not Anthropic. This incident should concern country Sint Maarten because the island already knows how long the effects of a cyberattack can last. On March 17, 2022, a ransomware attack brought public utility company NV GEBE to a standstill and disrupted its billing and collection operations which still live on today. Four years later, questions about customer balances dating from the affected period remain, however GEBE continues to work diligently...
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September 24, 2026 No comments
PJIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WELCOMES DR. BEKELE AS AIRPORT MEDICAL DOCTOR
SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY-AIRPORT) - Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIA) is pleased to welcome Dr. Bekele as the airport’s Medical Doctor, succeeding Dr. Swanston, who previously served in the role. PJIA extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Swanston for her dedication, professionalism and valuable service to the airport. Throughout her tenure, PJIA maintained a positive and productive working relationship with Dr. Swanston and the organization is grateful for her contribution to the airport’s medical preparedness and emergency response capabilities. In her new role, Dr. Bekele will play an important part in supporting PJIA’s emergency medical response framework and overall medical preparedness. Working closely with the airport’s Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) team and relevant operational departments, she will provide medical...
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