SINT MAARTEN/THE NETHERLANDS – Former Suriname president Desi Bouterse has died in Paramaribo at the age of 79, the Surinamese foreign office told broadcaster NOS on Wednesday.

According to local media, he died after a short illness at a secret address in the capital. Bouterse had been in hiding since 2023 when he was sentenced to 20 years in jail for his role in the killing of 15 political opponents in 1982.

Bouterse always denied any involvement in the deaths, which came to be known as the December Murders. He was sentenced to 20 years in jail at two previous trials in 2019 and 2021.

Suriname became a Dutch colony in the 17th century and gained full independence in 1975.

Bouterse grabbed power in Suriname in the so-called ‘sergeants’ coup’ of 1980.

Two years later, after several attempted counter coups, 15 of his political opponents, including journalists, lawyers and academics, were rounded up and murdered in the infamous December killings. This effectively established a dictatorship under Bouterse with a puppet government.

In 1999, the Netherlands tried Bouterse in absentia on drug smuggling charges. He was convicted and sentenced to a prison term but remained in Suriname.

Bouterse went on to serve as elected president of Suriname from 2010 to 2020 but retired from active politics that year.

(DutchNews)

SINT MAARTEN/CURACAO - Curaçao’s real GDP growth accelerated from 4.2% in 2023 to 5.4% in 2024 while Sint Maarten’s growth slowed down from 3.8% in 2023 to 3.1% in 2024, according to the latest estimates in the December 2024 Economic Bulletin of the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS).

The developments over the first half of 2024 indicate that the accommodation & food service activities and construction sectors served as the main drivers of growth across the monetary union.

The increase in the accommodation & food services activities sector was consistent with a rise in tourist arrivals in both Curaçao and Sint Maarten. On the expenditure side, Curaçao’s real GDP expansion in 2024 was mainly driven by a rise in private demand as investments in commercial, residential, and renewable energy projects increased, and to a lesser extent, a rise in public and net foreign demand.

Public demand went up, driven mainly by higher public consumption while the increase in net foreign demand was sustained by a gain in exports moderated by a rise in imports. The economic slowdown in Sint Maarten reflected primarily the completion of large investment projects such as the reconstruction of the Princess Juliana International Airport in 2024.

In addition, the electricity disruptions seen throughout 2024 exerted an adverse effect on productivity and overall economic growth. Still, both domestic and net foreign demand contributed positively to Sint Maarten’s real GDP.

The growth in domestic demand was driven by both private and public spending. Private investments rose, albeit at a slower pace than in the previous year, sustained by large investment projects in, among other things, commercial and residential projects while private consumption dropped due to higher inflationary pressures.

Net foreign demand increased as the rise in exports exceeded the higher import bill. According to the latest estimates, inflation was 3.1% in both Curaçao and Sint Maarten in 2024.

In Curaçao, this represented a decrease from the 3.5% recorded in 2023, while in Sint Maarten average consumer prices rose at a faster pace compared to the 2.8% in 2023.

Growth set to continue in 2025

Looking ahead, growth is set to continue across the monetary union, although the pace of expansion is expected to decline. In 2025, real GDP will grow by 3.2% in Curaçao supported by both domestic demand and net foreign demand. Meanwhile in Sint Maarten, an expansion of 2.6% is anticipated driven by an increase in domestic demand, moderated by a decline in net foreign demand. Growth is expected to continue softening over the medium term across the monetary union, converging to 2.2% in Curaçao and 2.0% in Sint Maarten by 2028. This reflects both economies’ transition to a more sustainable growth trajectory, with private demand as the main driver of growth, following the post-pandemic recovery.

International dynamics pose risks to the outlook

The outlook is subject to significant international risks. that remain broadly unchanged compared to the Economic Bulletin of September 2024. However, the intensity of certain risks has increased.

One risk that has intensified is the growing adoption of protectionist trade policies following the U.S. presidential election that may result in higher import prices, and, consequently, higher inflation in both Curaçao and Sint Maarten.

Another global risk is a further intensification of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that could result in new commodity price hikes and restrictions on cross-border movements.

In addition, a possible expansion of sanctions on Venezuela following the recent presidential elections in both the Venezuela and the U.S. could stifle growth prospects and, hence, lead to increasing social unrest and another wave of migration from Venezuela to Curaçao.

Apart from global risks, Curaçao and Sint Maarten are also exposed to considerable domestic risks.

On the upside, the prospect of resumption of economic activities, such as the production of asphalt at the premises of the refinery, could contribute to a higher medium-term growth path for Curaçao.

The signing of agreements between potential operators and the government of Curaçao has increased the likelihood of this materializing.

On the downside, climate change-related extreme weather events, delays in the execution of structural reforms and public investment programs, and increased concerns on the medium-term financial sustainability of the health care and social insurance systems of Curaçao and Sint Maarten could negatively affect growth in both countries.

The complete text of the December 2024 Economic Bulletin is available on the CBCS website at https://www.centralbank.cw/publications/economic-bulletins/2024.

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - The Kidz at Sea Foundation is looking forward to announcing the launch of the second session of the “Zero to Hero” and Engineer certification series, made possible by main sponsor, the Samenwerkende Fondsen.

This Series is part of the “Zero to Hero” project, aimed at empowering local youth with professional certifications and career opportunities in the marine industry.

Following the success of the initial program, the foundation is now seeking applications from motivated candidates aged 17 to 25 to join the second session of this initiative starting January. 

The first session recently concluded with two dedicated students, Bryan and Nicholas, earning a comprehensive set of qualifications, including a STCW certification, a15M Powerboat License, a VHF Radio License, an Engineering License, and an introduction to marine career pathways and communications.

With these certifications, Bryan and Nicholas have become competitive candidates in the marine industry, equipped with diverse skills and ready to contribute to marine businesses both locally and internationally.

Graduates of past Kidz at Sea Foundation programs are now employed in local charter boat companies, marinas, other maritime businesses and even as crew aboard larger vessels.

The course is open to both male and female applicants who meet the following requirements:

• Aged 17 to 25,
• Ability to read and write,
• Ability to swim.

The application deadline is set for January 5th, 2024.  The course session will run for one month with a start date later in the month of January.

This program is specifically designed for individuals who may not have the financial means to pursue such certifications independently but are passionate about building a career in the marine industry.

Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving candidates who express the drive and determination to succeed.

The Kidz at Sea Foundation has a proud history of supporting the local community by introducing young people to the marine industry and job prospects.

As a community-centered project, the foundation relies on the support and involvement of the local network to identify and uplift talent, therefore it extends gratitude to the Maritime School of the West Indies, Magnis NV, Shortcut 2 Success, FKG Marine Rigging & Fabrication and Dock Maarten for supporting the project.

For more information about the “Zero to Hero” program or to submit an application, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call +1721 580 5806.

About Kidz at Sea Foundation The Kidz at Sea Foundation is committed to empowering local youth through training and education initiatives that create lasting career opportunities in the marine industry. By combining hands-on experience with professional certifications, the foundation equips its participants with the skills they need to succeed in a competitive global market while fostering a sense of community and personal achievement.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Ombudsman of Sint Maarten, Ms. Gwendolien Mossel, recently participated in the 15^th assembly and seminar of the Latin American Institute of Ombudsmen (ILO), held from December 4-6, 2024, in Iguaçu, Brazil.

The conference focused on the theme "Ombudsmen’s and Public Offices: Conflicts, Challenges, and Contributions in Democracy," a topic both timely and significant. During her address, Ms. Mossel emphasized the crucial role ombudsmen play in upholding and advancing democratic principles.

By tackling conflicts and navigating challenges, they act as essential partners in creating more just and equitable societies. Their efforts resolve individual grievances and reinforce the pillars of democracy by fostering transparency, accountability, and justice in public service.

The conference gathered delegates from various Latin American countries who shared valuable insights and strategies for addressing pressing challenges, including environmental concerns, climate change, elderly care, and health protection. These discussions highlighted the global nature of these issues and the need for collaborative solutions.

Marking a decade since the signing of the Cooperation Agreement between ILO and the Caribbean Ombudsman Association (CAROA) on August 15 in Cali, Colombia, an updated draft Memorandum of Understanding was recently presented by ILO Vice-President and former Ombudsman of Curaçao, Ms. Alba Martijn.

This document underscores the ongoing significance of their partnership. The newly appointed CAROA board, which includes Ms. Mossel, recognizes the importance of these collaborations in addressing contemporary challenges and is committed to continuing its cooperation with the ILO.

Ms. Mossel’s involvement in the assembly reaffirms Sint Maarten's dedication to fostering international cooperation and dialogue among Ombudsman institutions worldwide. Her participation underscores a commitment to strengthening global networks and shared goals in promoting good governance and human rights.