CURACAO/ZWOLLE - The Social and Economic Council (SER) of Overijssel, Holland, has extended a message of support to the Social and Economic Council of Curaçao in a letter dated January. 6, 2026, citing heightened regional uncertainty linked to recent developments in and around Venezuela. In the letter, Overijssel’s council stressed solidarity with its Caribbean counterpart and underscored a simple message: “You are not alone.”

The letter, signed by Frank Oostdam, chair of SER Overijssel, and Ingrid Oonk, its secretary-director, notes that periods of instability can place added demands on institutions tasked with advising and connecting social partners. It wishes SER Curaçao “strength, wisdom and mutual support,” and expresses hope that calm returns swiftly so the work of promoting prosperity and a balanced distribution of well-being on the island can continue.

SER Curaçao replied on January 7, 2026. The council said it “greatly appreciated the attention and support”, and emphasized that, particularly amid international and regional uncertainty, a measured, factual and balanced approach is essential to support social calm and public trust in institutions. Acting within its statutory mandate, SER Curaçao reaffirmed its commitment to constructive social dialogue and independent advice focused on stability, social cohesion and economic resilience.

Both councils said they intend to maintain their ties and deepen exchanges on robust policy advice and on how advisory bodies can continue to fulfill their connecting role effectively as circumstances evolve.

SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - The University of St. Martin (USM) will host the New Student Orientation for the Spring 2026 Semester on Friday, January 9, 2026, welcoming approximately 23 new incoming degree students to campus. 

The orientation is designed to introduce students to academic life at USM, familiarize them with key departments and support services, and provide practical tools to help them succeed throughout their studies.

It also offers an opportunity for students to connect with their Division Heads, faculty and staff, and fellow classmates before classes officially begin on Monday, January 12. 

Throughout the afternoon, students will engage with USM leadership and coordinators, learn about academic and administrative processes, and participate in interactive activities focused on building confidence, community, and campus engagement.

USM looks forward to officially welcoming its new students and supporting them as they begin their academic journey. 

Classes for the Spring 2026 Semester begin on January 12 and conclude on May 9, 2026. For more information about programs or admissions, interested persons may contact the USM Admissions Office or visit www.usm.sx

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) – Lee from Michigan U.S.A. described Cabana Bar & Restaurant located at Hilton Vacation Club Royal Palm Resort near the Simpson Bay Bridge in his Tripadvisor review as ‘outstanding.’ 

“If you visit St. Maarten, I would highly recommend stopping by the Cabana Beach Bar and Restaurant in the Hilton Royal Palms on Simpson Bay. 

“The food was beyond good. Everyone in my family ordered something different and all of the entrees were visual pleasing and the taste was beyond good. Everything tasted fresh and was delivered to the table hot. 

“The view from the restaurant looking out over Simpson Bay was also spectacular. 

“Don’t let the fact that this restaurant is in a hotel make you think the food cannot be good because this place definitely disproves that fact. Please give them a try you will be pleasantly surprised.” 

Make sure to check out Cabana Bar & Restaurant which offers American, Caribbean and Barbeque dishes. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.

CURACAO (WILLEMSTAD) - The Social and Economic Council of Curaçao (SER) submitted its advice on Monday to the Minister of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW), Charetti America-Francisca, on a proposed adjustment to the statutory minimum wage scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.

The proposal would index the gross minimum hourly wage by 1.8 percent, using a 12-month moving average of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) through August 2025. The mechanism is intended to track price developments over time rather than mirror short-term inflation swings. Under the draft measure, the gross minimum hourly wage would rise from Cg. 11.72 to Cg. 11.93 (Caribbean guilder), and the corresponding gross minimum monthly wage would be Cg. 2,066.28, based on the applicable calculation method.

The advisory process unfolded on an unusually compressed timetable. The SER received the formal request for advice on December 15, leaving limited time before the intended effective date. As a result, the advisory council said, there was little scope for the customary round of consultations with social partners and external experts that often accompanies advice on significant socioeconomic measures.

In its review, the SER examined the proposal against the legal framework of the National Ordinance on Minimum Wages, with attention to legislative intent and requirements linked to legal certainty and transparency. The SER also assessed the measure in Curaçao’s socioeconomic context, drawing on available data on prices, incomes, labor-market conditions and sectors where the minimum wage plays a significant role.

The SER further reviewed the policy and economic rationale set out in the explanatory memorandum, including the consistency of the figures, the assumptions about how many workers could be affected by indexation and the way potential effects were presented. The SER also considered a macroeconomic impact analysis prepared by the Ministry of Economic Development and based on the Curalyse model, consistent with standard caveats associated with model-based projections.

The SER said it documented its methodology explicitly in the advisory. The assessment relied on a systematic literature review and additional desk research; separate consultations could not be organized within the available period in a manner consistent with customary standards of diligence and depth.