WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:---  The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) has expanded its stress testing framework following recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to further strengthen the monitoring of risks in the financial sector.
Stress tests help the CBCS assess how banks, insurers, and pension funds would perform during periods of economic or financial stress. The tests use different scenarios, ranging from normal economic conditions to more severe situations, to evaluate how financial institutions could be affected by shocks such as economic downturns, financial market volatility, or natural disasters. This helps the CBCS identify vulnerabilities early and take timely measures to help safeguard financial stability in Curaçao and Sint Maarten.
As part of the expanded framework, the CBCS further strengthened its banking sector stress tests by introducing macroeconomic stress testing, which assesses how banks could be affected by developments such as lower economic growth, rising unemployment, or weaker tourism activity. At the same time, the CBCS introduced initial stress tests for pension funds to assess risks related to, for example, global financial market turmoil and a local economic downturn. For non-life insurers, the initial stress tests covered scenarios related to potential natural disasters.
Overall, the stress test results show that financial institutions in the monetary union remain broadly resilient under normal and moderate stress scenarios. However, the results also highlight that vulnerabilities become more visible under severe scenarios, particularly in areas such as asset quality, liquidity pressures, market developments, and claims-related risks.
The stress tests also assess the connections between financial sectors and how risks may spread through the financial system during periods of stress. While the results indicate that the financial system remains broadly resilient, the CBCS emphasizes that continued monitoring and forward-looking risk assessments remain essential in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
The expanded stress testing framework forms part of the CBCS’s broader efforts to strengthen its macroprudential oversight and follows recommendations made during the IMF’s 2025 technical assistance mission. In line with IMF recommendations on transparency, the CBCS also presents the stress testing models and their development in the 2026 Financial Stability Report (FSR).

The CBCS will continue strengthening its financial stability framework through enhanced stress testing, improved data collection, and targeted policy measures aimed at supporting a resilient financial system in Curaçao and Sint Maarten.
The 2026 Financial Stability Report is available on the CBCS website at:
https://www.centralbank.cw/publications/financial-stability-reports/2026
Willemstad, May 18, 2026
CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) informs the public that on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m., officers attached to the Detective Department observed a dark-colored scooter with a lone rider traveling along Front Street in Philipsburg.

Officers became suspicious after noticing the rider repeatedly looking into various businesses as they moved through the area. His behavior raised concern, prompting officers to continue observing him. The rider was subsequently followed onto Back Street, where officers again observed him slowing down and looking into one of the stores in a manner they considered suspicious.

After relaying the information to other patrol units, officers coordinated efforts and successfully intercepted the scooter rider, identified by the initials J.M.M., on Long Wall Road.

While conducting a control of the suspect, officers discovered a revolver concealed underneath his shirt. The suspect was immediately arrested, and the firearm was confiscated. He was then transported to the Philipsburg Police Station, where he is currently being held for questioning pending further investigation.

KPSM continues to maintain a proactive approach in combating illegal firearm possession and criminal activity. The removal of illegal weapons from the streets remains a priority in ensuring the safety and security of the community.

KPSM is taking this opportunity to urge all business owners in Philipsburg, as well as throughout the island, to remain vigilant and aware of suspicious behavior around their establishments. If you see anything or anyone acting suspiciously, please contact the police immediately by calling 911 or the Police Station at +1 (721) 542-2222.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Sunday, May 17 marked World Hypertension Day (WHD) under the theme, “Controlling Hypertension Together: check your blood pressure regularly, defeat the silent killer.”

This year’s theme highlights a simple truth: knowing your blood pressure numbers and taking early action saves lives.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and kidney disease, yet it can be detected easily and controlled through healthy living and appropriate medical care.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is joining the global community to raise awareness and encourage action against high blood pressure (hypertension)—often called “the silent killer” because it may have no symptoms while quietly damaging the heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels.

Many people only discover they have high blood pressure after a serious complication such as a stroke or heart event. CPS urges everyone to make blood pressure checks a routine part of life—just like checking weight or temperature.

CPS encourages adults to: Check blood pressure regularly, even if you feel well. Record your readings (date/time and results) and share them with a health professional. Seek care early if readings are repeatedly elevated.

Blood pressure targets can vary depending on age and medical history. A health professional can advise what is best for you.

Eat for a healthier blood pressure; reduce salt (sodium): limit salty snacks, instant noodles, processed meats, canned foods, and salty seasonings.

Choose more fresh foods: fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, lentils, and whole grains. Pick healthier fats: nuts, seeds, fish, and plant oils; limit deep-fried and highly processed foods.

Watch sugary drinks and excess sweets which can contribute to weight gain and metabolic risk. Be active most days of the week
Regular physical activity strengthens the heart and improves circulation.

Aim for consistent movement: brisk walking, dancing, cycling, swimming, yard work—whatever is safe and sustainable. Start small if needed (even 10–15 minutes at a time) and build up gradually.
Maintain a healthy weight (or work toward it). Even modest weight loss can reduce blood pressure for people who are overweight. Focus on realistic steps—portion control, fewer sugary drinks, and more daily activity.

Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol. Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke—tobacco damages blood vessels and increases cardiovascular risk. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation (or avoid it), as excess intake can raise blood pressure.

Manage stress and prioritize sleep. Chronic stress and poor sleep can contribute to elevated blood pressure.

On this World Hypertension Day, CPS calls on communities, employers, schools, faith-based groups, and families to work together to: Promote routine blood pressure checks; Support healthy food choices and physical activity; and encourage people diagnosed with hypertension to stay in care and follow treatment.

Hypertension can be prevented, detected, treated, and controlled. The first step is simple: check your blood pressure regularly by contacting your doctor.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, once again last week, continued his community outreach initiative by distributing fresh produce to vulnerable groups across Sint Maarten.

The initiative forms part of the Ministry of VSA’s broader “Health in All Policies” approach, established last year, which recognizes that public health extends beyond healthcare alone to include food security, nutrition, social support, and community wellbeing.

Following a similar initiative held in December, the Ministry collaborated with churches, senior homes, soup kitchens, community organizations, and key individuals to distribute fresh fruits and vegetables to feeding programs and people in need.

The initiative also comes at a time when many families continue to feel the effects of the rising cost of living, increasing fuel and utility costs, and global economic pressures linked to ongoing international conflicts and war, all of which continue to impact small island economies such as Sint Maarten.

Minister Brug emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable families and strengthening partnerships with organizations that continue to assist the community daily.

“This initiative is about compassion, dignity, and ensuring that persons in need know they are not forgotten,” Minister Brug stated. “Something as simple as access to fresh produce can make a meaningful difference for families, seniors, and community feeding programs.”

“Food security remains an important priority for the Ministry of VSA. Once the 2026 budget is approved, we intend to further expand and strengthen initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable groups and improving access to nutritious food within our communities,” the Minister added.

“We understand that no single initiative can solve every social or economic challenge our people are facing,” the Minister stated. “But every effort matters. When government, NGOs, churches, community groups, and volunteers all continue doing their part, together we can make a difference in people’s lives. As a community, we must continue to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.”

Minister Brug stressed that improving public health also means investing in preventative measures, healthier lifestyles, and stronger social support systems throughout the country.

The Ministry of VSA remains committed to initiatives that promote community wellbeing, strengthen social support networks, and improve the quality of life for the people of St. Maarten.