~Competition for HAVO and VWO students in Curaçao and Sint Maarten~

Willemstad/Philipsburg – The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) announces the kick-off of the sixth edition of the Best Economic Research Award (BERA) at HAVO and VWO level. Graduating students from all HAVO and VWO schools in Curaçao and Sint Maarten are invited to submit their economic research paper on a topic that is relevant for the economies of the monetary union before March 31, 2026. The CBCS will award both the winning student(s) and the school(s) an attractive prize. In the second quarter of this year, the CBCS will launch the BERA for Bachelor's students.
The BERA’s goal is to promote research on the economies of Curaçao and Sint Maarten among students at HAVO, VWO, and Bachelor's level. In addition, the CBCS hopes to inspire HAVO and VWO students to pursue a study in the field of economics through this program. All HAVO and VWO schools in Curaçao and Sint Maarten will shortly receive an official invitation to participate in the BERA. In addition, the schools may request an information session about the competition to be held at their location.
The winning papers of the competition at HAVO and VWO levels will each receive a prize of Cg 2,500 and a trophy, while the winning school in each category will receive a prize of Cg 5,000 and a trophy. Meanwhile, the winner at bachelor level will receive a prize of Cg 5,000 and a trophy. It should be noted that this year’s competition will not be held at the master’s level and is not open to international students, but only to students from universities in Curaçao and Sint Maarten.
The CBCS has been greatly impressed by the outstanding research papers submitted in previous years and looks forward to receiving equally strong, inspiring work from this year’s participants. For more information on the eligibility to participate, the rules of the competition, and the evaluation criteria, please visit https://www.centralbank.cw/education/cbcs-best-economic-research-award-2026
Willemstad, February 26, 2026
CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN

PHILIPSBURG--- A man was discovered deceased in his residence on Wednesday evening after a concerned friend went to check on his well-being.
Police were called to the home after the friend found the man unresponsive. According to authorities, medical professionals have determined that the man died of natural causes, and no foul play is suspected in the death.
The friend reportedly decided to visit the residence after not seeing or hearing from the man for a day, which led to the discovery. Officials have not released the man's identity pending notification of next of kin.
Authorities have concluded their on-site investigation and stated that no further details will be released at this time.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a major step toward administrative efficiency, Minister Gumbs announced the awarding of a contract to Grant Thornton to tackle the extensive backlog at the Department of Domain Affairs. The project aims to clear up existing delays and implement stronger, more efficient systems for the future.
Grant Thornton's role will include creating a full inventory of the backlog, developing a detailed action plan, and executing it. This process involves digitizing hard copy files and integrating them into the current domain administration systems. The project will also establish clearer workflows between Domain Affairs and the Receiver's Office and provide dedicated training for staff.
The Minister emphasized that the $209,120,000 project comes at no direct cost to the Government of Sint Maarten, as it is fully funded by the Dutch Ministry of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations. "This is a meaningful step forward in modernizing our administration and ensuring the people of St. Martin receive the quality of services they deserve," concluded Minister Gumbs.

PHILIPSBURG, Senior Dr. Dennaoui, one of the two local doctors arrested earlier today in connection with a serious investigation into abuse and ill-treatment, has been released from police custody due to medical reasons. The Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that despite his release, he remains a primary suspect in the ongoing case.
The second suspect arrested in the early morning raid remains in detention at the Philipsburg Police Station as detectives continue their inquiries.
The investigation, which was launched following an official complaint filed with the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM), centers on disturbing allegations involving the doctors' domestic employee. Law enforcement officials have indicated that the suspects are accused of kidnapping and torturing their maid.
According to preliminary reports, the doctors allegedly beat the cleaner and held her against her will. The situation reportedly escalated over an accusation that the employee had stolen $50,000 from them. Further allegations state that during the ordeal, a weapon was pointed at the victim.
KPSM has emphasized that this is a highly sensitive and active investigation. While one suspect has been released on medical grounds, the inquiry is proceeding rapidly as detectives gather evidence and conduct interviews regarding the severe accusations