Vaping Among Youth Raises Alarms as Stoptober Kicks Off in Curaçao

The Curaçao Police Force (Kuerpo Polisial Kòrsou) is reinstating its 'Pre-Clearance' service for minors traveling during the October 2026 school holiday, following a successful rollout during the major July holiday period. The service is designed to assist parents and legal guardians who plan to travel internationally with minors during the October break. Starting Monday, October 5, 2026, parents and legal representatives can take advantage of the program. Pre-Clearance allows families to have travel documentation for minors verified in advance, reducing potential delays or complications at departure. The reintroduction of the service reflects positive public feedback from the July holiday period, prompting authorities to expand its availability. The initiative is particularly relevant on Curaçao, where regulations around minors traveling — especially without both parents — require specific documentation. The program aims to streamline the process and give traveling families greater peace of mind ahead of the holiday.

The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) of Curaçao will conduct its 'Enkuesta Sosial 2026,' a large-scale social survey, between September and December of this year. Approximately 4,000 households across the island will be visited in person by CBS representatives to complete the survey. The Enkuesta Sosial is a periodic data-collection effort designed to gather detailed information about the living conditions, well-being, and social circumstances of Curaçao's residents. The data collected is used by government agencies and policymakers to inform decisions on social programs, public services, and development planning. Residents selected to participate are encouraged to cooperate with CBS field workers, who will carry official identification. The survey represents one of the most comprehensive snapshots of daily life on the island and serves as a critical tool for evidence-based governance in Curaçao.

Residents of Sint Eustatius report the highest life satisfaction among the three islands of Caribbean Netherlands — Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba — according to new data released by Statistics Netherlands (CBS). The findings highlight notable differences in quality of life and general well-being across the three Dutch Caribbean islands. CBS regularly surveys residents of Caribbean Netherlands to track social and economic conditions in the region. Life satisfaction is measured across multiple factors including personal well-being, economic circumstances, and community conditions. The results offer policymakers and island governments a benchmark for assessing where improvements may be needed. Sint Eustatius's top ranking is significant given that the island has been under direct Dutch governance since 2018 following a period of political instability.