PM Pisas Uses Flag Day to Call for New Era of Nation Building

Rotterdam Mayor Carola Schouten rappelled down the iconic Euromast tower on Thursday morning, fulfilling a pledge she made ahead of the municipal council elections. Schouten had promised to complete the abseil if voter turnout met a certain threshold, using the stunt as a creative way to energize civic participation. The Euromast is a 185-meter observation tower that serves as one of Rotterdam's most recognizable landmarks. By following through on the promise, Schouten demonstrated a commitment to her word and generated positive public attention around electoral engagement. The act was widely seen as a lighthearted but meaningful gesture to connect with Rotterdam residents. While the story originates from the Netherlands, it was picked up by Curaçao-based outlet Nu.cw, reflecting the close cultural and political ties between the island and the Dutch mainland.

The Union of Pensioners for Progress and Justice (UPAH) has expressed support for a petition by trade union ABVO calling for APC Pension Fund retirees to receive vacation pay starting in 2027. UPAH stated that although it was not consulted before the petition was filed, it cannot oppose a measure that would benefit pensioners. The organization is also seeking more transparency and public information regarding pension legislation and the APC Bank. The push for vacation pay reflects broader concerns among retirees about financial adequacy and the need for improved benefits. UPAH's backing adds institutional weight to the ABVO petition and signals growing solidarity among pensioner advocacy groups in Curaçao. The timeline set for implementation is 2027, giving relevant authorities and the pension fund time to prepare.

The Curaçao teachers' union Sitek has received an official guarantee that a law ensuring safety in schools and other educational settings will be published by the end of 2026. The commitment marks a significant milestone for the union, which first submitted the safety legislation proposal back in 2014. The proposal has been pending for over a decade, making this guarantee a long-awaited breakthrough for education workers on the island. The law is intended to formally protect teachers, staff, and students within school environments and related educational areas. While the guarantee is a positive step, the actual publication deadline of end-2026 means implementation remains some time away. Sitek's persistence over more than ten years underscores ongoing concerns about safety conditions in Curaçao's educational sector.