Warren Buffett Steps Down as Berkshire Hathaway Chairman After 60 Years

The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) announced on September 17, 2026, that it is raising its pledging rate from its previous level to 4.50%, a key monetary policy tool used to influence lending and liquidity in the monetary union. The reserve requirement was left unchanged at 18.50%. The decision comes amid growing global trade uncertainty and an anticipated decline in the monetary union's foreign exchange reserves. Foreign exchange reserves are critical for Curaçao and Sint Maarten because the Antillean guilder is pegged to the US dollar, meaning sufficient reserves must be maintained to defend that peg. By raising the pledging rate, the CBCS makes borrowing from the central bank more expensive, which is intended to reduce credit growth and curb demand for foreign currency. The move signals that the central bank is taking a more cautious, tightening stance to protect monetary stability in the face of external economic pressures. Both Curaçao and Sint Maarten are affected by this policy decision, as they share the CBCS as their joint central bank.

The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) has been chosen to receive international technical assistance through the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) in its first round of capacity-building initiatives. The NGFS is a global coalition of central banks and financial supervisors working to manage climate-related risks within the financial sector. This selection positions the CBCS among a group of institutions receiving targeted support to develop and strengthen climate scenario analysis — a tool used to assess how climate change could impact financial stability. For the twin-island territories of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, both vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather, integrating climate risk into financial oversight is increasingly critical. The technical assistance will help CBCS build the analytical frameworks needed to evaluate climate-related financial risks more effectively. This move aligns the CBCS with broader international efforts to make financial systems more resilient in the face of climate change.

St. Maarten's annual regional trade fair, SMART 2027, has officially opened its registration period with a special promotional offer called the 'Chirp First Early Bird Season.' The fair, held in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, is a key business and commerce event that draws regional and international exhibitors and vendors. The early bird promotion is designed to incentivize early sign-ups, likely offering discounted rates or priority placement for participants who register ahead of a set deadline. SMART serves as an important platform for local entrepreneurs, regional businesses, and international brands to showcase products and services to Caribbean consumers. The opening of registration signals the beginning of the buildup toward the 2027 edition, giving businesses ample time to plan their participation. The fair plays a significant role in stimulating local economic activity and fostering regional trade connections across the Caribbean.