Eight SDKK Staff Certified in Scanner Image Interpretation

Aruban cultural anthropologist Francio Guadeloupe argues that the Netherlands has much to learn from the way people on the Caribbean islands navigate cultural and social differences. Guadeloupe made the remarks in an interview with Dutch newspaper NRC, drawing on his academic expertise and personal experience growing up in the Caribbean. He suggests that Caribbean island communities have developed a distinctive and effective approach to living alongside diversity, shaped by centuries of multicultural coexistence. This perspective challenges a common assumption that knowledge and best practices flow primarily from the European Netherlands to its Caribbean territories. Guadeloupe's comments are notable given ongoing debates in the Netherlands about integration, identity, and social cohesion. The anthropologist positions the Caribbean not as a region in need of guidance, but as a model worthy of study and respect.

A new study by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reveals that Caribbean culture is the most popular genre among cultural performances and events on the BES islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba in 2025. The research examined the full cultural programming landscape across all three special municipalities of the Netherlands. Caribbean cultural expressions — including music, dance, and performance arts rooted in the region — drew the highest audience interest compared to other cultural genres offered. The findings highlight the strong local identity and cultural pride that defines community life on the BES islands. The data provides useful insight for cultural policymakers and organizers looking to invest in programming that resonates with island residents. The CBS report underscores the importance of supporting Caribbean cultural traditions as a cornerstone of public life in these Dutch Caribbean communities.

Selikor director Wesley Kook announced in a press release that on September 10, 2026, a fire broke out in the late afternoon at the tire recycling section of the Malpais Landfill in Willemstad, Curaçao. An investigation was launched the same day to determine the cause and circumstances of the incident. The fire affected the tire recycling area of the landfill, which is a critical waste management facility for the island. Selikor, the company responsible for waste collection and processing on Curaçao, moved quickly to communicate findings to the public. The announcement of investigation results signals a degree of transparency from the organization regarding the incident. The tire recycling section of a landfill poses particular environmental and public health concerns when burned, given the toxic smoke and residue produced. Further details of the investigation's conclusions were contained in the full press release issued by Selikor.