Curaçao to Train 50 Family Doctors in Suicide Prevention

A newly established School Safety Taskforce held its first official meeting in Curaçao, marking a formal step toward addressing safety concerns in the island's educational institutions. The taskforce brings together stakeholders focused on creating safer environments for students and staff across local schools. The formation of such a body signals growing recognition from authorities that school safety requires a dedicated, coordinated response. While specific agenda items and outcomes from the inaugural meeting were not detailed, the convening of the group represents an organizational milestone. School safety has become an increasingly prominent concern across Caribbean nations, encompassing issues ranging from physical security to student well-being. The taskforce is expected to develop policies, protocols, and action plans in the coming weeks and months. Its establishment reflects a proactive governmental approach to protecting Curaçao's student population.

Green Force, a waste management and recycling organization based in Curaçao, has exported LDPE plastic for recycling for the first time since 2018, marking a significant milestone in the island's sustainability efforts. LDPE, or low-density polyethylene, is a common plastic used in items such as plastic bags, shrink wrap, and squeeze bottles, making it one of the more challenging materials to manage locally. The resumption of exports signals that Green Force has re-established the necessary logistics and international partnerships to process this material abroad. The gap since 2018 likely reflects disruptions caused by global recycling market shifts, the COVID-19 pandemic, and logistical challenges common to small island economies. This development is meaningful for Curaçao, which — like many Caribbean islands — struggles with plastic waste accumulation and limited local processing capacity. Successfully exporting LDPE reduces the volume of plastic ending up in landfills or the natural environment. The move is seen as a positive step toward strengthening Curaçao's circular economy and waste reduction goals.

A new report from the Social and Cultural Planning Bureau (SCP) released Monday calls for stronger government support for informal caregivers — people who look after ill, elderly, or disabled family members and loved ones. The report highlights that overload and burnout among caregivers is a growing problem, with many struggling without adequate resources or recognition. Among the key recommendations is the introduction of paid leave specifically for caregiving responsibilities, a benefit not currently available in Curaçao. The SCP argues that without structural intervention, the burden on informal caregivers will continue to worsen as populations age and healthcare demands increase. The report underscores that caregiving, while largely invisible in policy discussions, plays a critical role in the broader social welfare system. Advocates say government action is long overdue to protect the health and financial stability of those who provide this essential unpaid labor.