Youth Smoking Concerns Rise as Stoptober Kicks Off in Curaçao

Curaçao marked International Day of Older Persons on October 1, with a message of celebration and forward-looking perspective. The island's Advisory Council for the Elderly (Konseho Maneho pa Grandinan) emphasized that aging does not automatically mean illness or dependency. On the contrary, the council noted that many older people on the island remain healthy, independent, and actively engaged in their communities. The observance served as both a recognition of the elderly population's contributions and a call to shift public perception around aging. The council's message aims to combat stereotypes and promote a more positive, empowering view of growing older in Curaçao. The occasion aligns with a global United Nations initiative that draws attention each year to the rights and well-being of older persons worldwide.

As the rainy season approaches Curaçao, agricultural advisors are urging aspiring goat farmers to use the coming months as a planning period rather than a signal to rush out and buy animals. The core message is that new breeders must first establish their own feed production capacity before acquiring goats. Experts warn that purchasing livestock without adequate land and feed infrastructure in place is a common and costly mistake. The rainy season, which supports vegetation growth, should be seen as an opportunity to prepare grazing land and grow fodder. This advice is particularly relevant for first-time or small-scale farmers who may be tempted by the season's greenery to expand their herds prematurely. Building sustainable capacity from the ground up is presented as the responsible and economically sound approach to goat farming on the island.

Health advocates in Curaçao are raising concerns about rising vaping and smoking rates among young people, even as adult smoking numbers continue to decline. The thirteenth edition of Stoptober, a month-long campaign designed to help smokers quit, begins this Thursday on the island. Officials and health workers warn that vaping is increasingly being seen as a gateway to cigarette smoking among youth. The trend is particularly worrying because young people may perceive vaping as a safer or more socially acceptable alternative, making early intervention critical. Stoptober aims to use the month of October as a structured opportunity for smokers of all ages to quit, offering support and resources throughout the campaign period.