Two broken-down tuk-tuks cause major traffic chaos on Juliana Bridge

A recent survey of pharmacies across Curaçao has uncovered significant disparities in both the prices and availability of medications and health products on the island. The findings highlight that consumers may pay substantially different amounts for the same product depending on which pharmacy they visit. Availability also varies widely, meaning some essential medications are not consistently stocked across all locations. The survey raises concerns about consumer protection and equitable access to healthcare essentials for residents. These gaps can place a financial and logistical burden on patients, particularly those managing chronic conditions who rely on consistent access to specific medications. The results are expected to prompt calls for greater pricing transparency and regulatory oversight within Curaçao's pharmaceutical sector.

A court in Curaçao has rejected a claim filed by Vanddis seeking reimbursement for medical expenses paid on behalf of another party, ruling that the payments constituted brotherly support rather than formal loans. The case centered on whether funds transferred to cover medical costs carried a legal obligation of repayment. The court determined that the nature and context of the payments indicated a personal, familial gesture rather than a contractual financial arrangement. As a result, Vanddis has no legal grounds to recover the amounts paid. The ruling highlights how courts in Curaçao evaluate the intent and relationship between parties when determining whether informal financial transfers can be classified as enforceable debts. The decision is a setback for Vanddis, who had sought to recoup what may have been a significant sum in medical costs.

Curaçao is exploring the potential of its historic waterworks infrastructure to help combat the twin climate threats of drought and flooding. The aging system, which played a critical role in the island's water management in past decades, is being reconsidered as a modern resource for water storage and flood mitigation. Officials and stakeholders are examining how the infrastructure could be rehabilitated or repurposed to capture rainwater during heavy downpours and store it for use during dry periods. The initiative comes as Curaçao, like much of the Caribbean, faces increasing climate variability that makes both prolonged droughts and intense rainfall events more frequent. Reviving the historic waterworks could reduce the island's dependence on costly desalination while also protecting communities from flash flooding. The project represents a dual-purpose approach to water resilience that aligns with broader regional sustainability goals. No timeline or funding commitments have been publicly announced at this stage.