Extra Journaal: Curaçao Daily News Bulletin – October 1, 2026

A Doctors Without Borders (MSF) staff member who contracted Ebola while working in the Democratic Republic of Congo is now receiving treatment at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) in the Netherlands. The worker became infected during field operations in the DRC, one of the regions currently experiencing active Ebola transmission. The LUMC is one of the few facilities in the Netherlands equipped with the specialized isolation units required to safely treat highly infectious diseases like Ebola. Doctors Without Borders has been a frontline organization in responding to Ebola outbreaks in Central Africa, and infections among aid workers, while rare, do occur. The case underscores the ongoing dangers faced by humanitarian health workers operating in active outbreak zones. Dutch health authorities are monitoring the situation, and the patient is being cared for under strict containment protocols.

The Curaçao Police Force is offering a pre-clearance service for parents and guardians traveling with minors during the upcoming October school break. The service is designed to streamline border procedures and reduce delays for families at the airport. Parents traveling without the other legal guardian — or with children who have a different surname — are typically subject to additional scrutiny to prevent child abduction and unauthorized travel. By obtaining pre-clearance ahead of travel, families can present verified documentation in advance, making the departure process smoother and faster. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts by Curaçao authorities to balance child safety regulations with traveler convenience during high-traffic holiday periods. Families planning to travel during the October break are encouraged to take advantage of the service as early as possible. Details on how to apply for pre-clearance are expected to be available through the Curaçao Police Force directly.

The Caribbean Defence Region has reopened recruitment for Curaçao's military training program, targeting young people between the ages of 18 and 27. The announcement was made in Willemstad through a new recruitment campaign designed to encourage youth participation. The program offers structured military training for eligible residents of Curaçao. Authorities are actively seeking to attract a new group of recruits through this latest campaign push. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts by regional defence institutions to engage and develop local youth through military education and discipline.