Resilience Must Be Built Upon, Not Assumed, for Inclusive Growth

The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) has released its September 2026 Economic Bulletin, forecasting continued economic growth across the monetary union through 2026 and 2027. Sint Maarten's economy is expected to expand, driven primarily by tourism activity and supported by fiscal stability, though growth is projected at a more moderate pace than in recent years. Curaçao is forecast to record real GDP growth of 2.8%, while Sint Maarten's trajectory reflects similar cautious optimism. The bulletin acknowledges that global uncertainty remains a factor influencing the broader economic outlook for both islands. The findings signal that Sint Maarten's recovery and expansion remain on track, with tourism continuing to serve as the primary engine of economic activity. The CBCS report provides guidance for policymakers and businesses planning for the near-term economic environment across both territories.

Saint Lucia-based technology company Orbtronics held an official press launch on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at its headquarters, The Innovation Hub in Rodney Bay, revealing full details of the upcoming Orbtronics Innovation Summit 2026. The company is spearheading an ambitious initiative to position Saint Lucia as the Caribbean's 'Silicon Forest,' a regional hub for technology and innovation. The press event took place at Rodney Bay, one of Saint Lucia's key commercial and tourism districts, signaling a push to attract attention from both regional and international stakeholders. Orbtronics is framing the summit as a landmark moment for the Eastern Caribbean's tech ecosystem, aiming to catalyze investment, entrepreneurship, and digital development across the region. The Innovation Summit 2026 is expected to bring together technology leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to accelerate Saint Lucia's emergence as a Caribbean center for innovation. The initiative reflects a broader Caribbean trend of small island nations seeking economic diversification through the tech and digital economy sectors.

The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) announced on September 17, 2026, that it is raising its pledging rate from its previous level to 4.50%, a key monetary policy tool used to influence lending and liquidity in the monetary union. The reserve requirement was left unchanged at 18.50%. The decision comes amid growing global trade uncertainty and an anticipated decline in the monetary union's foreign exchange reserves. Foreign exchange reserves are critical for Curaçao and Sint Maarten because the Antillean guilder is pegged to the US dollar, meaning sufficient reserves must be maintained to defend that peg. By raising the pledging rate, the CBCS makes borrowing from the central bank more expensive, which is intended to reduce credit growth and curb demand for foreign currency. The move signals that the central bank is taking a more cautious, tightening stance to protect monetary stability in the face of external economic pressures. Both Curaçao and Sint Maarten are affected by this policy decision, as they share the CBCS as their joint central bank.