Economists Eye Schottegat Bay as Curaçao's Next Economic Engine

A rare gold coin from Curaçao has sold at auction for a record-breaking $390,400, making it one of the most valuable Caribbean numismatic items ever sold. The coin is more than 200 years old, placing its origins in the late 18th or early 19th century, a historically significant period for the island. The auction result reflects strong global interest in rare colonial-era currency and Caribbean historical artifacts. Curaçao's unique monetary history, shaped by its role as a major Dutch colonial trading hub, adds to the coin's cultural and historical significance. The record sale price underscores the growing collector market for rare Caribbean coins and colonial memorabilia.

The Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) has officially said goodbye to its president, Richard Doornbosch, following six years at the helm of the institution. Farewell receptions were held in both Curaçao and Sint Maarten to mark the occasion. Doornbosch is set to retire effective September 1, after which he will transition to a role on a supervisory board. His departure marks a significant leadership change for the central bank, which serves as the monetary authority for both Curaçao and Sint Maarten. The CBCS simultaneously welcomed a new management board to take over stewardship of the institution. Doornbosch's tenure spanned a period of considerable economic and structural challenges for both islands, including the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles and ongoing monetary policy decisions. The leadership transition signals a new chapter for the bank as it continues to oversee financial stability in the two countries.

2Bays, the company managing the former Isla refinery site in Curaçao, has officially ruled out restarting crude oil refining operations at the facility. Instead, the company is pivoting toward a new industrial strategy focused on petroleum storage, specialty petroleum products, and maritime services. This marks a significant turning point for the island, which has long debated the future of the refinery after Venezuelan state oil company PdVSA ended its lease in 2019. The shift signals a move away from the environmentally controversial refining operations that had drawn years of public health complaints from nearby communities. The new direction is seen as a more sustainable and economically viable model that leverages Curaçao's strategic location in the Caribbean for trade and shipping. The transition could reshape the island's industrial economy and workforce needs in the coming years. Authorities and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how quickly 2Bays can operationalize its revised business plan.