Dutch boy, 12, in intensive care after fall in Swiss Alps

Nearly one in five newly established schools in Curaçao ends up closing or merging shortly after opening, causing significant distress for founders, teachers, and students alike. The Dutch-language report from Nu.cw examines the fragile reality facing fledgling schools and what unfolds when an institution begins to struggle. One particularly striking detail illustrates the scale of the problem: a student found himself the last — and only — pupil remaining in his class. The closures represent not just administrative failures but deeply personal losses for communities that invested hope and resources into new educational options. The trend raises broader questions about oversight, viability requirements, and support systems for newly founded schools in the Caribbean Netherlands. Founders often launch schools with strong educational visions but face mounting challenges including insufficient enrollment, funding shortfalls, and regulatory pressures. The consequences for students can be disruptive, forcing mid-year transitions and in some cases leaving families scrambling for alternatives.

At least 18 people in Curaçao have visited an eye doctor reporting vision damage sustained during last week's solar eclipse. The injuries occurred because these individuals viewed the eclipse without proper protective eyewear. Looking directly at a solar eclipse — even briefly — can cause serious and sometimes permanent retinal damage, as the sun's intense radiation burns the cells of the retina. Eye specialists on the island are urging anyone who watched the eclipse without certified solar glasses to seek medical evaluation, even if symptoms are not immediately apparent. Damage from solar viewing can sometimes take hours or days to fully manifest, making early diagnosis critical. The incident highlights the importance of public education ahead of major astronomical events, particularly in communities where protective eyewear may not be widely available or promoted.

Curaçao's state-owned utility company Aqualectra has announced an improved electricity supply outlook for the weekend following the return of one generating unit to service. The development comes as welcome relief for residents who have faced ongoing power reliability concerns on the island. The restored unit increases the utility's overall generation capacity, reducing the risk of load shedding or outages during the weekend period. Aqualectra has been managing a strained power grid due to aging infrastructure and recurring mechanical issues with its generating units. The return of even one unit to service can meaningfully stabilize supply, particularly during periods of high demand. Residents and businesses are expected to experience more consistent electricity access as a result of the improvement. Aqualectra has not yet indicated when full generating capacity will be restored across all units.