SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 114.79, which represented an increase of 0.64% when compared to the previous quarter. Additionally, when comparing consumer prices in the fourth quarter of 2024 to the fourth quarter of 2023 the results show a notable increase of 2.22%.

The total average CPI for 2024 is 113.91, which is up 3.97 from the previous year (CPI Avg. 2023 – 109.94).

When comparing Q4 2024 with Q3 2024 the CPI reveals that three out of the four major expenditure categories experienced price increases during this quarter. The following four categories carry the largest percentage weight (influence) when calculating the total CPI.

                                                                                                                                                                CPI (% chg.)                                    Weights

• Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels                                                                      (-0.54%)                                           (36.1%)
• Transport                                                                                                                                     (+4.82%)                                          (14.6%)
• Miscellaneous goods and services                                                                                           (+1.72%)                                          (13.4%)
• Food and non-alcoholic beverages                                                                                           (+0.86%)                                          (7.2%)

Analysis of the 4 major categories revealed:

• In the fourth quarter of 2024, the category of Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels, had a drop of 0.54% compared to Q3 of 2024, which was driven by the subcategory “Maintenance and repair of the dwelling” which experienced a decline of 2.43%, primarily driven by the subcomponent “Materials for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling” (-3.31%). It’s refreshing to see a decrease in the subcategory “Electricity, gas and other fuels” of 2.37%. This decrease was primarily driven by the subcomponent “Electricity” (-2.68%).

• The category of Transport experienced a price increase of 4.82%, primarily influenced by the subcategory “Transport Services”which rose by 17.37%, which was largely driven by the subcomponent “Passenger transport by road” showing an increase of 25.81% and “Passenger transport by air” which increase by 5.42%. In addition to this category, the subcategory “Purchase of vehicles” increase by 0.48% largely driven by the subcomponent “Bicycles” (+3.39%) and “Motorcars” (+0.47%).

• Similarly, the category of Miscellaneous goods and services also saw an increase, with prices rising by 1.72%. This increase was primarily attributed to subcategory of “Personal care”(+4.12%), driven by subcomponent “Other appliances, articles and products for personal care” (+5.47%). This category’s increase was slightly off set by the subcategory “Personal effects n.e.c.” supported by the subcomponents “Other personal effects” (-1.72%).

• It should be noted that the Food and non-alcoholic beverages category recorded a 0.86% increase this quarter. This rise was primarily driven by the subcategory “Non-alcoholic beverages” (+2.11%) which is driven by the subcomponent “Mineral waters, soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices” (+2.29%). Additionally, we see an increase in the subcategory “Food”(+0.64) which is driven by the subcomponents “Milk, cheese and eggs” (+4.86%) & “Oils and fats” (+3.06%).

Fourth quarter inflation comparison - 2023 Q4 with 2024 Q4 saw the highest increase repeat in the major category “Transport”.

The prices of the fourth quarter of 2024 saw an increase when compared to those in the fourth quarter of 2023, with the inflation rate recorded at 2.22%. This stiff percentage increase is since 3 of the 4 major categories all recorded 5+% increases. These major categories are Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, Transport, Miscellaneous goods and services & Food and non-alcoholic beverages.

The prices of three of the four expenditure categories that had the largest influence on the total CPI increased when compared to the same period in 2023.  

• Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels fell by 0.37%, driven by a decrease in “Maintenance and repair of the dwelling” (-2.86%) and “Actual rentals for housing”
  (-1.50%). While there was an increase in “Electricity, gas, other fuels” (+2.09%).

• As mentioned previously, Transport recorded the biggest increase of the four major categories, rising by 5.49%; this was due to the increase in “Transport services” (+20.84%) and “Purchase of vehicles” (+0.97%). We did record a decrease in “Operation of personal transport equipment including fuel” (-4.01%).

• Miscellaneous goods and services increased by 5.43%. This was driven by increases in “Social protection” (+10.78%), “Other services n.e.c.” (+8.28), Personal effects n.e.c.” (+5.57%), “Personal care” (+8.10%) and “Financial services n.e.c.” (+4.05%). However, there remained a decrease in “Insurance” (-1.25%).

• In addition, prices of Food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 4.32%, influenced by “Non-alcoholic beverages” (+6.19%) and “Food” (+4.00%).

SINT MAARTEN (ST. JOHN’S ESTATE) - The White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF) is proud to announce its participation in the upcoming National Career Fair on March 28 and 29 at the RAI in Amsterdam, Netherlands. HR Manager Johanna Wever and Operations Manager Bregje Boetekees will represent the organization and will share insights into the rewarding career opportunities within WYCCF.

As a special highlight, WYCCF will be distributing handcrafted pelican keychains created with care and craftsmanship by the talented clients of the Sister Basilia Center (SBC). These unique keychains are produced in collaboration with Perpetual Plastics SXM, an initiative that transforms recycled plastic into useful items, contributing to a more sustainable Sint Maarten.

At WYCCF, we believe that ability comes in many forms, and our SBC clients prove every day that they can create, contribute, and thrive when given the right opportunities. By featuring their handcrafted keychains at the career fair, we highlight both the importance of inclusion and the impact of sustainability, demonstrating how meaningful work can empower individuals of all abilities.

WYCCF invites all attendees to visit our booth, learn more about our organization, our vacancies, and explore the many ways we empower individuals through care and community support. And, of course, don’t forget to pick up one of these special pelican keychains—a true symbol of creativity, inclusion, and environmental responsibility.

For more information about WYCCF and the Sister Basilia Center, visit www.wyccf.org. To learn more about Perpetual Plastics SXM, check out their Facebook page: Perpetual Plastics SXM

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - 3x3 St. Maarten is proud to announce that Team Philipsburg will be representing the island at the prestigious One Guyana 3x3 Quest, taking place on April 5th and 6th in Georgetown, Guyana.

The One Guyana 3x3 Quest is a new, yet premier basketball event in the region, bringing together 20 top teams from across the Caribbean and Americas, as well as elite teams from Europe to compete for international ranking points and the coveted qualification to a World Tour event - the highest level of 3x3 competition.

The 2025 World Tour event allocated to this Quest is the Edmonton Master in Edmonton, Canada. This appearance marks another key milestone in 3x3 St. Maarten’s mission to grow the sport and showcase local talent on major stages.

Team Philipsburg, consisting of Dajour Boasman, Franklyn Carty, Kofi Hamilton and Miguel Morgan will compete against some of the best teams in the region, and zone (Americas) aiming to make a statement and continue building St. Maarten’s presence on the international 3x3 basketball scene.

“Our players have been putting in the work both on and off the court for this moment,” said Paul Bell, President of 3x3 St. Maarten. “This tournament represents another incredible opportunity to gain exposure, compete at a high level, and represent St. Maarten with pride.

“FIBA 3x3 basketball provides smaller countries with the opportunity to compete on larger stages - stages that we otherwise would not have the chance to play on. We’re excited to see our very own compete with heart and determination.”

The players are equally excited and motivated to step onto the court and represent their island: “When it’s all said and done, I want the world to know that there is talent throughout the entire Caribbean, and Sint Maarten to be exact. I’m grateful to 3x3 St. Maarten for selecting me and putting their faith and trust in me to lead this team”, said Kofi Hamilton.

Miguel Morgan echoed the excitement and purpose behind the team’s mission: “This is more than just a tournament - it’s a chance to show what St. Maarten is capable of. It’s an honor to be apart of Team Philipsburg, representing St. Maarten at this tournament.

Moreover, we hope to build a bridge of opportunity in 3x3 basketball and help lay a foundation so that others can showcase the talent of our island.” Team Philipsburg is seeking support for their travels to Guyana.

Should you wish to contribute and help make this journey possible, contact them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Direct deposits are welcomed at WIB acct. # 8141.8005 (description: Guyana Quest). Every bit of support counts in pushing St. Maarten’s talent forward onto the regional and international stage.

About 3x3 St. Maarten

3x3 St. Maarten is the official body for 3x3 basketball on the island, committed to developing the sport at all levels, from grassroots to elite competition. With a focus on youth development, international participation, and regional collaboration, 3x3 St. Maarten continues to put local talent on the map. Follow them on social media: Instagram & Facebook: 3x3stmaarten

SINT MAARTEN/CURACAO - The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) decided to pause monetary policy easing by keeping both the pledging rate1 and the reserve requirement percentage unchanged.

Consequently, the pledging rate will remain at 4.75% and the reserve requirement percentage at 18.50%. This decision follows a previous 0.50 percentage point reduction in both instruments in November 2024, supported by the solid and stable foreign exchange position and adequate import coverage in the monetary union.

The decision to keep the pledging rate unchanged is based on increased uncertainty in global trade and financial markets and the decision by the Federal Reserve (Fed) to maintain its policy rate so far this year.

“Although domestic economic and monetary indicators are moving in line with expectations, downside risks to the outlook have increased, especially due to heightened risks associated with an intensification of protectionist trade policies.

“Therefore, the CBCS remains cautious and will continue to closely monitor domestic and international economic developments, particularly the key monetary policy indicators within the union, and adjust its policy as needed”, stated executive director, Dr. José Jardim.

According to the latest estimate, the current account deficit of the balance of payments as a percentage of GDP increased from 15.8% in 2023 to 16.5% in 2024, due mainly to a decrease in net export of goods and services.

Net exports dropped because the increase in imports, driven primarily by ongoing investments across the monetary union, outpaced the growth in exports. Exports grew, reflecting foreign exchange receipts from the tourism and transportation sectors in both Curaçao and Sint Maarten.

The current account deficit is projected to narrow to 13.7% of GDP in 2025. The lower deficit in 2025 compared to 2024 is mainly attributed to an increase in the net export of goods and services, driven by a growth in exports combined with a lower import bill.

Exports are expected to grow in 2025, supported by increased foreign exchange revenues, primarily from tourism activities across the monetary union. Meanwhile, the projected decline in international crude oil prices will result in a lower import bill.

So far, the monetary indicators are moving in line with expectations. “Despite the current account deficit, gross official reserves increased by NAf.63.4 million in 2024, and as of March 4, 2025, by NAf.176.7 million in 2025. Meanwhile, the import coverage rose from 4.5 months at the end of 2023 to 4.6 months in December 2024 and reached 4.8 months in February 2025, remaining well above the norm of three months. Furthermore, following an increase in 2023, the liquidity of commercial banks experienced a gradual decline in 2024, a trend that has continued during the first two months of 2025”, he explained.

Nevertheless, the CBCS has decided to keep the pledging rate at 4.75%, as the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) has kept its policy rate unchanged at 4.50% so far this year.

The pause in monetary easing by the Fed is the result of, among other things, increased uncertainty in global trade and financial markets following the intensification of protectionist trade policies by the U.S. administration. By maintaining its current policy stance, the Fed signals a cautious approach aimed at balancing economic growth and inflation risks, ensuring a smooth transition toward monetary easing when appropriate.

“Given the likelihood of the Fed holding rates steady, interest rates in the international money market are expected to decline at a slower pace in 2025. Consequently, this will affect interest rates in the money market of the monetary union of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, considering the peg of the NAf. to the U.S. dollar”, Dr. Jardim highlighted.

In addition, following a 0.50 percentage point reduction effective December 16, 2024, the reserve requirement percentage will be kept at 18.50% in the short term. “Although gross official reserves are projected to continue growing in 2025, albeit at a slower pace than in 2024, risks to the forecast are tilted to the downside.

In particular, increased trade protectionism, notably through higher tariffs in the U.S., could trigger retaliatory measures from its trading partners, potentially leading to a trade war. Such developments could result in higher import prices for Curaçao and Sint Maarten.

Given the two countries’ high dependence on imports, rising prices may lead to a net purchase of foreign exchange and a net withdrawal of dollar balances, thereby affecting gross official reserves”, he explained.

“The CBCS will, however, continue to offer attractive rates on its weekly auctions of CDs with the aim to hold more bank liquidity domestically to support the preservation of a solid foreign exchange position”, Dr. Jardim concluded.

1 The pledging rate is the rate at which commercial banks can borrow at the CBCS in case of a liquidity shortage.