PHILIPSBURG, WILLEMSTAD - Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs has expressed strong criticism towards Central Bank President Richard Doornbosch of the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) regarding a promotional campaign for the upcoming Caribbean guilder.
The controversy arose after the CBCS placed a billboard along the road to the government building in Sint Maarten, which featured a map of the island. However, the map mistakenly omitted the French side of the island, causing widespread outrage, particularly on social media.
“This has caused significant uproar on our island, especially on social media platforms,” Minister Gumbs wrote in a formal letter to Doornbosch. She emphasized the importance of addressing the issue promptly, stating, “Whatever the reason may be, it would be greatly appreciated if, out of respect for local sensitivities, you ensure that the billboard is promptly corrected to display the map of Sint Maarten accurately.”
Gumbs stressed that the island is not just a geographical entity but also a culturally and historically united nation. “The island is a nation of one people, with their fate interwoven. Any attempt to separate one part of the island from the other, whether intentional or not, will meet with resistance,” she warned. She added that allowing the error to persist would detract from the positive message of the new Caribbean guilder’s introduction.
In response to the criticism, the CBCS has quietly made adjustments to the digital elements of its media campaign, though no official statement has been made.