The Caribbean guilder has officially become the currency of Sint Maarten, the Dutch part of the island of Saint-Martin, and Curaçao, as of April 1, 2025. It replaces the Netherlands Antillean guilder, in circulation since 1952, representing 73 years of monetary history. This change marks a major turning point on the road to economic and political independence for these two territories, which became constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010.
A historic turning point: from the Dutch Antillean guilder to the Caribbean guilder
The Caribbean guilder is the successor to a currency inherited from colonial times. Introduced in 1952 to unify economic exchanges in the former Dutch colonies of the Caribbean, the Netherlands Antillean Guilder until now symbolized the country’s economic anchorage in The Hague. The abandonment of this currency in favor of its own reflects a clear desire to emancipate itself from Dutch monetary influence.
This project follows on from the reforms undertaken since October 10, 2010, when Sint Maarten and Curaçao acquired the status of autonomous states within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Caribbean Guilder has thus become a tool of economic sovereignty, designed to reflect a unique identity.
A landmark launch ceremony
The Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten held a ceremony to mark the arrival of the Caribbean Guilder. During the event, Sint Maarten’s Minister of Finance, Marika Gumbs, symbolically exchanged the first denominations.
Richard Den Bosch, President of the European Central Bank, welcomed this transition, stressing that the Caribbean Guilder embodies “a symbol of confidence that will pave the way for a stable, inclusive and sustainable future”, while hailing the territories’ “lucid” choice in an uncertain global economic context.
A currency with a local design and enhanced security
The Caribbean Florin is distinguished by a design designed to represent the richness of the two territories. The range includes five banknotes (10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 guilders) illustrating the seabeds and emblematic landscapes of Sint Maarten and Curaçao. The seven coins (from 1 cent to 5 guilders) are reminiscent of ocean waves, a symbol of strength and movement.
Designed to high international standards, the new coin incorporates advanced anti-counterfeiting technologies. For production, the authorities called on service providers in Canada, Sweden and Malta, breaking with 230 years of production entrusted to the Royal Netherlands Mint.
A three-month transition phase
To ensure gradual adoption, a transitional period will run until June 30, 2025. During this phase, the old guilder can be exchanged for the new Caribbean guilder at the rate of 1 Caribbean guilder = 1.79 US dollars, the same as previously.
Information campaigns are underway to familiarize the population with the new bills and coins. The aim is to ensure a smooth transition, with no disruption to day-to-day transactions.
Economic consequences and strategic positioning
The introduction of the Caribbean guilder gives Curaçao and Sint Maarten greater control over their monetary policy, enabling them to adjust their strategy in line with regional realities, and reinforcing their economic credibility with partners and investors.
Politically, it sends a strong signal to the Caribbean and international community: that of an assertive desire to build an autonomous trajectory, without denying the historical ties with the Netherlands.
A choice that sets it apart from other Dutch Caribbean territories
While Sint Maarten and Curaçao are introducing the Caribbean guilder, other Dutch territories in the region – such as Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius – have opted for the US dollar. These choices reflect different economic orientations: guaranteed stability for some, monetary autonomy for others.
The positioning of Curaçao and Sint Maarten paves the way for regional reflection on the challenges of financial sovereignty in the Caribbean.
The Caribbean Florin is much more than a payment tool. It is the reflection of an ambition: that of two territories asserting their uniqueness in the Caribbean space and their ability to choose their monetary future.
Its introduction marks an important milestone in the autonomization process that began in 2010. The coming months will be crucial in measuring the real impact of this reform on local economies, but one thing is certain: this new currency marks a lasting turning point in the contemporary history of Curaçao and Sint Maarten.
