ICUC: Population largely facing financial difficulties; Government orders search for refinery operator
WILLEMSTAD - According to a study conducted by the Inter Continental University of the Caribbean (ICUC), the majority of respondents (73 percent) do not believe in the reopening of the Isla refinery.
The researchers note that the refinery has been operational for over a hundred years and has contributed to prosperity. "Until ten years ago, the refinery was a significant economic pillar, but what do people think about it now?" was the question posed by the ICUC.
The study not only focused on the refinery but also addressed various relevant issues facing the population, such as income in relation to inflation, emigration, and political perception (comparing the current cabinet to the previous one).
A total of 451 respondents were interviewed by phone using the random digital dialing method. The researchers argue that since every resident of the island has a mobile phone, the research group can be considered representative, with an acceptable non-response rate of 30 percent and a sampling error of less than 5 percent. The ICUC covered the costs of the study, ensuring its objectivity. The research team was led by Professor Gilbert Cijntje, supported by Annelies Anthonij and students from the Bachelor of Business Administration program.
When it comes to income, the researchers state that more than half of the population of Curaçao has experienced a financial decline. This is due to inflation, as many people have not had their salaries adjusted. The study reveals that 18 percent received a salary increase of more than 10 percent. However, approximately 29 percent of the respondents had a salary adjustment of less than 10 percent. "This means that this group has experienced a financial decline. The same applies to the group whose salaries have remained unchanged," according to ICUC.
Of the respondents, 80 percent believe that the costs on the island are too high and that everything has become very expensive. People particularly find food to be too costly, and they also mention water and electricity.
To escape these problems, many people are considering emigrating. In the study, 40 percent of the respondents expressed this consideration. The researchers conclude that this indicates a crisis in the country.
