WILLEMSTAD – On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the Council of Ministers received a working visit from the Board of Financial Supervision (Cft). During the regular meeting, Cft Chair Lidewijde Ongering gave a presentation that briefly touched on the draft 2026 budget but focused mainly on the growing financial pressures of Curaçao’s national healthcare system.

Ongering highlighted several key issues, including the use of primary care, laboratory capacity, and the high prevalence of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. She stressed that prevention and efficiency in healthcare delivery are critical to keeping expenditures under control. The Cft also put forward a series of possible measures that could help improve Curaçao’s long-term financial sustainability.

Deputy Prime Minister Javier Silvania, who also serves as Minister of Finance and Minister of Public Health, Environment and Nature (GMN), responded by noting that the GMN Ministry is already implementing a number of initiatives focused on prevention, public awareness, and promoting healthier lifestyles.

It was agreed that during the next meeting more detailed information will be shared with the Cft about ongoing initiatives and the proposed measures aimed at strengthening healthcare provision and ensuring better management of long-term costs.

Ongering was accompanied by Hans Hoogervorst (member nominated on behalf of the Netherlands), Elizabeth de Cuba (member nominated on behalf of Curaçao), Fleur Brouwers (acting secretary of the Cft), and advisers Jeroen Tellings and Elmer Pals.