WILLEMSTAD – The Court of Curaçao has ruled that the government failed to fulfill its legal obligations in responding to a formal request for public transparency submitted under the island’s Open Government Act (LOB). The request was filed by a representative of the Save Zakitó movement, which opposes a large-scale coastal development project involving the construction of eight high-rise residential towers. 

In its decision on Tuesday, the court stated that the government did not respond adequately or in a timely manner when concerned citizens sought access to crucial information about the project. According to the court, this lack of response violated the principles of open governance and public accountability. 

The issue stems from a detailed LOB request submitted on November 11, 2024, by Maritza Lauffer on behalf of Save Zakitó. The request called for full disclosure of all documents that led to the granting of building permits for the Zakitó project. While some documents were shared in February and March 2025, the court found that significant parts of the requested information were consistently withheld. 

The court’s ruling is being hailed by the Save Zakitó movement as a principled victory for civic engagement and government transparency. Residents in neighborhoods surrounding the planned development have repeatedly called for greater clarity and public participation in decision-making. 

This case adds momentum to growing concerns over large-scale development along Curaçao’s coastline and underscores the need for transparency in projects that significantly impact the island’s environment and communities.