WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao is taking another step toward the digital transformation of its public services by developing a national digital identity system that will eventually allow residents to securely access government services and personal government information online.
The initiative was discussed by Minister of Governance, Planning and Public Services Shalten Hato during a working visit to Logius in the Netherlands.
Logius is the Dutch government agency responsible for developing and managing key digital public service platforms, including DigiD, MijnOverheid (MyGovernment) and the Berichtenbox (Message Box). These systems enable citizens in the Netherlands to securely interact with government agencies online.
According to Minister Hato, Curaçao faces an important opportunity to build a modern digital government that is more accessible, efficient and citizen-centered.
The proposed digital identity system is expected to become a central component of the island's planned "Samenlevingsloket" (Community Service Portal), a one-stop digital platform designed to simplify interactions between residents and government institutions.
During the discussions with Logius, the delegation explored a range of topics, including digital identity, secure authentication, digital communication between government and citizens, data sharing and cybersecurity.
The parties also discussed how digital building blocks already developed in the Netherlands could be adapted for use in Curaçao's public administration.
In the future, the digital identity system could also serve as the foundation for issuing secure digital government documents, such as a digital sedula (national identification card) and digital driver's licenses. However, no implementation timeline has yet been announced.
According to Logius, Curaçao is still in the early stages of its digital transformation. The organization noted that this presents a valuable opportunity for the island to learn from the Netherlands' experience and build its digital infrastructure in a thoughtful and efficient manner from the outset.
The initiative forms part of the government's broader strategy to modernize public administration through digital innovation, improve service delivery and enhance the security of online government services for residents and businesses.