WILLEMSTAD – A sweeping government restructuring has placed Curaçao’s entire energy sector under the direct responsibility of Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas (MFK). This shift, confirmed through a recently published national decree, reassigns a wide range of state-owned enterprises, foundations, advisory councils, and semi-public institutions among various ministries.
As part of the change, four major players in the energy supply chain—2Bays (formerly Refineria di Kòrsou - RdK), Kompania di Petroli i Gas Kòrsou, Curoil, and Aqualectra—are now officially managed by the Ministry of General Affairs (AZ), headed by Pisas. Until now, Curoil and Aqualectra fell under the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO).
MEO Still Oversees Most Entities
Despite the transfer of the energy portfolio, the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) remains the government branch with the highest number of entities under its supervision—a total of 26 institutions. At the other end of the spectrum, the Ministry of Governance, Planning and Service (BPD) is now responsible for only two.
The reallocation was outlined in a comprehensive decree that lists all government-affiliated bodies, revealing not only active institutions but also a number of defunct or inactive entities still formally listed under ministerial responsibility.
Inactive and Dissolved Entities Still Listed
Several companies mentioned in the decree appear to no longer exist or have been inactive for years. For instance, Saba Bank Resources NV, listed under the Ministry of Finance, does not appear in the records of the Chamber of Commerce (KvK). Likewise, Curaçao Development Institute NV, once under MEO, had its registration cancelled as far back as June 28, 2022.
Two other Bonaire-based companies—Bonaire Vis Industrie NV and Hotelmaatschappij Bon-Antil NV—also no longer appear in the KvK registry, although they remain listed under MEO. Meanwhile, Curaçao-Eisenmetall NV and Curaçao-Eisenmetall Shipbreaking Yard NV were dissolved in 1998 and 1990, respectively, yet are still referenced.
Surprisingly, the Institute for Pedagogical and Social Training (Ipso)—founded in 1972 and presumed defunct—still exists under the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport (OWCS). According to KvK records, it is chaired by 82-year-old Charles de Haseth and 84-year-old Walter Kleinmoedig remains its secretary. In contrast, another OWCS-affiliated institution, Instituto Nashonal di Kultura Kòrsou, is not listed at all.
Outdated Records in Other Ministries
Under the Ministry of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning (VVRP), several entities marked as “in liquidation” include the Antilliaanse Luchtvaart Maatschappij NV, ALM 1997 Airline NV, and Post Nederlandse Antillen NV. However, KvK data confirms that ALM was officially dissolved in 2005.
The Ministry of Justice still lists previously merged or consolidated institutions as separate entities, such as the Stichting Reclassering Curaçao, Stichting Ambulante Justitiële Jeugdzorg Curaçao, and Stichting GVI Curaçao.
Toward Modernization and Efficiency?
The reorganization appears aimed at improving oversight and accountability across government-related bodies, particularly in sectors as critical as energy. However, the presence of outdated or inactive entities on the official registry raises concerns about administrative accuracy and transparency.
Prime Minister Pisas' direct management of the energy chain marks a significant strategic move for Curaçao’s governance, especially as the island navigates pressing issues around utility management, sustainability, and public service delivery.
Curaçao Chronicle will continue tracking these institutional changes and their impact on national governance and economic development.
