WILLEMSTAD - The government of Curaçao is planning to fill 244 vacancies across the public sector. These positions have become available due to retirements and other departures, according to the government’s response to questions posed by PNP Member of Parliament Gwendell Mercelina during the 2025 budget discussions.
Mercelina expressed concerns about the absence of a dedicated minister for Administration, Planning, and Services (BPD), which currently falls under a combined portfolio. He emphasized the urgency of addressing the vacancies, noting the impact of staff shortages on the ministry’s ability to carry out its duties effectively.
Temporary Staff and Strategic Policies
A report from the Ministry of Finance indicates an increase in temporary staff to manage urgent tasks. However, the BPD ministry aims to prioritize permanent hires over reliance on temporary solutions.
To address skill gaps and enhance workforce capabilities, the government has developed the Strategic Training Policy 2024–2029. This policy focuses on three key areas:
Strengthening essential knowledge and skills.
Specialized training in fields like human resources and legal services.
Promoting personal growth and employee well-being.
Investments in Digitalization
The government is also investing in digital transformation to improve efficiency and accessibility of public services. Key initiatives include:
Implementation of Microsoft 365 for enhanced workplace collaboration.
Establishing a centralized IT department, the Directorate of Information Provision and Digitalization (DID).
Introducing a digital citizen identification system.
Optimizing the “one-stop-shop” service desk to streamline processes like permit applications.
These efforts aim to modernize public administration and ensure a more responsive and capable workforce to meet the needs of the people of Curaçao.