WILLEMSTAD – The closure of Campo Alegre has led to an increase in domestic violence, crimes against minors, and illegal prostitution on Curaçao. This claim was made by Marlon Regales, former director and spokesperson of the brothel.
According to Regales, the absence of Campo Alegre has accelerated the rise of informal prostitution, particularly among the local population. He points to the increasing prevalence of so-called "sugar daddy" relationships, where older men provide financial support or gifts to younger women in exchange for companionship. While this phenomenon was once rare on the island, Regales believes it has now become widely accepted.
Safety Concerns and Health Risks
Regales warns that informal prostitution comes with serious risks, including violence, abuse, and even kidnappings. He also notes a significant rise in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). To counter these dangers, he advocates for awareness campaigns and educational programs to inform young people about the risks involved.
Government-Owned Property
Following its closure, the Curaçao government purchased the Campo Alegre property for eight million guilders. While Regales does not believe the government should be directly involved in the sector, he argues that the site could be repurposed for commercial use. He suggests that a group of private investors could establish a regulated brothel, with government oversight to ensure safety and control.
According to Regales, Campo Alegre was not only important to the local community but also served international visitors, including tourists, sailors, and individuals who could not or did not want to engage in traditional relationships. Without a regulated alternative, he warns that unchecked prostitution and exploitation will continue to rise.
Lack of Oversight
Previously, sex workers at Campo Alegre underwent a strict screening process and signed three-month contracts with the Curaçao government. Their backgrounds and legal documents were verified both internationally and locally. However, with the brothel now closed, this regulatory oversight has disappeared, leaving health and safety unmonitored.
Impact on Tourism
The closure of Campo Alegre has reportedly affected tourism as well. Regales claims that the number of Colombian tourists has declined due to the lack of regulated sex work on the island. Without legal oversight of hygiene and working conditions, foreign sex workers can now operate freely in illegal prostitution, increasing the risk of exploitation.
Authorities and Law Enforcement
Regales alleges that various bars and clubs on Curaçao are now offering rooms for sex work, and that the authorities are aware of this but fail to take action. He even suggests that some police officers are involved in these activities. While prostitution itself is not illegal in Curaçao, proving human trafficking and exploitation remains a challenge.
In the past, sex workers at Campo Alegre were regularly interviewed as part of human trafficking investigations. Regales, who had direct contact with intelligence services from Curaçao, the Netherlands, and the United States, warns that the lack of regulated prostitution poses a serious security risk. He urges the government to consider reintroducing controlled workplaces for sex workers to reduce crime and improve public safety.
