WILLEMSTAD - Notary offices in Curaçao have been struggling with a pressing issue for years: long waiting times. Most offices have implemented an application stop, and the waiting time for some services can be up to a year, causing significant problems.
Shortage of Candidate Notaries
The core of the problem is the shortage of candidate notaries on the island. "In 2007, I already warned about a shortage and advised the university to train more students," says Alba Chatlein, a notary at Notariskantoor Chatlein.
Despite this early warning, little has changed. "Currently, there is on average only one candidate notary available per notary. They mainly do the executive work, so as long as the number of candidate notaries does not increase, you won't solve the long waiting times," Chatlein explains.
The nature of the work also contributes to the long waiting times, such as the extensive documentation required for client investigations and (international) anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism legislation.
"Every action requires precise documentation and approval, which takes a lot of time," explains Katherine Filesia, candidate notary at Notariskantoor Chatlein.
Dusty Image
The 'dusty image' of the notary profession makes it unattractive to young people. "The profession is tough and inflexible, with long working hours and high work pressure. This deters students," says Chatlein.
Filesia adds, "Many people don't know exactly what a notary does, so students aren't motivated to choose this career."
Solutions for the Shortage
Chatlein and Filesia emphasize the importance of better education and promotion to make the notary profession more attractive. Filesia: "Young people need to know that it is a challenging and versatile profession."
She even suggests using platforms like TikTok and offering (introductory) internships to reach a younger audience. "It's important to bridge the gap between what people think a notary does and what we actually do."
Additionally, the profession needs to be made more flexible and attractive. "In the Netherlands, there is more flexibility regarding observation and working hours. We should implement this here as well," Filesia suggests.
This would allow notaries to find a better work-life balance, making the profession more attractive to future generations. The government can also play a role by developing policies that encourage local students to study notarial law and work in Curaçao.
Previously, student loans were forgiven for students who returned to work here after their studies. This could be reintroduced to make it more attractive for students to return, Chatlein proposes.
A Look to the Future
Both Chatlein and Filesia are passionate about their profession and hope that more young people will see the value and versatility of the notary profession. "What I enjoy most about my work is helping people solve their problems. It is very satisfying to know that you can make a difference in someone's life," Chatlein explains.
Filesia adds, "I recently returned to Curaçao and have seen how important it is to understand the culture, the language, and the people. This helps me do my job better and gain my clients' trust."
There is an urgent need for a joint effort from notary offices and the government to revitalize the notary profession. Without these efforts, waiting times will continue to increase, and the pressure on current notaries will become unsustainable.
"It's time to make the notary profession attractive again and ensure that future generations continue to fulfill this crucial role," concludes Filesia.
By Caribbean Network
