Tax Debts Forgiven for Pet Owners, But SEHOS Left in the Dark
WILLEMSTAD – The St. Elisabeth Hospital (SEHOS), which has cared for Curaçao’s people since 1855, now stands abandoned in darkness, like a child without a mother in the heart of Otrobanda. A feasible master plan exists to transform the hospital complex into a driving force for the city's revitalization, yet the government has halted development due to an old tax debt. MAN-PIN is calling for clemency for SEHOS, an institution that safeguarded the health of Curaçao’s citizens for 160 years.
The Tax Dispute
During MAN's time in government (2019-2020), Partido PIN initiated discussions to address the claims and counterclaims between the government, SVB (Social Insurance Bank), and SEHOS. The goal was to repurpose the SEHOS complex, which would breathe new life into Otrobanda and the city center.
However, new reports indicate that SEHOS and the government are now at odds over outstanding debts. This situation raises serious concerns:
How is it possible that the government forgave 3 billion guilders in tax debts for individuals who contributed far less to Curaçao than SEHOS, yet still demands payment from SEHOS?
Why has SEHOS not been compensated for its standby costs during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Why has the Pisas II government abandoned SEHOS, yet was willing to negotiate with Ansary?
With hospital budgets still below adequate levels, why is SEHOS being penalized for continuing to care for the people despite the challenges?
Why is the government failing to act on the urgent need to integrate SEHOS into the city's revitalization efforts?
A Plea for Clemency
Giselle McWilliam, leader of MAN-PIN and a former nurse, along with former Minister of Health Camelia-Römer, remain deeply grateful for SEHOS’s role during the COVID-19 crisis. For this reason, MAN-PIN is urging the government to grant SEHOS clemency and to take immediate action.
The government must seize this opportunity to transform SEHOS into a catalyst for Otrobanda’s revitalization and the city’s economic growth. It is time to do what is right.