WILLEMSTAD – The success of a society is closely linked to the well-being of all its citizens. Currently, around 45,000 people in Curaçao live below the poverty line, making poverty an urgent issue that must be addressed immediately. This means that a significant part of our community struggles daily to meet their basic needs. Poverty is not just a social problem but also an economic and moral issue that requires structural solutions.
Poverty particularly affects the elderly and single mothers, who lack sufficient income to live with dignity. Our social safety net is ineffective; benefits such as AOV (old-age pension) and social assistance are below the minimum cost of living, and for years, no structural adjustments have been made. As a result, thousands of households in Curaçao struggle to cover their monthly expenses.
Poverty is a complex issue because it is often linked to other social problems such as unemployment, illiteracy, housing issues, health concerns, and limited access to quality education. Many families in Curaçao face multiple challenges, not just financial insecurity but also a lack of social support and future prospects. Although this issue has been raised for years, there have been no concrete actions from the current government to implement structural changes that effectively combat poverty.
MAN-PIN proposes concrete measures to tackle this crisis. We want to strengthen the social security system by improving pensions and social assistance to guarantee a dignified life for all. We advocate for the reintroduction of social workers in neighborhoods to identify and assist families in need. Affordable housing and healthcare are essential, which is why we insist on a concrete housing plan and better medical care for the most vulnerable. To address poverty at its root, we support adjusting the minimum wage to match the real cost of living, creating more job opportunities, and implementing professional training programs.
The time for action is now! It is time to address this issue in a sustainable and effective way.