WILLEMSTAD – The political alliance MAN/PIN has presented its vision for the upcoming elections in Curaçao, emphasizing economic growth, social justice, and sustainability. The party aims to implement major reforms in areas such as taxation, tourism, energy, and anti-corruption efforts to build a solid foundation for the island’s future.
Social Progress and Purchasing Power
MAN/PIN aims to raise the General Old Age Pension (AOV) to match the minimum income level, with adjustments based on inflation rather than economic growth. The party believes this should be achieved sustainably, through tax reforms and subsidies for basic needs.
Regarding the minimum wage, MAN/PIN advocates for a sector-based approach. The party proposes setting wage levels per industry, aligned with the type of work and sector-specific collective labor agreements (CAOs), ensuring fair compensation in construction, healthcare, hospitality, and other fields.
Taxation and Financial Management
The party strongly opposes the recent cancellation of old tax debts, calling it "poor governance" and "discriminatory." Instead, MAN/PIN supports alternative arrangements and improved tax collection.
One of the party’s key tax reforms is replacing the turnover tax (OB) with a General Consumption Tax (ABB) with a single border tariff to simplify administration. Additionally, MAN/PIN wants to apply lower tax rates for locally produced goods and collect tourist taxes directly upon arrival for better efficiency and transparency.
The Future of Curaçao’s Economy
According to the party, Curaçao should focus on high-end tourism initiatives, such as luxury resorts and medical tourism, continuing investments made in Sandals and Corendon. Innovation, IT, and port development remain priorities, alongside opportunities in the medicinal cannabis industry and gaining full membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) to boost trade.
The gaming industry requires stricter regulation, according to MAN/PIN. The current system, where the Gaming Control Board both issues licenses and monitors compliance, is ineffective. The party believes there is a lack of oversight and that the financial benefits for the country are "insignificant."
Sustainable Development and the Environment
MAN/PIN wants to repurpose the former Isla refinery site for clean energy projects, including hydrogen production, solar energy, and waste-to-energy solutions. The party dismisses the idea of reopening a refinery, citing a lack of international interest and environmental concerns.
Other green initiatives include banning single-use plastics, strengthening environmental laws, and promoting waste separation and recycling. MAN/PIN also advocates for banning harmful sunscreens that damage coral reefs.
Housing and Urban Development
To address the housing crisis, MAN/PIN wants to protect the local real estate market from international speculation. The party also plans to expand social housing options while ensuring stricter regulations to prevent environmental destruction from new construction projects.
Education and Healthcare
Education must be elevated to a uniformly high standard, according to MAN/PIN. This includes modernizing teaching materials, improving teacher salaries, and deploying more social workers to support students.
In healthcare, the party prioritizes prevention, proposing lifestyle coaches and better health education in schools. Additionally, the government must provide financial support to the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC), and a more efficient referral system could help reduce costs.
Combating Corruption and Financial Transparency
To tackle government corruption, MAN/PIN proposes establishing an independent integrity chamber. The party emphasizes the need for a mindset shift, ensuring tax money is spent efficiently and transparently.
How Will This Be Funded?
MAN/PIN outlines multiple strategies to finance its plans, including a sugar tax, additional revenue from tourism taxes, and transitioning to a more efficient tax system. The party also highlights the importance of stricter financial management and anti-corruption measures to prevent government funds from being wasted.
With this comprehensive program, MAN/PIN positions itself as a party committed to both social progress and economic sustainability. The upcoming elections will determine whether voters support this direction.
