WILLEMSTAD – Just as the Tax Department building in Emmastad was restored, the “Bestuurscollege” (former Island government) building should also be renovated and repurposed to house the Parliament of Curaçao. The current Minister of Finance has made the right decision by not approving the construction of a new building. “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar,” said Omar Gill.
Parliament currently operates from four different buildings in Punda, which are used for faction members, meeting rooms, and Clerk’s staff. Since 2022, a temporary parliamentary commission has been tasked with planning the construction of a new Parliament building. “This is yet another example of misplaced priorities and self-interest,” according to Omar Gill.
For Gill, it is incomprehensible that representatives of the people would push such an idea and even extend the commission's duration. He stated, “It is time to stop pretending that everything is fine when, in reality, we have become the poorest country in the Kingdom.”
He believes that the country’s leaders lack creativity and experience. The “Bestuurscollege” building in Scharloo functioned for years as the center of local governance, but it has been neglected. However, Gill argues that instead of continuing to rent office spaces, Parliament should renovate the historic Bestuurscollege building and transform it into the new seat of Parliament. “That would be a demonstration of leadership, determination, and love for our country,” he said.
In the current 2025 budget, the government has allocated 15 million for rental payments on various buildings occupied by different government entities. It is absurd that the government owns buildings but still chooses to pay rent. That money would be better spent on improving social programs such as financial assistance, pensions, and the minimum wage, rather than wasting resources.
Just as the Tax Department building was restored after a fire, the same should be done for the Bestuurscollege building. “It is clear that Curaçao needs a change in leadership. The people deserve a better Curaçao.”