WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao is widely recognized as the poorest nation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. While other islands of the former Netherlands Antilles have gradually improved their social foundations, Curaçao lags behind in addressing fundamental social issues.
According to Omar Gill, a member of the board of the Partido Miho Korsou, it is time to strengthen Curaçao’s social safety net, including old-age pensions (AOV), retirement benefits, and social assistance ("bijstand"). “Just as hospitals are there for everyone in times of illness, those in need deserve adequate social assistance to navigate life’s challenging situations,” said Gill.
Gill is calling for immediate action to improve social assistance. He acknowledges that discussions about increasing these benefits often face opposition from groups who argue against it. “Opponents fail to recognize that robust social assistance serves the broader public interest. Instead, they create negative stereotypes and stigmatize beneficiaries, as we’ve seen recently,” Gill stated.
Through his daily interactions with the community, Gill encounters the harsh reality of poverty on the island. Many families are struggling to survive, and the statistics confirm this. According to the Social and Economic Council of Curaçao (SER), nearly 31% of the population—equivalent to 45,000 individuals and 17,000 households—lives in poverty. These findings are supported by research and publications from Dr. Miguel Goede.
For Gill, this underscores the urgency for change. He proposes an immediate increase in social assistance by at least 30% to 70% of the current minimum wage. His proposal is backed by five comprehensive reports from 2023, compiled by Dutch organizations such as the Ministry of Social Affairs, Economisch Bureau Amsterdam, Stichting Economisch Onderzoek, and Indigo Blue, in collaboration with Curaçao’s SVB, the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO), and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (SOAW).
The reports conclude that current social assistance rates in Curaçao are far below the minimum required to sustain a basic standard of living. Recommendations include raising the assistance from the current Naf 352.00 to Naf 557.00 for single individuals and from Naf 609.00 to Naf 963.00 for households in 2024, with a gradual increase to 70% over time.
“There are various ways to generate funds if we are willing to prioritize this issue,” said Gill. He stressed that further reports or discussions are unnecessary, given the clarity of the situation. “The moment I enter Parliament, I will introduce a motion to increase social assistance,” he concluded.
