WILLEMSTAD - During the budget discussions in the central committee yesterday, Staten member Giselle Mc William voiced significant concerns regarding the budget of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports for 2025.
One of Mc William's key points was the need for increased funding for the National Library, which is currently allocated 3.7 million guilders. She argued that this amount is insufficient for the library to effectively promote reading among the community. “The National Library plays a crucial role in fostering literacy and should receive more support to enhance its programs,” Mc William emphasized.
Additionally, she advocated for the incorporation of more Curaçaoan culture into school exams. By doing so, students would be able to relate to the texts they are studying, which could foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of their cultural heritage. Mc William also expressed her concerns about the proposed reduction of 280,000 guilders in the budget for the Expertisecentrum voor Toetsen & Examens (Expert Centre for Testing & Examinations), stating that such cuts could undermine the quality of assessments in the education system.
Despite her criticisms, Mc William acknowledged the positive development of an additional 1 million guilders in subsidies for the University of Curaçao in 2025. However, she maintained that this amount still falls short for such an essential institution that plays a pivotal role in higher education on the island.
On a more positive note, Mc William expressed satisfaction with the extra 500,000 guilders allocated to museums, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Curaçao. “Investing in our museums is crucial for educating our youth about their history and culture,” she stated.