WILLEMSTAD – A petition supporting Kees van Dongen, the long-time operator of the beach bar at Daaibooi Bay, has garnered over 1,500 signatures. The petition was launched due to concerns over illegal activities occurring at the popular beach, as reported by the Daaibooi Beach Curacao Facebook page.
Van Dongen, who had run the beach bar for nearly 25 years, expressed concerns about unauthorized operators setting up on the beach without proper permits, putting pressure on his business. His petition aims to draw attention to these activities and seek government intervention.
In a message of gratitude, Van Dongen’s wife thanked the supporters, stating, “Thanks to your voices, we’re sending a strong message: fairness, justice, and respect for hardworking entrepreneurs must be protected. Together, we make a difference!” she wrote on the Facebook post.
Despite multiple discussions with local authorities, Van Dongen claimed that no action had been taken for three years to address the issue. On December 16, a judge ruled that the Ministry of Health, Environment, and Nature (GMN) had six weeks to address the situation and restore order to the beach.
Unfortunately, Van Dongen, who had been battling pancreatic cancer for some time, passed away on January 12. His wife remembered him as a man of love, strength, and perseverance.