WILLEMSTAD – Residents living along the road to Juan Luis, in the direction of Sint Joris Bay, are raising urgent concerns over a surge in illegal dumping, including construction debris, rubble, and even dead and neglected animals. The situation is becoming increasingly dire, according to the Curaçao Association of Small Accommodation Hosts (CASHA), which represents several tourism operators in the area.
Despite repeated reports to local authorities, residents say no effective action has been taken, leaving the community feeling abandoned. CASHA reports that the impact on tourists has been severe, with some visitors visibly shocked and emotionally distressed by what they witnessed.
“We’ve had tourists crying at our gates after seeing a box of puppies or a dying animal in the middle of the road,” said a local business owner. “Some even say they want to fly home immediately.”
A Popular Tourist Route in Peril
The road to Groot Sint Joris is well-known as a scenic and popular tourist route, offering access to attractions such as the Ostrich Farm, the Chichi Workshop, the Aloe Vera Plantation, and several boutique accommodations. However, CASHA warns that the growing presence of illegal waste and animal cruelty is undermining the area's appeal and damaging Curaçao’s image as a tourist destination.
“It’s heartbreaking to see what’s happening here,” said one CASHA member. “We’ve sounded the alarm before, but still nothing is done.”
Call for Immediate Action
CASHA and local residents are calling on the government to take immediate and decisive action to clean up the area and implement strict enforcement against those dumping waste and abandoning animals.
The association urges relevant ministries to prioritize both environmental protection and animal welfare, especially in high-traffic tourist zones that shape the first impressions of international visitors.
With the tourism sector still recovering, stakeholders warn that failing to address this issue could jeopardize the reputation of Curaçao’s natural and cultural attractions—and deter future travelers from returning.
