WILLEMSTAD - Last weekend the residents of Lagun organized a protest against the government’s plans to transform their picturesque beach. The beachgoers are particularly upset with the construction of a concrete beach club that is being built right in the middle of the beach, which they find unacceptable.
According to the residents, the structure is out of place and does not align with how the beach is typically used. They criticize the design, which occupies nearly half of the beach, as being too large. Furthermore, they express concerns about the impact the construction could have on the habitat of sea turtles that come to Lagun to lay their eggs.
Last week Sunday, Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas, who is also responsible for Environmental Affairs and Nature, unveiled the new plans for Lagun and Jeremi beaches. Residents of Lagun attended the event with anticipation, having been promised for some time that the public restrooms would be renovated and new palapa shelters would be built. However, when the 3D design was revealed, they were shocked to see a large beach club taking up significant space in the middle of their beloved beach.
Saturday’s protest saw support from people across Curaçao, who gathered to stand with the Lagun community and sign a petition against the beach club construction. Residents are determined to preserve the natural charm of their beach and protect the sea turtles' nesting grounds from further disruption.