WILLEMSTAD – Residents of the Curaçao neighborhoods Wishi, Dein, Kanga, and Monte Verde are voicing frustration over a lack of transparency regarding land rent payments. Residents say they are willing and financially able to pay their fees—but have no clear understanding of what those fees actually cover. 

The issue came to light on Wednesday afternoon during a press conference, where residents announced plans for a protest against what they describe as abuse by the landowner's legal representative. 

Residents claim the lawyer representing the landowner has repeatedly refused to clarify how the rental fees are calculated. Many say they do not even know how many square meters they are renting. Bills are reportedly issued without any breakdown or documentation, leaving families in the dark about the terms of their tenancy. 

One resident shared that he personally visited the lawyer's office to make a payment. But when he was given no explanation of the amount, he demanded a refund—which he received. Journalists present at the press conference noted that a dialogue between the lawyer and the Wishi Marchena Foundation or community representatives would be a constructive step toward resolving the issue. 

According to Kenneth Valpoort of the foundation, the landowner appears to be demanding excessive payments, potentially as a result of being barred from financial flexibility due to an outstanding property tax debt of around 400,000 guilders per year—a debt that has reportedly been accumulating for years. 

Sharlon Monte, also from the Wishi/Marchena Foundation, compared the current situation to that of the Juan Domingo neighborhood, where similar tensions were eventually resolved through direct dialogue between residents and the landowner. Monte observed that tensions have increased in Wishi since the government began paving roads in the area—after which the lawyer began sending payment demands along with threats of legal action. 

Monte stated that while residents are open to pursuing legal avenues, they prefer to do so collectively, only if they can pool the necessary resources. Otherwise, he warned, the dispute will likely unfold on an individual basis, leaving vulnerable residents to face legal threats alone. 

Community leaders are now urging greater transparency and a negotiated solution to avoid further conflict and ensure that residents can continue living in their homes with clarity and dignity.