WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Restaurant Association (CRA) has voiced deep concern and outrage over Wednesday’s massive power outage, which left much of the island in darkness for more than 18 hours. According to the association, the restaurant sector suffered severe losses as many businesses were forced to close, revenues plummeted, and large quantities of food spoiled due to the prolonged blackout.

The CRA is now urgently calling on the government and utility company Aqualectra to implement structural measures to prevent future outages and is demanding compensation for damages sustained by restaurants across the island.

Frustration With Recovery Priorities

The association said it followed Wednesday’s press conference by the government and Aqualectra with “deep disappointment.” Officials had announced that Punda would be among the last areas to be reconnected, while other key districts such as Jan Thiel and Pietermaai only had power restored after midnight.

“These are precisely the zones where many restaurants and hotels are located—areas crucial to Curaçao’s tourism experience and economic image,” the CRA said in a statement. “To deprioritize them during the restoration process is incomprehensible and unacceptable.” 

The blackout has reignited debate over the island’s energy reliability, with business owners warning that repeated disruptions risk damaging not only the hospitality industry but also Curaçao’s broader reputation as a tourism destination.