WILLEMSTAD – In a candid reflection on his 15 years as chairman of Curaçao’s teachers’ union Sitek, Darius “Lio” Plantijn has voiced strong criticism of what he describes as the chronic slowness in decision-making within the island’s education sector. Plantijn said that important decisions are often delayed for years or implemented only half-heartedly. 

He pointed to a lack of an integrated approach, which he believes has led to recurring issues such as unsafe school facilities and stalled teacher training programs. 

One striking example, Plantijn noted, is a school safety protocol that has existed for years but has yet to be enshrined in law. He also highlighted the long-delayed promise to adjust teachers’ salary scales from A to B—a commitment made in 2016 but still not fully implemented in 2025. 

Rising Concerns Over Student Behavior 

Plantijn also expressed concern over changing student behavior and the growing number of threats directed at teachers, a trend he partly attributes to the influence of social media. 

Possible Expansion Beyond Education 

Looking ahead, the Sitek leader revealed that the union is considering amending its statutes to represent workers outside the education sector. Sitek has been receiving more requests for support from other industries, he said. Any potential expansion of the union’s scope will first be discussed with its members. 

Plantijn’s remarks come as debates continue over education reform and the working conditions of teachers in Curaçao, underscoring persistent tensions between policy ambitions and their execution.