WILLEMSTAD - The liquidity support received from the Netherlands is an important stimulus for a process in which Curaçao organizes its affairs so that we not only emerge stronger from the crisis but will certainly be able to better meet our challenges in the future.

An important point of emphasis concerns the personal responsibility of Curacao to contribute to the solutions for bottlenecks that it has identified. This point confronts us with the need to make the necessary sacrifices now by, among other things, reducing government costs and contributing collectively on a solidarity basis so that everyone who needs it can be assisted appropriately. This also includes the introduction of working time reduction to make it feasible for companies actually survive the coronavirus crisis and thereby preserve existing jobs as much as possible.

The time has come to lay a firm foundation on which our economy can be built for the foreseeable future, and to continue in the creative manner that we have proven to be able to do. In recent weeks, we have found solutions to issues that seemed insoluble, enabling all of us who had the opportunity to do so in a highly creative and innovative way. The Chamber of Commerce applauds these initiatives and thanks all those who focus on a better future.

Finally, the Chamber of Commerce appeals to everyone to make the necessary decisions in these difficult times to leave this crisis behind as soon as possible. Postponing these decisions will only make the crisis lengthen and make it more unbearable for all of us. Firm decisions to reduce government costs and reduce working hours in the private sector allow anyone who is active to carry a share of the burden to help aid families who really need it.