WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao’s new coalition government, formed after a strategic alliance between Movementu Futuro Kòrsou (MFK), Kòrsou Esun Miho (KEM), and Independent Member of Parliament Zita Jesus-Leito, is gearing up for a comprehensive overhaul of the island’s socio-economic landscape. This new alliance has introduced significant additions to the 2022-2025 government program, signaling a strong focus on social development, economic recovery, and improved governance.
The government aims to prioritize citizen welfare and address some of the most pressing challenges, including economic disparities, housing shortages, and rising consumer prices. At the heart of this new agenda is a commitment to continuity in vital financial, health, and social projects, ensuring that these initiatives continue to move forward without any disruption.
A New Focus on Social Development
The Ministry of Social Development, Labor, and Welfare (SOAW) has laid out several key initiatives to revitalize Curaçao’s labor market and provide a better quality of life for its residents. Among the top priorities is the revision of labor legislation, which is expected to promote a more efficient and functional labor market. Additionally, the ministry will strengthen labor inspections to ensure compliance with laws related to working conditions and employment terms, ensuring a safe and fair work environment for all.
Recognizing the growing elderly population, the ministry will initiate the construction of a senior citizens' complex in Banda Ariba, providing much-needed housing and care services. For citizens facing financial difficulties, a debt relief program will be established to help them manage and overcome financial burdens. Furthermore, a General Workers' Pension system will be introduced to guarantee a decent minimum standard of living for all workers.
Other social initiatives include the reform of social funds and services and intensified cooperation with organizations like SEFBA to improve living conditions in vulnerable neighborhoods, particularly focusing on the elderly and youth. To address the housing shortage, the ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of VVRP, will oversee the construction of social housing units, ensuring more affordable living options for the island’s residents.
Governance and Efficiency
The Ministry of Governance, Planning & Services (BPD) will also play a crucial role in improving the efficiency of government operations. A key goal is to further strengthen the Electoral Council, ensuring fair and transparent elections in the future. To save public funds, the ministry will continue pursuing initiatives to achieve cost savings in government housing and implement energy-saving projects in government buildings, reducing Curaçao’s carbon footprint while cutting expenses.
Boosting Economic Development
In a bid to strengthen the island’s economy, the Ministry of Economic Development (EO) is set to support the national cleaning program, recognizing the economic value of a cleaner environment. A long-awaited piece of legislation concerning sustainable energy is expected to be completed, setting the stage for a greener, more energy-efficient future.
Price stability is another top priority, with the ministry vowing to intensify price controls on consumer goods, ensuring that residents have access to fair and affordable prices on everyday essentials.
Independent MP Zita Jesus-Leito, who plays a vital role in overseeing these developments, has underscored the need to avoid interruptions to ongoing financial, economic, health, and social projects. She warns that halting these efforts could severely damage Curaçao’s credibility, both domestically and internationally.
Key Economic Priorities
As part of the government’s efforts to stimulate economic growth, Jesus-Leito has called for the completion of a new telecom company, which will foster competition, improve services, and offer consumers more affordable options. Immediate actions are also planned to address the rising cost of food and ensure food security across the island.
Improving transportation for locals and tourists remains a top concern. The government, working closely with the Ministry of VVRP, plans to implement short-term solutions to enhance transportation infrastructure while ensuring regulatory compliance. The tourism sector, a major pillar of the island's economy, will see a continuation of ongoing tourism projects, with a focus on boosting revenue streams.
The government also plans to further develop fish farming, in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to create sustainable economic opportunities. Additionally, the administration aims to finalize sustainable energy legislation, coupled with awareness campaigns and educational programs in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports (OWCS).
One of the government’s most innovative approaches to revenue generation is the concretization of a tourist tax, with funds to be allocated to various ministries, including MEO/CTB for tourism, VVRP for infrastructure, GMN for environmental conservation, and the Ministry of Finance for social support.
Healthcare Reforms
Healthcare is another sector poised for reform. Jesus-Leito is focused on addressing the financial and operational challenges of Curaçao Medical Center (CMC), aiming to find sustainable solutions while keeping the public informed about progress. Addressing the remuneration of medical specialists is also critical, with efforts underway to prevent further departures of specialists, which have strained the healthcare system.
To expand access to healthcare, the government is preparing to launch a pilot healthcare center in BandaBou, focusing on both primary and intermediate care services, ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to necessary health services.
Financial Security for Citizens
Finally, on the financial front, the government is taking steps to secure the pensions of Curaçaoan citizens by implementing the measures outlined in the ENNIA Framework Agreement. This is aimed at ensuring long-term financial security for retirees.