WILLEMSTAD – A judge under Curaçao’s Administrative Jurisdiction Ordinance (LAR) has suspended a permit granted by the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN) for marine works related to the expansion of Baoase Luxury Resort, ordering all activities in the sea to stop immediately.
The exemption, issued on April 21 by the ministry, had authorized the removal and relocation of protected coral as part of a land reclamation project linked to the resort’s expansion.
The case was brought forward by nearby residents, who said they only became aware of the permit on May 4 and quickly filed an objection. According to the residents, divers had already caused significant damage to the coral reef before legal action was taken.
The LAR judge granted a provisional measure on Tuesday, effectively suspending the permit and halting all marine activities until further review.
As a result, Baoase must immediately stop all work taking place in the sea.
The case is scheduled for a substantive hearing on May 13, when the court will examine the legal and environmental arguments in greater detail.
Until that hearing takes place, the court’s temporary order remains in effect, putting the resort’s coastal expansion plans on hold.