WILLEMSTAD - The pace of several key projects within Curaçao’s Landspakket (country package) reforms has slowed due to recent political shifts affecting three government ministries. This was revealed in the implementation report covering the period from September 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.
One area facing delays is social security reform, overseen by the Ministry of Social Development, Labor, and Welfare (SOAW). The report highlights that no agreement has been reached on necessary measures for reforming the social security system. This challenge has been exacerbated by political changes, as former minister Ruthmilda Larmonie-Cecilia, of the PNP party, left her post following her party’s exit from the governing coalition.
The report states, “During the past period, discussions with social partners about necessary reforms to make the social security system sustainable have taken place. However, a roadmap for these reforms has yet to be established. In the coming months, efforts will focus on a public awareness campaign to share findings from research reports on the social security system.”
Key reform topics include modernizing unemployment and welfare benefits, restructuring health and accident insurance (ZV/OV), and addressing options to improve the sustainability and effectiveness of the general old-age pension system (AOV). Additionally, plans aim to improve labor market access for migrant workers, streamline termination procedures, and tackle informal and illegal labor practices.
Progress in Cutting Bureaucracy
The report also details progress in reducing bureaucracy and lowering the cost of doing business in Curaçao. Although this initiative requires extensive coordination among ministries and stakeholders, progress has been made. Notable achievements include simplifying procedures for obtaining business licenses, such as establishment permits, management permits, and hospitality licenses.
Mixed Progress Across Sectors
While significant steps have been taken in education, reforms in healthcare show limited progress, the report notes.
The Landspakket reforms, a joint initiative between the Netherlands and Curaçao, aim to address long-standing economic and social challenges. However, continued political stability and inter-ministerial cooperation are critical to advancing these projects effectively.