10-10-2010: A decade of broken promises – The illusion of autonomy and the unrealized future of Curaçao

The 10th of October 2010 was heralded as the dawn of a new era for Curaçao. On that historic day, the island became an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, severing its ties with the former Netherlands Antilles. It was sold as a moment of pride and promise—a new constitutional framework that would allow Curaçao to carve out its own path towards prosperity and self-governance. But as we reflect on the years that followed, it is clear that many of those promises have not been fulfilled. Instead, the dream of autonomy has turned into a harsh reality, where the well-being of the local population has been largely neglected.  

The Illusion of Autonomy and Economic Independence  

Autonomy was supposed to grant Curaçao the ability to govern itself and shape its future. Yet, the limitations of this autonomy quickly became evident. Economic dependency on the Netherlands persists, particularly through financial oversight institutions like the College Financieel Toezicht (CFT). The much-touted “independence” turned out to be conditional, restricting Curaçao’s economic freedom and forcing it to rely on Dutch assistance during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Worse still, the island’s economic landscape has deteriorated. Promises of diversified growth and job creation have not materialized, with the closure of key industries such as the Isla refinery and limited success in sustaining economic momentum through tourism. The wealth disparity on the island has widened significantly, and a shocking 70% of the population now lives in poverty—a damning statistic that speaks to the failure of the post-2010 economic strategy. This poverty traps the majority in cycles of deprivation, while a small elite class benefits from the lion’s share of economic opportunities.  

Political Disconnect: A Crisis of Leadership  

One of the most glaring issues since 2010 has been the disconnect between political leadership and the people. After every democratic election, politicians assume power and begin to unilaterally dictate the island’s development without meaningful consultation with the broader community. There is little engagement with the voters, and even less with the elders who carry the collective wisdom of Curaçao’s history. Instead, political decisions often seem driven by short-term interests and personal gain.  

At the same time, the local population faces crushing financial burdens. The middle and lower classes, who make up the bulk of the island’s inhabitants, are subjected to exorbitant taxes—up to 200% in some cases—while the wealthy enjoy tax privileges and exemptions that deepen inequality. This has created a skewed system where the top class flourishes, while the majority struggles to make ends meet.  

Exploiting Resources: Whose Island Is It?  

Curaçao’s natural resources and public spaces, once seen as belonging to all, are now being used to enrich outside investors, particularly Dutch corporations. The development of key sectors, such as tourism, has been heavily skewed in favor of foreign interests, with little benefit trickling down to the local population. New infrastructure projects, marketed as progress, often feel like a betrayal to Curaçaoans. Prime examples include the controversial privatization and “development” of public beaches—areas that have always been central to the identity and recreation of the local population.  

In 2024, Curaçao finds itself in the midst of a heated dispute over these very beaches. Several development projects threaten to privatize public coastal areas, with access restricted or subject to fees that locals simply cannot afford. Many fear that soon, Curaçaoans will be pushed out of their own spaces, as these beaches and other natural treasures are repurposed for tourists and wealthy investors. The island is witnessing a growing wave of protests and discontent as the people resist policies that exclude them from their own land, while their leaders continue to sell off these assets to outsiders.  

A Warning to the Decision-Makers  

The frustration is palpable. As we approach yet another milestone in our nation’s history, Curaçao stands at a crossroads. The people of Curaçao—the yu di Kòrsou—are raising their voices in protest, demanding that their interests be recognized and defended. The growing dissatisfaction stems from a stark reality: policymakers have consistently failed to prioritize the needs of the people who put them in office. The failure to consult with communities, the marginalization of local voices, and the exploitation of resources for foreign gain are all symptoms of a deeper crisis.  

This moment serves as a warning to the island’s leaders. The top-down approach that has defined Curaçao’s political landscape since 2010 is unsustainable. As protests intensify and anger mounts, the political elite must take heed: the people will no longer accept being sidelined while their island is commodified and sold off. The development plans of today must include the aspirations and well-being of the people, not just the profits of foreign investors.  

The future of Curaçao hinges on an urgent re-evaluation of its path forward. If the island’s leadership continues to ignore the cries of its people, it risks deepening the very social and economic divides that 10-10-2010 was meant to address. The illusion of autonomy must be dismantled, and a genuine, inclusive development strategy must be put in place—one that prioritizes the well-being and happiness of Curaçao’s local population. Otherwise, the dreams of the past will remain just that: dreams, unattainable and forever out of reach. 




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