The collateral damage of Venezuela’s instability is being felt around Curaçao. From street vendors, Government, RdK, and COT employees, private citizens to business enterprises. The Curaçao economy has been suffering for years, and is dragging the entire population, and the government downhill. Something must change drastically.
Some of the most significant characteristics of the present situation are:
High unemployment
Increased crime/ Venezuela refugees
Economic slowdown
Political backstabbing
Corruption
We must stem this negativity and help to preserve Curaçao. We must prevent further putrefaction, deterioration and degeneration of our core values. One way to do this is by changing the way we think about the local oil industry. For some an icon worthy of venerations - to others a symbol of all that is wrong in the world. Many see her as a hindrance for future durable developments, others use and misuse her as a milking cow to feed their thirst for money and power.
It is time that we all take a good look at the role of a refinery in the middle of a world heritage town. Think Global - but act local. Don’t shove world’s oil problems on the shoulders of a small community like ours. Leave it to the locals to solve their own problems. I would first give order to support the goals, and important sustainability objectives, as laid down in the sustainable, United Nations Development Goals (SDGs), Curaçao must act for their own people. “Curaçao First” should be the battle cry for the next decennia.
1: No Poverty. 2: Zero Hunger. 3: Good Health and Well-being. 4: Quality Education. 5: Gender Equality. 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. And 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Curaçao realizes that there is an urgent need to transform their oil-economy, towards a new, modern, present day, self-maintainable economy, that will lead to a better and healthier living environment. Locals realize, and experience this much more than expatriates who often live comfortable in rich progressive countries, and who abide and follow worldwide environment rules and regulations. Who is right?
The Klesch group offers to bring a temporary solution, which demands a hefty price. It will take about 60 years, and saddles our small island nation, with an enormous debt, if the government agrees to fully pay back Klesch’s investment. Other than that, it looks like a good deal for Curaçao, but I have to admit, that I haven’t seen the fine print yet.
We the people living on Curaçao must concentrate of what is good for us and for our children. Klesch will look what is in their best interest, will have to invest enormous amounts and will be demanding securities, but they must also realize that it all must be square and fair.
Curaçao must use leverage. It is what my first bookkeeper taught me: “learn to live, and balance the profits of your debt”. Debt is not a negative, if you use it well.
The Klesch Group, who is under way to take over, the Isla refinery, might just look like the right partner to provide the community trust, and install confidence. This by itself is worth to get into debt. We must do this with a stable fair, incorruptible and honorable government.
