On November 2, 2019, then-opposition member Charles Cooper, now Minister of Traffic, Transport, Communication and Urban Development, took to Facebook to condemn Aqualectra after Curaçao was plunged into yet another round of power outages and full blackouts.

Back then, Cooper demanded answers: “Pregunta na Gobiernu: Ken ta kubri e dañonan finansiero ku e blackout aki a kousa awe na empresanan i pueblo? Of ta skonde tras di ‘forse majeur’? Aqualectra a fia 100 mion florin pa inverti den ekipo nobo. Nan a bisa ku awor koriente lo ta mas konfiabel.” (Translation: “Question to the government: Who will cover the financial damages caused today to businesses and citizens by this blackout? Or will they hide behind ‘force majeure’? Aqualectra borrowed 100 million guilders to invest in new equipment. They said the electricity would now be more reliable.”)

A year later, on December 14, 2020, Cooper doubled down, again blasting the government and Aqualectra: “Ta normal nobo ku koriente ta bai kada bes asinaki, riba un isla ku tin kapasidat pa produsi koriente for di bientu, solo, ola di laman i sushi?” (Translation: “Is it the new normal that the power goes out so often like this, on an island with the capacity to produce electricity from wind, sun, ocean waves, and waste?”)

Those were the words of Charles Cooper in opposition.

Now it is 2025. Cooper is in power. Yesterday, Curaçao endured a nearly 24-hour blackout that paralyzed daily life. Businesses closed, schools shut down, traffic lights failed, the hospital ran on emergency generators, and households suffered in the sweltering heat. And yet—silence. Nothing from Cooper.

This is not just hypocrisy. It is a betrayal of public trust. When in opposition, it was easy to point fingers and demand accountability. But now, as a minister with the authority and responsibility to act, Cooper has gone quiet.

Curaçao does not need another Facebook post; it needs leadership. It needs answers. And most of all, it needs action. Aqualectra has had years to upgrade, millions in borrowed capital to modernize, and countless promises made to the public. Yet we are still living in the dark—literally.

Minister Cooper, the time for opposition-style rhetoric is over. You are in government. You are responsible. If you once had the courage to call out failure, then have the courage now to confront it, fix it, and deliver the reliable energy Curaçao deserves.

Enough excuses. Enough silence. Aqualectra, it’s enough!