WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao government will evaluate the AOV pension system as part of a broader social policy aimed at combating poverty, improving access to basic necessities and ensuring that elderly residents can live with dignity.
The commitment was included in the government program presented by Governor Mauritsz de Kort at the opening of the 2026–2027 parliamentary year.
According to the government, economic progress must ultimately be visible in the daily lives of residents. It argues that public resources should be directed toward areas where needs are greatest rather than simply distributing government spending equally among sectors.
The government says poverty should be addressed through an integrated approach connecting income, employment, family circumstances, housing, education and healthcare.
Support measures should protect access to water, electricity and food so families facing financial difficulties can regain stability. Where possible, social assistance should also be connected to training, work experience and employment opportunities to help recipients become more economically independent.
Particular attention will be given to elderly residents. The government says the AOV system will be evaluated as part of efforts to improve the well-being of seniors who have contributed to Curaçao throughout their lives. The speech, however, does not specify whether the review will result in an increase in the AOV pension or changes to eligibility and financing.
Families experiencing financial, parenting or housing problems should also receive assistance before their situation deteriorates further. The government intends to work with social organizations to make assistance more accessible and to increasingly link subsidies to measurable results.
Housing is another priority. The government says it will continue expanding the availability of affordable homes and further develop the Mi Kas Awor program to enable more families to become homeowners.
Investment is also planned for roads, bridges, sewerage, public lighting and transportation, while spatial planning will determine where additional housing and economic development can take place and where nature and cultural heritage require protection.
Healthcare policy will meanwhile place greater emphasis on prevention. Primary healthcare through family doctors and neighborhood-based services should help patients obtain appropriate treatment earlier, while mental health, preventive screenings and healthy-lifestyle programs will receive priority.
The government argues that social challenges cannot be treated separately. A child’s educational opportunities, for example, are influenced by health, nutrition and safety, while employment prospects can depend on education, transportation and adequate support.
The objective, according to the government, is for economic growth to translate into tangible improvements for families, children, seniors and neighborhoods across Curaçao.