WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Parliament has adopted a motion calling on the government, as majority shareholder, to commission an independent and in-depth evaluation of the management, capacity, leadership and results of 2Bays and its Executive Board.
The motion follows growing concerns in Parliament about the pace at which 2Bays is achieving its strategic objectives and advancing projects connected to Curaçao's former refinery and industrial areas.
According to the motion, the development of Curaçao's industrial areas and ports has the potential to contribute significantly to economic growth, investment, employment and diversification of the island's economy. Parliament considers 2Bays an important player in Curaçao's future economic, industrial and energy development.
The company's strategic objectives include promoting the energy transition, developing a circular economy and supporting sustainable industrial development. It is also tasked with developing and making available land, buildings and facilities for economic activities that could contribute to a more sustainable value chain with lower carbon emissions.
At the same time, Parliament says there are concerns about the speed at which several of these objectives and projects are progressing.
The motion argues that realizing 2Bays' ambitions requires strategic leadership from the government to attract investment and ensure that projects considered important for employment, investment and Curaçao's future energy position are not unnecessarily delayed.
Parliament also emphasizes that the government, as shareholder, has a responsibility to ensure that 2Bays achieves the strategic objectives considered important for Curaçao.
The government is therefore being urged to arrange an independent evaluation within a short period. The review should examine the functioning, capacity, leadership and results of 2Bays' management and Executive Board.
Based on the findings, the government should develop a new strategic plan that takes into account its objectives for 2Bays. If the independent assessment concludes that the current leadership does not have the capacity to implement the projects and objectives established by the government, Parliament wants the government to use its powers as majority shareholder to take the necessary measures.
The motion comes amid a broader political debate about the future of the former refinery installations, Bullenbaai and the activities of 2Bays. During recent parliamentary discussions, MPs raised questions about potential new refinery operators, industrial projects, the planned asphalt operation, employment at Curaçao Refinery Utilities and the financial position of 2Bays and Refineria di Kòrsou.
The motion was adopted by a large majority. According to the voting sheet attached to the document, 19 members voted in favor and one voted against.
The document indicates that a copy of the adopted motion will be sent to the Governor of Curaçao and the Government of Curaçao.