WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Parliament’s Central Committee resumed discussions Monday with Minister of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning Charles Cooper over the deteriorating condition of historic buildings in the city center and the potential danger they pose to the public.
The meeting on October 5 continued deliberations that had been suspended on April 24, 2026, after members of Parliament completed their first round of questions.
Representatives of Stichting Monumentenfonds and the Directorate for Risk Control and Disaster Management were also present, underscoring concerns that the poor condition of some historic structures is no longer solely a matter of heritage preservation but also one of public safety.
Cooper in Parliament
During Monday’s continuation, Cooper, together with officials identified as Fer and Jukema, responded to questions raised by MPs during the first round of the April meeting.
Parliament President Fergino Brownbill subsequently opened a second round, giving MPs another opportunity to address the minister and raise additional questions about the condition of the buildings and the government’s approach.
Several MPs made use of the second round, with Cooper responding directly to their questions.
The deteriorating state of historic properties has become a concern particularly in Curaçao’s historic urban areas, where buildings in poor structural condition can present risks to pedestrians, motorists, neighboring properties and businesses.
Monday’s meeting concluded after Cooper answered the additional questions raised by MPs.
The information released by Parliament did not specify which individual historic buildings were considered an immediate safety risk or whether the government announced new deadlines for securing or restoring them.