WILLEMSTAD – A Curaçao resident had to initiate court proceedings this year before the government provided documents requested under the island’s access to information legislation concerning the expansion of Baoase at Marie Pampoen.
The case illustrates concerns about whether the statutory deadlines established under Curaçao’s Landsverordening openbaarheid van bestuur (LOB) are consistently being observed.
The resident had requested construction permits and other documents connected to the development but did not receive the requested information within the maximum six-week period.
The documents were eventually provided after the resident went to court. Because the government subsequently released the information, the court no longer needed to issue a substantive ruling on the failure to provide the documents.
Under the LOB, a government body is generally required to decide on an information request within three weeks. The deadline may be extended once by no more than another three weeks, provided the applicant is informed in writing and given the reasons for the extension.
The case is not the only indication that residents experience difficulties obtaining information from government institutions.
The Ombudsman handled 1,340 requests in 2025, almost 40 percent more than during the previous year. Among the problems brought to the institution are residents lacking information, having difficulty reaching government agencies or not knowing which authority is responsible for their issue.
Fundashon Kòrsou Transparente is now seeking a broader picture of how the LOB functions across government.
The foundation requested statistics in July on the number of information requests received, the number approved and rejected, compliance with statutory deadlines and the number of objections and appeals.
More than two months later, FKT says it has not received an answer.
The developments raise a broader question about accessibility of government information in Curaçao: whether residents can obtain public information within the system established for that purpose, or whether delays can make additional complaints or even court proceedings necessary.