WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s government has begun putting its new policy for commercial stands on public beaches into practice, with Minister of Economic Development Roderick Middelhof visiting several beaches together with the Economic Inspection.
The visits are part of the government’s effort to create a clearer balance between commercial activities and the public’s right to freely enjoy Curaçao’s beaches.
Middelhof started his inspection at Daaibooi Beach, an area that has previously been the subject of legal disputes concerning the use of the beach and commercial activities there.
The minister and Economic Inspection officials also visited Kleine Knip, known locally as Kenepa Chiki. During the visit, Middelhof spoke directly with people currently operating commercial stands at the beach.
The inspections follow the introduction of Curaçao’s new policy regulating commercial stands at public beaches. The rules are intended to bring greater order to activities such as the sale of food and beverages, other merchandise and services including the rental of beach chairs, umbrellas and recreational equipment.
Under the new framework, the government has established limits on the number and type of commercial stands allowed at individual public beaches. The policy is also intended to prevent commercial operators from effectively taking over parts of beaches that must remain accessible to the general public.
Middelhof said the government intends to restore a balance in which entrepreneurs have opportunities to conduct business while residents and visitors retain sufficient space to freely enjoy public beaches.
The minister emphasized that Curaçao’s beaches form part of the island’s heritage, identity and everyday life and therefore cannot be treated exclusively as commercial spaces.
“Public beaches belong to all of us,” Middelhof said, summarizing the government’s approach around three principles: order, access and responsibility.
The government is expected to continue implementing and monitoring the new stand policy at public beaches across the island.