WILLEMSTAD – The distribution of new bank cards for welfare recipients began successfully on Wednesday at Sambil Mall, according to the Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW).
From early in the morning, beneficiaries arrived to collect their new cards from Banco di Caribe, which will become the new house bank for the Government of Curaçao starting April 1.
The first day of distribution was reserved for recipients whose last names begin with the letters A and B. According to SOAW, many participants expressed satisfaction with the services provided at the distribution stands operated jointly by the ministry and Banco di Caribe.
One of the main advantages mentioned by recipients is the new ability to check account balances and make payments online, a feature that was previously not available to many beneficiaries.
To assist individuals without their own transportation, Banco di Caribe arranged a bus service departing from Otrobanda that transported recipients directly to the entrance of Sambil on the Caracasbaaiweg.
The distribution process will continue until March 20 and takes place daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., following an alphabetical schedule based on recipients’ last names.
On Thursday, March 12, recipients whose surnames begin with C and D are scheduled to collect their cards. Friday, March 13, is reserved for those with last names beginning with E, F and G.
Distribution will continue on Monday, March 16, for recipients with surnames beginning with H through L, followed by those with the letter M on Tuesday, March 17.
Recipients with last names beginning with N through R are scheduled for Wednesday, March 18. Thursday, March 19, will cover surnames beginning with S through V, while the final day, Friday, March 20, is reserved for those whose last names begin with W, X, Y and Z.
SOAW reminds recipients to bring valid identification such as an ID card, driver’s license or passport. Married beneficiaries are also required to bring their marriage booklet. Without the required documents, the bank card cannot be issued.
Recipients who are unable to attend on their assigned day are advised to contact their local neighborhood office (Kas di Bario) to arrange a new appointment.
For additional information, residents can contact the neighborhood offices in Punda/Banda Ariba, Brievengat, Otrobanda/Banda Abou or Santa Maria by phone or WhatsApp.