WILLEMSTAD – When Curaçao signed the Country Package agreement with the Netherlands in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was presented as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the island.
The package, agreed upon in 2020 in exchange for Dutch financial support, contained dozens of reforms aimed at strengthening government finances, modernizing public administration, improving healthcare, reforming education, and creating a stronger economy.
At the time, politicians described the reforms as essential to building a more resilient Curaçao. Dutch officials argued that structural changes were necessary to ensure sustainable public finances and reduce the island's vulnerability to future crises.
Today, nearly six years later, many of the promised reforms remain unfinished, several deadlines have been postponed, and questions are growing about what the Country Package has actually delivered.
The reform agenda touched almost every ministry and government department. Projects were launched to improve financial management, digitize government services, modernize healthcare, strengthen education, reform the labor market, and improve the business climate.
While some progress has been made, critics argue that many reforms have produced reports, studies, and action plans but have yet to result in significant changes that residents can see in their daily lives.
One of the clearest areas of progress has been government finances. Curaçao has improved budget monitoring and financial reporting compared to previous years. Efforts have also been made to address longstanding concerns raised by the General Audit Chamber and the Committee for Financial Supervision (Cft).
However, recurring findings from audits continue to point to weaknesses in financial administration, internal controls, and compliance with budget laws. Several ministries still struggle to meet required standards.
Healthcare remains another major challenge. Despite years of discussions about sustainability and efficiency, the sector continues to face shortages of medical specialists, pressure on healthcare services, and ongoing concerns about waiting lists and financing.
The labor market also remains under strain. Employers in tourism, healthcare, construction, and government regularly report difficulties finding qualified workers. At the same time, policymakers continue to discuss how education can better align with the needs of the economy.
Perhaps the biggest obstacle has been implementation itself.
Over the years, multiple reports have pointed to limited execution capacity within government. Staff shortages, high turnover, and the complexity of coordinating reforms across ministries have repeatedly slowed progress.
The result is that while many reforms have been initiated, fewer have been fully completed.
The Country Package was originally designed as a roadmap toward long-term structural improvement. Yet six years after its introduction, many residents still struggle with the same concerns that existed before the reforms began, including high living costs, crime, healthcare pressures, and challenges within public services.
As Curaçao moves closer to the end of the reform process, an important question remains unanswered: Has the Country Package fundamentally changed the island, or has it become a reform program that produced more plans than results?
That question is likely to become increasingly important as policymakers, taxpayers, and citizens assess whether the ambitious agenda launched in 2020 ultimately delivered on its promises.