WILLEMSTAD – On the International Day of Democracy, Fundashon Kòrsou Transparente (FKT) is calling for greater openness and accountability in Curaçao, warning that democracy begins to weaken when information is withheld, decisions are made behind closed doors and citizens are left without answers.
“Transparency is the oxygen that keeps democracy alive,” the organization said. “Without transparency, it suffocates.”
According to FKT, the need for openness is increasingly relevant in Curaçao as questions continue to arise about government appointments where objections have reportedly been raised by SBTNO, the management and functioning of the Curaçao Tax Department, and concerns about possible limitations on transparency previously promised to the public.
The organization also pointed to questions surrounding building permits and enforcement of existing construction regulations. FKT argues that precisely when concerns arise within society, government institutions have a responsibility to provide clear and accessible information.
The International Day of Democracy is observed annually on September 15. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 and first observed in 2008 to promote and uphold democratic principles.
FKT said strong democratic institutions depend not only on elections but also on informed citizens, responsible government and access to information about how public decisions are reached.
The foundation stressed that its role is educational and societal. FKT does not investigate individuals but seeks to raise public awareness, promote integrity and encourage open dialogue about good governance.
According to the organization, transparency strengthens trust between citizens and public institutions, helps prevent corruption and abuse of power, and allows citizens to participate more effectively in public affairs. It also makes government decisions easier to scrutinize, explain and verify.
FKT is therefore calling on the government, private sector, civil society and citizens to embrace transparency as a national value. The foundation believes weaknesses in Curaçao's democratic practices should be identified openly and corrective measures taken where necessary.
“Democracy flourishes when people can understand how decisions are made, why certain policies are chosen, and how institutions function,” FKT said.
The organization said it will continue promoting a society in which openness is not merely promised but practiced, with the goal of strengthening public trust and protecting democratic values for future generations.