WILLEMSTAD – Former Member of Parliament Anthony Godett is warning that Curaçao is facing an alarming social situation and is calling on the government to move beyond discussions and take concrete action to address growing problems affecting families, workers and vulnerable groups.
In a public statement, Godett said social workers from the Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW) should urgently enter neighborhoods to identify the challenges faced by residents and develop short- and medium-term solutions.
According to Godett, the government should increase the number of social workers so that assessments can be carried out, completed and followed up with effective support measures.
“Showing and continuing to talk about these situations is not the solution. Movement and action are needed,” Godett stated.
He highlighted several social issues that he says are becoming increasingly visible in communities across Curaçao. These include fathers failing to take responsibility for raising their children, fathers abandoning mothers with children, and delays in the distribution of social assistance.
Godett also pointed to families struggling with unpaid water and electricity bills, which can lead to disconnections, as well as students falling behind or dropping out of school due to difficult circumstances at home.
The former parliamentarian raised concerns about unemployment, low wages compared with the cost of living, and residents carrying debts with financial institutions that they are unable to repay.
He also expressed concern about older workers who have spent more than 20 years in government employment but face a significant reduction in income after retirement, with some receiving pensions below the minimum wage.
Godett said he encounters these problems on a daily basis and believes that urgent intervention is needed to prevent social conditions from worsening.
“Curaçao needs concrete movements and actions,” he concluded. “The situation requires solutions, not only continued discussion.”