WILLEMSTAD – Corruption is not merely a legal or political problem but a direct threat to Curaçao's economic development, social equality and democratic institutions, according to political movement Kousa Promé, which is urging the country to reject the idea that corruption is an unavoidable part of public life.
In a statement outlining its position on integrity and good governance, the movement warned that corruption can divert resources away from essential public services while weakening citizens' confidence in government.
Kousa Promé argues that Curaçao has experienced repeated controversies involving alleged corruption in government departments, semi-government organizations and the private sector.
The movement referred to discussions surrounding the online gambling industry, Domeinbeheer, Fundashon Kas Popular and the Tax Collector's Office as examples of matters that have raised public concerns about transparency and accountability.
Although the statement did not establish wrongdoing in these specific cases, Kousa Promé believes the recurring allegations demonstrate why stronger preventive measures and independent investigations are necessary.
Corruption Diverts Resources From Public Services
According to Kousa Promé, corruption can have serious consequences for economic development because it redirects money and opportunities away from their intended purposes.
The movement rejects the argument that corruption can help accelerate economic activity by allowing businesses or individuals to bypass administrative procedures.
Instead, it maintains that corrupt practices obstruct sustainable development, increase inequality and contribute to poverty.
Kousa Promé argues that public resources lost through corruption could otherwise support economic growth and social programs designed to improve the lives of vulnerable residents.
It specifically highlighted the needs of older people and persons with disabilities, whose well-being depends in part on effective public policies and adequately funded services.
The movement also pointed to education, public healthcare and environmental protection as areas that can suffer when public funds are misused.
According to Kousa Promé, money intended to improve schools, healthcare facilities and the living environment should benefit the population rather than individuals seeking private financial gain.
The movement believes that preventing corruption is therefore closely connected to the government's ability to deliver essential services and address social challenges.
Public Trust and Democracy at Risk
Beyond the financial consequences, Kousa Promé warned that corruption damages the relationship between citizens and public institutions.
The movement argues that repeated allegations of wrongdoing can create disappointment, anger and frustration among residents, particularly when people believe that public officials or politically connected individuals are benefiting at the expense of the wider community.
It also believes that corruption weakens democracy by undermining confidence in government decisions and the institutions responsible for enforcing the law.
When citizens lose trust in the fairness and integrity of public administration, the movement argues, the consequences extend beyond individual corruption cases.
Public confidence in government policies, institutions and democratic accountability can also deteriorate.
For this reason, Kousa Promé considers the normalization of corruption particularly dangerous.
The movement maintains that accepting corruption as an ordinary feature of political or economic life makes it more difficult to demand accountability and improve governance.
Transparency and Civic Responsibility
Kousa Promé believes the fight against corruption requires more than criminal investigations after wrongdoing has occurred.
It is calling for preventive measures that promote transparency, strengthen public oversight and establish clear standards of conduct for government employees and political officeholders.
Among its proposals are continuous integrity training for civil servants, stronger internal controls, independent investigations and legal protection for whistleblowers.
The movement also emphasizes the importance of investigative journalism in identifying possible abuses of power and informing the public.
According to Kousa Promé, a combination of effective institutions, transparent decision-making and civic responsibility is necessary to reduce opportunities for corruption.
The movement argues that the country's resources belong to the community and should be managed in the public interest.
It believes that preventing corruption would allow more resources to be directed toward economic opportunities, social development and improvements in public services.
Call to Reject Corruption as Normal
Kousa Promé concluded its statement with a call for a change in how Curaçao approaches integrity and public accountability.
The movement argues that the country already possesses many of the institutions required to protect the public interest, but their existence alone does not guarantee effective governance.
What matters, according to Kousa Promé, is whether those institutions can operate independently, exercise meaningful control and ensure that individuals are held responsible when laws are violated.
The movement is urging Curaçao to establish a political and administrative culture in which integrity is expected, accountability is enforced and corruption is not tolerated.
Its central message is that combating corruption requires sustained action rather than temporary responses to individual scandals.
Kousa Promé maintains that the country can make progress against corruption if public institutions, government officials and society commit themselves to transparency, responsibility and the protection of public resources.