WILLEMSTAD – A video circulating on social media has sparked further concerns about the apparent private occupation of parts of Klein Curaçao after a local resident claimed that he and his family were confronted by a man who insisted that a section of the island's beach was private property and that they were not allowed to enter.
The video, recorded by a Curaçao resident during a family visit to Klein Curaçao, has reportedly been forwarded to Minister of Traffic, Transport and Spatial Planning (VVRP) Charles Cooper, who has already expressed anger over unauthorized construction and activities on the small island.
In the recording, the resident describes his frustration after allegedly being told that he could not access a particular area of the beach.
According to his account, he had traveled to Klein Curaçao with his family to enjoy a relaxing day when he encountered someone claiming that the location was private property.
The resident repeatedly questions how someone could claim exclusive control over part of Klein Curaçao and prevent local people from enjoying an area that he considers part of their own island.
He expresses particular frustration that, as a Curaçao resident, he was allegedly being told by someone he described as a Venezuelan national that he could not enter the area.
The nationality of the individual involved has not been independently verified.
"Venezuelan" national
Throughout the recording, the resident insists that he has every right to visit Klein Curaçao and enjoy its beaches with his family.
He makes clear that he was unwilling to leave simply because another individual claimed the area was private.
His remarks reflect frustration over what he perceives as outsiders attempting to restrict local residents' access to places that belong to Curaçao.
Video Forwarded to Minister Cooper
The video comes amid growing concerns about unauthorized construction and commercial activities on Klein Curaçao.
Minister Charles Cooper recently announced that he had instructed his ministry's management team and the relevant project teams to investigate the situation and take immediate action.
Cooper expressed anger over individuals apparently treating parts of Klein Curaçao as their private property.
According to the minister, structures currently present on the island lack the necessary legal authorization.
He also criticized what he described as inadequate government supervision, arguing that the absence of consistent enforcement had allowed unauthorized activities to develop gradually.
Cooper emphasized that Klein Curaçao belongs to the people of Curaçao and that individuals cannot simply occupy areas or carry out activities without the required permission.
The minister instructed the responsible departments within VVRP to intervene as quickly as possible and take firm action against those responsible for illegal activities.
The latest recording raises an additional concern: whether local residents are being prevented from accessing parts of Klein Curaçao by individuals claiming private ownership or control.
Resident Questions Who Has Authority Over the Beach
One of the central issues raised in the recording is the authority of the person who allegedly attempted to prevent the family from entering the area.
The resident questions how someone can establish restrictions on a beach that Curaçaoans have traditionally been able to visit.
He also expresses disbelief that a local family could travel to Klein Curaçao only to be confronted with claims that certain areas are off-limits.
The incident, as described in the recording, highlights the importance of clarifying which activities and structures are legally permitted on the island and whether any individuals have the authority to restrict public access.
Klein Curaçao
However, the video alone does not establish the legal status of the specific location or whether the person involved had any lawful basis for restricting access.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and the individual accused of denying access has not been identified or given an opportunity to respond.
Growing Pressure for Government Intervention
Klein Curaçao remains a popular destination for local families and visitors who travel to the island to enjoy its beaches and natural environment.
The concerns raised by the resident come at a time when the government is facing questions about the management, supervision and protection of the island.
Minister Cooper has already acknowledged that inadequate oversight has contributed to the current situation and has ordered the relevant authorities to act.
The latest video could increase pressure on the government to clarify the rules governing public access and address any unauthorized attempts to control sections of the island.
It remains unclear whether the ministry has launched a specific investigation into the confrontation recorded by the resident or whether enforcement measures have already been taken.