WILLEMSTAD – Opposition party MAN-PIN is once again drawing attention to the condition of the Sentro Deportivo Korsou (SDK), warning that the national sports complex is suffering from deferred maintenance, safety concerns, and delays in long-promised renovation projects.
In a series of written questions submitted to Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Sithree van Heydoorn, MAN-PIN faction leader Giselle Mc William expressed concern about the state of several key facilities at the island’s premier sports venue, which serves athletes, schools, and community organizations across Curaçao.
At the center of the party’s concerns is the SDK athletics track. According to Mc William, the government previously announced plans to renovate the track last year, but there has been little visible progress since then.
The athletics facility has played a significant role in regional sports, including hosting major events such as the CARIFTA Games. MAN-PIN is now seeking answers about how much funding has been allocated for the renovation, whether a public tender process was conducted, and why construction work has yet to become visible on the site.
The party argues that the concerns extend far beyond the athletics track. In her letter, Mc William points to signs of deterioration at other important facilities within the SDK complex, including the Enith Brigitha Swimming Pool and the Errol Rooi Sports Hall.
According to MAN-PIN, these facilities are facing a range of maintenance challenges, including issues with filtration systems, deteriorating concrete structures, malfunctioning scoreboards, and general upkeep concerns. The facilities regularly host national and international competitions and are considered essential components of Curaçao’s sports infrastructure.
Mc William argues that the deteriorating condition of the complex is affecting a wide range of users. In addition to elite athletes and sports federations, SDK is heavily used for school sports programs, recreational activities, vacation programs, and sports initiatives for people with disabilities, including participants in the Special Olympics.
Beyond maintenance concerns, MAN-PIN is also raising questions about safety and security at the sports complex. According to the party, groups of young people riding bicycles, fat bikes, and scooters have been creating hazardous situations for pedestrians and visitors.
The opposition party claims there have been multiple incidents involving altercations and disturbances that required police intervention. Mc William further argues that there is a lack of visible security personnel on the premises, contributing to concerns among visitors and users of the facility.
The questions submitted to the minister seek detailed information about the government’s plans for maintenance, security improvements, modernization efforts, and sustainability initiatives at SDK. MAN-PIN says the national sports center should be maintained at a standard befitting its role as Curaçao’s primary sporting venue and a hub for both competitive and community sports.
The party is now awaiting the minister’s response regarding the future of the complex and the timeline for long-promised improvements to one of the island’s most important public sports facilities.