WILLEMSTAD – MFK Member of Parliament Ishahier Monte says he is working on initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of living in Curaçao by increasing access to more affordable food products from Latin America.
According to Monte, recent discussions with local and international merchants have resulted in preliminary agreements to import fruits, vegetables, and other essential food items from Colombia and the Dominican Republic at lower prices.
The initiative comes as many residents continue to struggle with the high cost of groceries and other basic necessities. Rising food prices have been a growing concern for households across the island, prompting calls for measures to ease the financial burden on consumers.
Monte said he recently held a virtual meeting involving two Curaçao-based merchants and two business representatives from Colombia. During the discussions, participants examined the impact of global economic and geopolitical developments on food prices and explored alternatives that could help lower costs for consumers in Curaçao.
The proposed import arrangements are intended to create a more sustainable supply chain while increasing the availability of fresh produce and other essential goods on the local market.
According to the parliamentarian, the effort forms part of a broader strategy aimed at addressing cost-of-living challenges through structural solutions rather than temporary measures.
Monte also announced plans to expand the reach of his social assistance initiative, Ban Duna un Man na Bo Ruman (“Let’s Lend a Hand to Our Brothers and Sisters”). The program currently distributes approximately 250 food packages each month to families in need.
Under a new agreement, Monte hopes to double that number to 500 food packages per month, allowing more vulnerable households to benefit from food assistance.
The parliamentarian said the long-term objective is to establish what he described as a “Market for the People,” a concept designed to provide consumers with access to basic food products at fair and affordable prices.
“People deserve concrete solutions,” Monte said. “We cannot continue to watch the cost of living rise without exploring alternatives that can provide real relief to families, pensioners, and workers.”
He added that the project remains in the development phase but expressed confidence that it could evolve into a lasting initiative capable of benefiting the population in a structural way.
Monte said his goal is to have a solid and sustainable framework in place by 2027 that will contribute to lowering living costs and improving food accessibility for residents of Curaçao.