WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao's Monument Council is demanding an explanation from the government following the demolition of a protected historic building at the corner of Scharlooweg and Van Raderstraat in the Scharloo district, saying it was never consulted as required by law.
According to the council, the building—believed to be the oldest surviving structure in Scharloo—has been completely demolished. The property once served as housing for dock workers and formed part of the historic "De Vijf Zinnen" complex, which is listed in Curaçao's official Monument Register.
The council says it has no knowledge of a demolition permit having been requested or issued. It also states that it was never asked to provide the legally required advisory opinion before work began.
In a letter to the responsible minister, the Monument Council is seeking clarification on whether a demolition permit was applied for and granted, whether the mandatory consultation process was followed, and what action the government intends to take if the demolition was carried out without authorization.
The council is also asking how the historic and cultural value of the protected monument complex will now be safeguarded or restored.
Under Curaçao's National Monuments Ordinance, it is prohibited to demolish, damage or alter a protected monument without a permit. Violations of the law may carry criminal consequences.
The Monument Council says the incident is part of a broader pattern of apparent violations involving protected heritage sites.
As another example, it points to the demolition of the original façade of the protected monument at Penstraat 15-19, where it says the council was likewise not consulted before work took place.
Council Chair Lusette Verboom has requested a substantive response from the minister regarding the Scharloo demolition. Based on that response, the Monument Council will determine what further steps are necessary to protect Curaçao's architectural and cultural heritage.
The demolition has raised fresh concerns about the enforcement of monument protection laws, particularly in Scharloo, one of Willemstad's historic districts and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its cultural and architectural significance.