If we do not act now for Curaçao, we may be too late forever.
The controversy surrounding the ANG 8.3 million — public money that was transferred to Malta — has sparked widespread anger and concern. This is money that Curaçao desperately needs to address major challenges in our society. Instead, it appears to have been transferred abroad for purposes that remain unclear to many people.
The harsh reality facing our community today cannot be ignored.
Every day, thousands of people struggle to survive on low wages, salaries, pensions and AOV benefits. They do everything possible to make ends meet. At the same time, our elderly and pensioners continue to face what many experience as structural neglect and unfair treatment.
Parliament, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, and the media must become actively involved in this matter. The people of Curaçao deserve clear answers about the ANG 8.3 million that reportedly leaves the island every year. What exactly does this payment represent? What services are being provided? Who benefits from it?
In a democracy, institutions have the responsibility to monitor the law and ensure that government policies are implemented correctly. When these institutions fail to act, a country risks sliding toward the misuse of public funds, abuse of power and corruption.
In the past, there have been repeated calls for investigations into questionable matters that raised concerns about possible corruption. Weeks passed, months passed, years passed — but answers often failed to come.
Today, we see the consequences in our society. Poverty is visible in food insecurity and in the debts people accumulate simply to put food on the table. This creates a country without a future — a country that pushes young people to leave and seek opportunities abroad.
Beyond the major income inequalities, our education system continues to struggle. Too often, education is not given the priority and investment needed to guarantee acceptable standards for future generations.
For years, many believed that corruption in Curaçao was mainly connected to government land deals and the issuing of permits. But the current debate surrounding the online gaming sector raises serious questions about whether other areas of the economy have also become vulnerable to misuse.
The issue involving millions of guilders transferred to Malta must be addressed immediately. The institutions responsible for protecting the public interest must do their work. The entire community is watching.
If these institutions fail to act, they risk allowing a culture of corruption to become further established and normalized in Curaçao.
At the same time, urgent action is needed to address the broader problems affecting our island — from Bandariba to Bandabou. Curaçao must become clean, orderly and attractive again, for both residents and visitors. We cannot continue waiting to restore order, responsibility and justice.
Another important priority must be the production of our own food. Strengthening local agriculture can improve food security, create jobs and increase our confidence as a society.
We have already lost too much time writing reports and holding discussions. The time for action has arrived.
Erwin Raphaëla
Journalist and Columnist