WILLEMSTAD – PAR Member of Parliament Shaheen Elhage is demanding an explanation from Minister of Social Development, Labor and Welfare Charetti America-Francisca over the government’s decision to reduce the subsidy for Fundashon Nos Welita by 25 percent, warning that the measure could affect the quality and continuity of care for elderly residents.
Elhage submitted the questions through Parliament under Article 96 of the Rules of Procedure. In his letter, he says concerns about elderly care extend beyond the subsidy cut and include staffing shortages, building maintenance, financial sustainability and the overall quality of care provided by institutions serving senior citizens.
According to the letter, SOAW recently decided to cut Fundashon Nos Welita’s subsidy by 25 percent, a move Elhage says has caused concern among residents’ families and within the wider community.
The PAR parliamentarian wants America-Francisca to explain the legal, policy and financial basis for the reduction and identify the objective criteria used to reach the decision. He also asks whether SOAW evaluated the likely consequences for the quality of care, resident safety, staffing levels and continuity of services before cutting the subsidy.
If such assessments were carried out, Elhage wants the reports to be made public.
He also questions whether Fundashon Nos Welita was given an opportunity to present its position before the final decision was taken and asks on what basis conditions were imposed on the institution.
Another issue is whether the same policy and criteria have been applied to other elderly-care institutions receiving SOAW subsidies. Elhage is asking the minister to identify any other organizations affected by similar measures.
The broader concern, according to the letter, is whether elderly residents will ultimately pay the price for financial reductions.
Elhage wants the government to explain how it will guarantee that care quality and continuity will not deteriorate as a result of the subsidy cut. He argues that the Fundashon Nos Welita decision cannot be considered separately from the overall state of elderly care on Curaçao.
The letter notes that previous parliamentary correspondence has already raised concerns about the financial and operational position of elderly-care homes, the sustainability of government subsidies, shortages of personnel and unresolved maintenance needs.
Elhage argues that these matters directly affect the welfare and dignity of elderly residents and therefore require full public transparency.
He has asked the minister to provide a complete response within the legally prescribed period.