WILLEMSTAD – Opposition party Partido Nashonal di Pueblo (PNP) is demanding answers from the government regarding the implementation of recent AOV-related measures, claiming that many pensioners are dissatisfied with both the amount they receive and the eligibility criteria for certain benefits.
PNP Member of Parliament Sheldry Osepa has submitted a series of parliamentary questions to Minister of Social Development, Labor and Welfare Charretti America-Francisca, arguing that elderly residents have raised numerous concerns about the government's handling of AOV payments.
According to Osepa, many pensioners expected to receive a monthly AOV benefit of 1,000 guilders following agreements announced by the government during discussions on pension reform. However, he says many beneficiaries report receiving only 980 guilders instead.
The opposition lawmaker argues that the difference has caused disappointment among pensioners who believed they would receive the full amount that was publicly discussed.
In addition to concerns about the monthly pension payments, Osepa also questioned the distribution of the one-time 2,500-guilder payment that was introduced as part of the government’s support measures.
Under the current rules, only individuals who have been continuous residents of Curaçao during the previous five years qualify for the payment. As a result, pensioners who returned to the island after 2021 are excluded from the scheme.
According to Osepa, many returning retirees feel unfairly treated and have lodged complaints with the PNP. He argues that these individuals contributed to Curaçao throughout their lives and should not be excluded because of residency requirements.
The parliamentarian is also using the opportunity to raise broader concerns about the financial pressures facing middle-income families and retirees. In his letter, Osepa points to rising fuel prices, inflation, and the increasing cost of living, arguing that many households have seen their purchasing power decline in recent years.
Among the questions submitted to the minister are requests for clarification on the calculation of AOV payments, the rationale behind the residency requirement for the one-time payment, the government's policy regarding fuel prices, and the impact of inflation on the purchasing power of Curaçao residents.
Osepa is asking the minister to provide detailed explanations to Parliament and the public, saying that many residents continue to struggle with rising expenses while waiting for relief measures promised by the government.
The Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Welfare has not yet publicly responded to the questions.