WILLEMSTAD – The Government of Curaçao says the island has an up-to-date and comprehensive plan in place to deal with disasters and crisis situations. This was stated in responses to parliamentary questions submitted by MAN-PIN Member of Parliament Susanne Camelia-Römer regarding public safety on the island.
According to the government, Curaçao has had an official risk profile in place since April, covering the period from 2024 to 2028. The plan has been formally adopted and submitted to Parliament. Emergency services, including the fire department, police, defense forces, and the coast guard, regularly conduct joint exercises to prepare for a wide range of crisis scenarios.
The government noted that current crisis plans extend through 2029 and are based on the National Ordinance on Disaster Management and Crisis Control, which provides the legal framework for emergency preparedness and response.
Digital Risk Mapping and Public Awareness
Curaçao also maintains a digital risk map that identifies vulnerable locations and high-risk areas, including zones prone to flooding. This tool is used by the Directorate of Risk Management and Disaster Response to support planning and operational decision-making.
Residents are regularly informed about potential risks and emergency measures through public awareness campaigns. These include information on emergency preparedness and the importance of maintaining emergency supply kits. In November, the government took additional precautionary steps in response to heightened regional tensions, holding consultations with partners within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and across the Caribbean.
Regional Cooperation
The government emphasized that Curaçao works closely with Aruba and Bonaire in the areas of crisis management and disaster response. In addition, the island participates in the Caribbean Civil Protection Mechanism, alongside other Caribbean countries and the Netherlands.
According to the government, this regional cooperation forms a key pillar in addressing safety risks and responding effectively to emergencies and crisis situations.