WILLEMSTAD - In her national speech during the opening of the Parliament year, Her Excellency Governor Lucille George-Wout declared that to speed up reforms and manage the impact of the Covid-19 crisis, Curaçao needs help. Not only from the Netherlands for financial support and technical assistance, but also from its own people for innovation, hope, and unity.
The governor reflected on her saying at last year's opening, "resilience," and said that this applies now, more than ever.
In her speech, the Governor indicated that Curaçao is facing several major challenges, some unexpected such as the global corona pandemic. “The government of Curaçao recognizes that we must accelerate transformation, including in the areas of economics, social, fiscal and education. The government is working hard on this but making these changes while managing the impact of the crisis requires financial and technical assistance. That is why we also approached the Netherlands as a partner within the Kingdom,” said the governor.
The conditions attached to this aid by the Netherlands, including the Caribbean Reform Entity, were also raised by the governor. “Although the government did not agree with the proposal of the Netherlands, the government continued to seek dialogue. Dialogue means that at some point a compromise has to be reached between parties, but also that each partner's rights and democratic processes are respected.”
The government of Curaçao will remain in talks with the Netherlands to find a solution, the governor said. “Certainly given the urgent need within the community, namely to convert the economic contraction into economic growth, to prevent more unemployment and create jobs, to support the most vulnerable and at the same time help them to manage on their own. to stand its ground and to invest in our infrastructure, neighborhoods, schools and healthcare sectors.”
In Curaçao's recovery after this crisis, the emphasis should be on "a better Curaçao", which involves a stable and strong economy that focuses on people, creating jobs and prosperity for all. “This should be reflected in our economy, our education system and our infrastructure. We cannot go back to how it was. To make progress, we must reform and transform.”
The Governor says that the community of Curaçao plays an important role in this. “The government needs our citizens to bring about innovation, hope and unity. During this crisis we have seen how we have come together; everyone came together to lend a hand, ministers and civil servants, private and social organizations, and volunteers. In times of testing, the resilience and ability of a community to come together and support one another will be the engine to overcome and grow. As a community we can do a lot. It is time for us to have more confidence in ourselves. Let us intensify and strengthen solidarity and cooperation in these times. Let us build something better and let's be better in this process.”