WILLEMSTAD - Great indignation and anger among several people here in Curaçao due to the construction of a wheelchair ramp at one of the most beautiful and most popular beaches of Curaçao: Playa Kenepa Grandi (Knip).
Under the heading "Stop construction and remove the ramp at Knip Beach in Curaçao", concerned citizens have now started a petition.
The petition is an initiative of citizens Nihaila Pieter and Laeticia Xavora. “Out of respect for Mother Nature who gave us this beautiful gem of a beach that safeguards our culture and the history of our island and the local people, we politely but urgently ask you to sign against this gigantic monstrosity,” the introduction of the petition.
Pieter and Xavora do not emphasize against the idea of a wheelchair ramp to allow people with disabilities to access the beach - "which is a very nice initiative" - but that the current construction is spoiling the natural beach. The pair call the current construction a "gigantic and ugly piece of non-craftsmanship." "This goes against all tourist promotions and sustainable conservation actions, as there is already an existing road that could very well be transformed into disabled access," they continue. "By signing this petition, you can help us with the request to remove what is being built and to come up with a more environmentally friendly solution."
The government is giving a press conference today regarding this situation.