WILLEMSTAD – Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas has called on the people of Curaçao to enter 2026 with unity, resilience, and shared responsibility, outlining an ambitious agenda focused on public sector reform, social justice, economic growth, and national cohesion.
In his New Year’s address, delivered on January 1 and published on January 2, Pisas described 2025 as an intense and demanding year marked by difficult decisions, external pressures, rising prices, climate challenges, and regional and international tensions. Despite these challenges, he said Curaçao remained firm by choosing calm, responsibility, and a strong sense of duty.
Pisas emphasized that governing is not only about decision-making in stable times but also about leading through difficult circumstances. He noted that the current administration is operating under a mandate extending until 2029, aimed at consolidating the reforms initiated during the 2021–2025 period.
A central theme of the speech was the ongoing reform of the public sector within the framework of the Landspakket. The Prime Minister acknowledged delays caused by limited capacity, scarce resources, and the complexity of reforms but stressed that significant progress has been made. These include strengthening financial management and control, modernizing the tax system, advancing digitalization, and improving the functioning of the public administration. He highlighted that all national legislation has now been updated and made digitally accessible to the public.
On the economic front, Pisas pointed to continued efforts to lower the cost of doing business and simplify permit procedures. He said Curaçao is expected to see further economic growth in 2026, driven mainly by tourism, construction, and the energy sector, with positive spillover effects for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Education was another key priority. According to the Prime Minister, major steps have been taken to improve the quality of education, with a strong emphasis on digital learning for both students and teachers. In healthcare, he referred to the financial challenges facing the Curaçao Medical Center and said that the broad outlines of a solution were identified in 2025, with concrete reforms set to be implemented this year. These include improvements in primary and secondary care, prevention of chronic diseases, mental health services, and reducing waiting lists for medical specialists.
Pisas also addressed reforms in infrastructure, justice, and public safety. He highlighted improvements in land and government property management, investments in commercial development areas such as Colon and Rif, and the implementation of legislation regulating online gaming. In the justice sector, reforms aimed at strengthening law enforcement and maintaining Curaçao as a safe island for residents and visitors will continue in 2026.
Social security reforms featured prominently in the speech, particularly the signing of a new agreement on the General Old Age Pension (AOV). Pisas described this as a fundamental step toward making the system more sustainable while improving the quality of life for pensioners. He stressed that adjustments must be made responsibly, balancing social justice with the interests of future generations.
The Prime Minister underlined that economic progress alone is not enough if it does not reach everyone. He addressed families struggling to make ends meet, young people without clear prospects, seniors feeling insecure, and residents of vulnerable neighborhoods, assuring them they have not been forgotten. Initiatives such as economic diversification, job creation for youth, and a nationwide “nation building” project aimed at strengthening neighborhoods will be central in the coming year.
Pisas reaffirmed the government’s commitment to environmental protection, public health, and sustainable development, stating that economic growth and care for nature are complementary rather than contradictory. He also highlighted continued investments in culture, sports, and youth development, pointing to Curaçao’s historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup as a source of national pride and evidence of the long-term impact of investing in talent and discipline.
In foreign affairs, the Prime Minister said the government remains vigilant regarding regional tensions, particularly between the United States and Venezuela. He emphasized Curaçao’s neutrality and the protection of its airspace and territory, noting that government services are working closely with Kingdom partners to safeguard national interests.
Looking ahead, Pisas described 2026 as a year of transition and consolidation, marking the start of a new national vision trajectory centered on inclusion and broad public participation. He invited all residents to take part in shaping Curaçao’s future under the theme: “One dream, one vision, with love for the future of Curaçao.”
He concluded by wishing the island a year of peace, stability, and tangible progress, especially for the most vulnerable, and expressed confidence in the strength of a resilient, creative, and united people.
“Biba Kòrsou,” the Prime Minister said in closing, wishing the nation a happy and prosperous New Year.