WILLEMSTAD — The Ministry of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning (VVRP) is awaiting a judicial verdict on January 30 in the civil summary proceedings case brought by representatives of Eric’s ATV Adventures against the ministry, highlighting a broader dispute over land use and redevelopment in the Bapor Kibra area.
The case, heard in civil court on January 16, 2026, stems from a long-running conflict between the government and the ATV tour operator, which has been based at Bapor Kibra for around twenty years. The company’s owner, Eric Raphaela, has challenged VVRP’s move to enforce administrative orders requiring the removal of structures and vacating the site — a dispute rooted in land ownership, permit issues and new development plans for the area.
Long-Running Land Dispute
The controversy dates back to a 2025 lawsuit in which Raphaela sought to block an enforcement order by VVRP that would have led to clearing the property used by the ATV business. Courts ruled that Raphaela’s company failed to properly substantiate objections to the government’s decision, allowing plans for removal of structures and site clearance to proceed.
Local reporting detailed how Raphaela was surprised by a government attempt to clear the property on short notice, leading his attorney to file an urgent petition to delay the enforcement.
Redevelopment Pressures and Community Impact
The government’s actions are connected to broader tourism and real estate development projects in the Bapor Kibra area. Adjacent parcels were sold to developers for large-scale resort construction, and the ATV business is situated near key access points for the new project, creating tensions over land use priorities.
The dispute has drawn attention to the difficulties faced by long-established local enterprises that have operated without formalized permits for many years. According to community accounts, Eric’s ATV Adventures has been a fixture in Curaçao’s tourism sector, offering quad and off-road tours for visitors and providing employment opportunities locally.
Awaiting Court Decision
VVRP has opted to await the court’s ruling before taking further action, according to its statement, underscoring the ministry’s desire to respect ongoing legal processes. The upcoming verdict will determine whether Raphaela’s civil challenge succeeds or whether enforcement orders against the business and property remain in place.
The case highlights broader questions over how long-time local businesses and informal land use arrangements are balanced against new commercial development interests in Curaçao’s evolving tourism economy.