WILLEMSTAD - The focus of the Curaçao Government is on a new phase. An opportunity to start to carry real autonomy as it should from one's own choice and acting on one’s own strength, This new stage of reforms and developments opens the possibility for transformation and real well-being of Curaçao, of which the new generation will spend the next 10 to 20 years noticing the positive effects.
To succeed in this, negotiations have been held with the Netherlands on:
Investment in humans. This includes creating a better connection between education and the business sector, so that the chance for people to complete their school and get a job is all the greater. But also investment in materials and other resources for education. A good example is the amount of 60 million that is immediately provided as a donation for education.
Negotiating with the Netherlands to invest in principle in the social and economic field in addition to reforms. This means that there is no longer a question of a Caribbean reform entity, but of a body that carries out both reforms and the social and economic development of Curaçao.
The body for reform and development will also consist of at least one person with affinity for our reality, who will act in consultation with the Curaçao government.
Curaçao's autonomy is not undermined. We have ensured that the consensus Kingdom Act does not stand in the way of democracy. The Curaçao Government, but especially the role of Parliament, is respected.
It is a statute law with a total term of 6 years. As soon as these 6 years have passed, the law is automatically terminated. This means that it is not necessary to reach consensus to determine whether or not this law should be terminated. However, an evaluation is applied after 3 years to keep track of the progress.
In order to qualify for the necessary funds, an implementation agenda must be drawn up and implementation ultimately remains in Curaçao's own hands, in collaboration with the body for reform and development. The plans are always submitted to the Curacao Parliament before they are implemented.
The challenge of cash continues to be addressed once a political agreement is signed and agreed requirements are met.
On Saturday at midnight, October 10 - on the day that Curaçao celebrates 10 years as an autonomous country in the Kingdom of the Netherlands - the Curaçao Parliament agreed with a majority of votes, among other things to give the Government the necessary support to complete negotiations with the Netherlands.
This after Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath, together with Minister Steven Martina, provided extensive information and debated with Parliament about the Kingdom Act, the entity for reform and development, but also about the reform and investment package.
The next step on the way to a final agreement is to submit the entirety of the negotiations to the Council of States for advice. For this presentation, the Curaçao Government has also provided questions and clarification points to ensure that Curaçao's interest is properly safeguarded. In the meantime, Curaçao can already start to receive support, provided the conditions of the second and third tranches are met.
According to the government, it can take another step in initiating a new stage for Curaçao, satisfied and with new hope. A stage full of opportunities for developments that everyone wants to see realized for the country and the population.
