WILLEMSTAD - The Prime Minister's conclusion that there is currently no better deal for financial aid than the option offered by the Netherlands, testifies to realism. From the reports of the Prime Minister and subsequent statements from his coalition, Minister Steven Martina of Economic Development , we get the strong impression that a breakthrough is in prospect for the offer of the Netherlands. We therefore very much welcome this. This is according to the Curaçao Business Association (VBC).
We understand that political negotiations and solutions are not an easy process, but the financial stretch is completely gone for many companies. Hence, it is imperative to make decisions in this precarious economic, financial, and social situation. Maintaining as much economic activity and jobs as possible as well as being able to offer confidence and prospects for the future are a priority for us.
In recent months, employers / business owners have continuously voiced a “cri de coeur” (cry from the heart) because the lack of clarity and uncertainty is taking too long in their view. For that reason, it has been suggested from the commercial sector to receive direct support from the Netherlands to ensure that the economic structures and employment are maintained as much as possible, which also improves the starting position for the government in Curaçao. In their opinion, it has nothing to do with undermining, driving a wedge or acting as a jammer in the negotiations with the Netherlands. With this suggestion, it seems that the private sector would play a role in the political discussion between the Government and the Undersecretary Knops.
The VBC says that since they have not participated at all in any substantive discussion in recent months, they do not understand this statement at all. The reality is, however, that without financial and / or economic impulse, in the very short term, a very large number of jobs are at stake, with all the additional negative consequences for the entire community of Curaçao.
Financial support from the Netherlands will additionally have a monetary stability effect.
In short, the VBC hopes and advise the cabinet, on the basis of their impression that there is a possible breakthrough, to reach an agreement with the Netherlands as soon as possible so that the necessary financial resources will be made available. “Only then can we all start working on long-term restructuring and development, thus creating a basis for structural economic growth,” says the VBC in their press release.
