A Rainy Friday Morning: Reflections on Curaçao's Challenges
November 15, 2024
It’s Friday morning, and I’m woken by a downpour—yet another reminder of the effects of climate change. Unlike extreme heat, these consequences seem to be acknowledged only by those dealing with flooding. Despite my plans for a productive day, I find myself tempted to shuffle my agenda and take it easy. Even writing this feels uncer-tain, but as I glance at the newspaper, the urge to put my thoughts into words takes over—though I doubt you’re particularly interested in my musings.
The Antilliaans Dagblad of November 15 features a headline: “Cu-raçao lokt YP’s.” I’m not entirely sure what “Young Professionals” are supposed to mean here. I think I know what "young" implies, but the term "professional" sometimes feels like it simply refers to someone wearing a suit. If the goal is to attract better-educated individuals, I wonder: what’s being done for the professionals who are already here? And what about attracting others?
Honestly, I don’t think financial incentives like debt forgiveness or lucrative offers will convince many to return permanently. Perhaps a few might come back for a couple of years, but the truth is, this island has been rendered increasingly unlivable.
Further down the paper, I read: “Sentro Pro Arte wordt gesloopt.” Once a national treasure and a cultural temple, its demise feels like a tragedy worth studying in depth. Meanwhile, the government is cut-ting Selikor’s budget, the waste collection service, even as the island remains visibly polluted. Ironically, keeping the island clean is sup-posedly a government priority—especially since tourism is our only economic lifeline.
Then there’s news of a drilling platform damaging coral reefs while covering for hurricanes.
We’re also reminded that a parliament member remains in custo-dy for suspected drug trafficking and money laundering.
And yet, on page five, the paper celebrates that Curaçao broke an-other tourism record in October, with 2024 projected to be a record-breaking year. Overcrowding and the strain on the island’s infrastruc-ture don’t even merit a mention.
Elsewhere, there’s news that the Minister supports an initiative for a new theater. At the same time, today marks five years since the CMC hospital opened its doors—a milestone overshadowed by the worsen-ing state of healthcare since then.
All in all, it’s a lot to process. Have a good weekend, everyone.
Miguel Goede
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