The Apparatus of Curaçao Has Seen Better Days

The Apparatus of Curaçao Has Seen Better Days

February 2, 2025

Curaçao's government once stood as a beacon of efficiency and quality. Before the island's autonomous status was granted in 2010, its public sector was a leader in ISO9000 certification. At least six government services have achieved this standard, delivering outstanding service to citizens. Among the most well-known were the Civil Registry Office (Bevolkingsbureau) and the Vehicle Inspection Center (Keuringslokaal). Both institutions still retain notable qualities, yet one pressing question remains: If certification was such a success, why has the government stopped pursuing it?

This question is difficult to answer. The logical assumption would be that maintaining high standards benefits both the government and the public. Certification ensures transparency, efficiency, and a commitment to service excellence. Yet, for some reason, the drive for quality assurance has faded.

Some argue that unclear priorities, shifting political landscapes, or budget constraints have led to this decline. Others suggest that there is little political will to uphold such rigorous standards. The cynical take—that some prefer to "fish in murky waters"—implies a tolerance for inefficiency or even a preference for less oversight. However, this perspective may be too harsh.

Whatever the reason, the absence of renewed certification efforts raises concerns about the long-term quality of public services in Cu-raçao. If past successes are any indication, reinstating these standards could be a step toward restoring trust and efficiency in the government apparatus. The question is: Who will take up this challenge?

Miguel Goede