The Atmosphere on the Island: A Cause for Concern
August 23, 2024
As both a public administration expert and a citizen, I find myself deeply concerned about the current atmosphere on our island. There is a palpable sense of unease that is hard to ignore. Recent political tensions, which culminated in an abrupt change in the coalition's composition, might not be the direct cause, but they certainly have not helped to improve the situation.
This atmosphere is difficult to define precisely. It has a certain resemblance to the mood that prevailed in 2010 when Curaçao became a new country. There is an underlying sense of fear, particularly a fear of expressing one's thoughts or opinions openly. Unlike in 2010, however, this seems to be part of a broader global trend. Nonetheless, I will focus on Curaçao by discussing two specific examples.
First, a few weeks ago, the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is equivalent to marriage between a man and a woman. While I respect this decision and wish everyone a happy marriage, I find myself searching for the logical and scientific rationale behind treating these as entirely equal cases. This ruling has sparked conversations that are not easy to have in the current climate, where expressing a differing viewpoint can be seen as contentious or even risky.
The second example involves the recent claims made by some medical specialists who argue that they are not earning enough. Surprisingly, this view has garnered support from several media outlets and influencers, who suggest that an annual income of half a million guilders is insufficient and that these professionals could easily earn more elsewhere. However, many people seem unaware that around 70% of Curaçao's population lives below the poverty line, which is roughly 3,000 guilders per month. Curaçao is the poorest country in the kingdom, with the highest poverty rate. The minimum wage is about 1,800 guilders per month, and we have one of the highest per capita healthcare costs. Yet, a specialist can earn more than 15 times the 3, 000 guilders. This disparity raises important questions about income inequality and fairness.
A third example is the discussion around the cancellation of three billion guilders in tax debt from before 2017. The debate centers on who has been favored by this decision. Were these well-off citizens and companies? How can this happen in a poor country? And what is the legal basis for this? These questions have lingered for almost two years, and on August 19, 2024, the topic was discussed in parliament, which led to a coalition split on August 21, 2024, and a hasty formation of a new coalition. However, a healthy discussion about the debt cancellation and our approach to democracy is not possible.
These examples highlight the need for us to start thinking about healthcare and social justice in a completely different way—a concept I refer to as "Healthcare 5.0." This new approach would require reimagining our healthcare system to ensure it is more equitable and sustainable for everyone, not just a privileged few. However, in the current climate of fear and caution, it takes real courage to bring up these issues and engage in meaningful dialogue.
We must foster an environment where people feel safe to express their opinions and engage in constructive debate. Only then can we address the underlying issues that contribute to this pervasive sense of unease and work towards building a more just and equitable society for all.
In conclusion, the atmosphere on the island is concerning and reminiscent of past times of uncertainty. But unlike before, this time it feels like part of a larger, global wave of apprehension and caution. By focusing on local issues and encouraging open dialogue, we can hope to navigate these challenges and create a more positive environment for the future of Curaçao.
Miguel Goede
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