The Cycles of Time, Nature, Governance, and Society
December 31, 2024
Today marks not only the end of 2024 but also the beginning of a new journey around the sun. Much on Earth is cyclical, from the changing seasons to agricultural processes intricately linked to these cycles. Even human existence follows similar patterns. Coincidentally, today is my birthday, so I’m also starting a new personal cycle. But let’s talk about a different cycle: the cycle of government.
On Curaçao, the fiscal year runs from January 1 to December 31, as established by the Landsverordening comptabiliteit 2010 (National Accounting Ordinance 2010). Theoretically, this provides a clear structure: in December, parliament approves the budget, setting the policy direction for the year ahead. But let’s be honest: Curaçao’s budget has rarely been an accurate policy-driven budget. Closing the financial cycle with an approved annual account? That’s something we’ve never achieved. We’re relieved when the backlog is limited to one or two years. An unqualified audit opinion? We’ve never seen it. And few people, especially in parliament, seem to lose sleep over it.
2025: A Special Year
The coming year brings an additional layer of dynamics: an election year. This marks the start of the four-year political cycle in which citizens choose the direction they want to take. Political parties present their proposals in election manifestos, but the reality is often less ideal. The citizen’s voice carries weight on election day, but the direct influence on policy during the four-year cycle is minimal. This political cycle should align with long-term visions like the National Development Plan 2015-2030. Unfortunately, this plan has become little more than a paper tiger.
What Will 2025 Bring?
Here are a few predictions I can make with confidence:
• It will be a turbulent election year.
• Internationally, figures like Maduro and Trump will once again make headlines.
• Wars and conflicts will continue to rage.
• The climate will make its presence felt.
• Locally, concrete (beton) sprawl will persist with a series of construction projects.
• And traffic congestion will only worsen.
Yet despite these challenges, our well-being largely depends on our mindset. With the right attitude, we can break and create new cycles.
I wish you a safe journey around the sun and a year of positive energy and resilience.
Miguel Goede
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