The Ministry of General Affairs of Curaçao: Strategic Apex of Governance
January 19, 2025
The Ministry of General Affairs of Curaçao serves as the heart of the government, functioning as the strategic apex of the public adminstration system. This ministry falls under the responsibility of the Prime Minister, who, as outlined in Article 11a of the National Ordinance on Government, is charged with overall government policy and its coordination. The Prime Minister is supported by the Secretariat of the Council of Ministers in fulfilling this pivotal role.
The ministry oversees several critical departments, including:
• Legal Affairs and Legislation
• Internal Affairs and Kingdom Relations
• Foreign Relations
• Public Service Center
In addition, the Ministry of General Affairs supervises several essential executive organizations:
• The Fire Department
• Civil Affairs Department
• Communication Department
• Resources and Support Services
The Ministry of General Affairs aims to handle domestic affairs, kingdom relations, foreign affairs, legal affairs, and legislation on behalf of the country. This broad mandate positions the ministry at the center of policy formulation, coordination, and communication.
Some standout divisions of the ministry include:
1. Bureau of Foreign Relations
Although the foreign policy is primarily a kingdom-level responsibility, Curaçao has carved out space to conduct its own foreign affairs. This allows the country to establish relationships and policies tailored to its unique position in the Caribbean.
2. The Curaçao House
This institution serves as Curaçao’s representation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, facilitating participation in the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom. It ensures that Cura-çao’s voice is heard on matters affecting the entire kingdom.
3. Communication and Public Information Services
This division plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative of governance. It prepares and delivers information to the population, explaining where the government stands, where it has come from, and where it aims to go. It also contextualizes decisions and legislation to help citizens understand how these fit into broader national goals.
Despite its importance, the Ministry of General Affairs has faced challenges in fulfilling its communication mandate. Over the past four years, the government has held few, if any, press conferences, leaving a critical gap in transparency and public engagement. The lack of consistent communication signals a troubling disregard for democratic values and accountability.
Democracy thrives on an informed citizenry, and the absence of regular updates from the government undermines this foundation. A well-functioning Communication Department should bridge the gap between the government and the people, fostering trust and ensuring that the population remains connected to national goals.
The Ministry of General Affairs has the potential to strengthen Cu-raçao’s democratic fabric through effective coordination, transparency, and strategic communication. However, to achieve this, the government must commit to consistent engagement with its citizens, leveraging its departments to uphold democracy and inspire public trust.
In a time when democratic values are increasingly under strain worldwide, Curaçao has an opportunity to lead by example, ensuring that its government remains a beacon of transparency and accountability in the Caribbean.
Miguel Goede
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