A Rainy Friday Morning: Reflections on Cura?ao's Challenges
A Rainy Friday Morning: Reflections on Cura?ao'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 uncertain, 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: “Cura?ao 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, SPA demise feels like a tragedy worth studying in depth. Meanwhile, the government is cutting Selikor’s budget and the waste collection service, even as the island remains visibly polluted. Ironically, keeping the island clean is supposedly 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 custody for suspected drug trafficking and money laundering.
Yet, on page five, the paper celebrates that Cura?ao broke another tourism record in October, with 2024 projected to be a record-breaking year. Overcrowding and the strain on the island’s infrastructure 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 worsening state of healthcare since then.
All in all, it’s a lot to process. Have a good weekend, everyone.
Miguel Goede