How? From Where?
A Curazoleño has been arrested in Brazil for large-scale cocaine smuggling to Europe. He had 7 cell phones, from which the police gathered a lot of information. He bought the drugs in Colombia and Venezuela, but where he shipped them to and from we don't get to read. "Europe." And it seems unlikely they first went to Brazil. He was a member of the Brazilian criminal organization Primeiro Comando da Capita and allegedly also of Curaçao gang No Limits Soldiers.
In other news, near Curaçao's Dam Pretu, in an action to (finally) try to get rid of lot of illegal activities there, a marihuana plantation was discovered. (From the photo published I can only say, doesn't look like The Weed to me.) They're still looking for who ran it.


Good Luck— You'll Need It
Undermining Action Curaçao (I guess they mean it the other way 'round) held a meeting of parties in the justice chain of firearms in Curaçao. An action plan was presented.
But details on how to reduce the number of illegal guns, and how to prevent smuggling more in,are not given. Small wonder.
2024-04-26

Anti-Social Measures
Minister Larmonie-Cecilia's recommendations for social security are more of the same. To mention only one item, AOV welfare pensions' age will, in 2030, be raised from 65 to 67. And not a word about raising the 2013 pay-out level. Did you expect any? No, guess not.
2024-04-26

Somehow, No Matter How
Arubian politican Mansur says that it's better to limit the number of tourists coming there, than to limit the number of licenses. In a 2018 probe by Aruba Tourism Authority it turned out Aruba is above the maximum of all 19 indicators.
Meanwhile, blast the torpedoes: the island is aspiring to get 1,240,000 visitors per year.
2024-04-26

Killer Cops
During a chase of guys who had attacked a Chinese restaurant, cops shot at the crooks' car, resulting in a crash where one of the gang died. So who really cares?
Wellll... the thing is, the cops falsified the report by claiming that they shot back in self-defense; also interfered with protocol by collecting fired gun shells.
This is not the first case where the cops have been trigger happy. Haïti, anybody? Venezuela? South Africa?
2024-04-26

Our Neighbors
Since we have regular line flights from Venezuela, not only tourism (good?) but also prostitution has gone up. "Ladies" arrive from there in droves to be picked up in existing networks, hiring apartments in which they offer their services on websites, mainly to USA and Canadian visitors. They can also be found in bars and other entertainment locations. And then we have to mention the influx via small boats which delivers a contingent as well.
2024-04-26

They, Too
Nine drivers have been fined because their license or car papers were not in order. So you're not safe even when hiring a cab, or buying a trip in a sight-seeing bus. In two taxicabs the tariff chart was not visible.
Oh, so they still have no meters?
2024-04-26

Ho! That Sounds Better
Aqualectra utility will not have to pay millions in damages to Sunny Side Up BV because of withdrawing tender for a solar panel park. So says court.
The good part is, the planned solar panel park will not be built, after negotations with Curine (C. industrial development) stranded.
2024-04-26

LOK vs. RVA
RVA advisory council has given unasked-for advice re. the new LOK gambling law. Like, there should be some checking on members of the Board of Directors and Supervisory Board. Good idea!
Government will follow the advice. If it will help?
Also, there are some changes in the accreditation of lawyers working for the gambling mafia. Same question.
2024-04-26

Enjoy!
The Civil Servants will get an extra day off after Ascension Day so they'll have a long weekend.
2024-04-26

Oh, That Looks Good... Jest Fine
Isla refinery bosses announce that, before the asphalt production starts, the entire refinery must be revised. Which is easy to believe. The idea was first to revise the "asphalt train" and later the rest, but it has been decided to do it all at once: "pipes, columns, pumps and other equipment." Good.
But. Workers attracted for the job will have to be paid the tariffs valid before the refinery closed, and the same goes for subcontractors. It is up to asphalt producer Golden Oil to accept this—or not. Workers' Union SGTK cannot accept attracting cheaper workers from outside, like Venezuela.
In two week from now, new agreements should have been signed.
Or not?
2024-04-25

Disgrace
Only one of too many to mention (even though I try to keep track). It's about the use of Parlatino, now holding a <>a href="#145">meeting in Curaçao

. In a discussion in Staten/parliament KEM Mercelina described the presence of MPs as a sinberguenseria, shamelessness, and I definitely feel he has a point. But head America-Francisca disagreed: some MPs were doing actual work and Mercelina shouldn't call them all crooks.
Maybe not.
2024-04-25

Who?
For the umpteenth time, people living around Dam Pretu are bothered by the smoke originating from the buried burning trash. Illegally dumped, of course! and then covered by earth. Which makes you question some things: isn't there any control on that dumping? It just proceeds, while it should easily be stopped? And then covered by earth; not by a guy with a spade and a wheelbarrow, but by bulldozers. Which should easily be stopped.
People with lung problems are advised to move elsewhere. Like, to the cemetery? A national disgrace.
2024-04-25

Not Even That
The country will, this year, receive even less than the estimated meager 40 million guilders from the overflowing cash boxes of the gambling mafia. In fact, now it's guesstimated at a mere 20 million.
2024-04-25

Who Cares
The Spoiled Brats don't. Minister Martina has started the Government Academy, where soiled rats will be trained and developed. A good thing, you say?
Yes, it could and should be but probably isn't and won't. The project had an enormously long start, with much being discussed but little realized. The civil servants were not interested (really?) and it all had be done for ten cents' worth. One of them characterized it, using a Dutch expression, as een hele dure vlag op een modderschuit [a very expensive banner on a mud barge].
2024-04-24

Di Nos E Ta! or, Xenophobia
Bolo Mudbelly Cooper, our not-so-beloved-minister, has expressed his antipathy against architect Dennis Klaus earlier in the past. He and Foundation Pro Monumento/Amigu di Tera are against the ruination development of Curaçao; and what makes it worse, says Bolo (shaking all his chins) is, Klaus is a mere estranhero and should shut up.
Klaus, admittedly born in what's now Indonesia, has only been living in Curaçao for 64 years.
2024-04-24

Some Idea!
MAN-PIN's (a combined gang of parties these days) McWilliams thinks the government must introduce a "visitor's entrance fee" upon arrival, to replace the sales tax on apartments, which then can be abolished.
Because it's impossible for the Tax Person effectively to control the enormous number of apartments rented out via Airbnb, Booking.com and [many] other digital platforms. In other words, admit its impotence. What is the Tax Dept. for anyway, other than making money for themselves?
The amount generated would be, on 600,000 (!) tourists/year, over 80 million guilders. As usual, the source doesn't take the trouble to mention it, but that amounts to 135 guilders/person. Now, Ali Baba gathers 15 million a year in sales tax, for which must put in much effort and (gaah) work.
The good thing about this plan is, CTB would get their subsidy out of that, not out of our taxes. That money can then be wasted somewhere else.
Too bad if you're a family visitor. Makes you a tourist, anyway.2024-04-24

Won't Help Much
Is my guess, at least. Dutch state secretary van Hufteren, upon discussion of our finance minister Sylvania's gambling law in Dutch parliament, expresses her discontent. Silly Vain Bully "failed to adequately inform the Temporary Work Organization of all changes."
So what?
2024-04-24

Slow Nitwits
Yes, I mean the government. Our Great Leaders, for crying out loud. They're looking for a solution to the problem of uninsured vehicles (30%), a national pest by now, and haven't come any farther than trying to photograph them and their license plates. So, presumably, they could be found.
Do they really expect that to work? How about fake license plates? Just try and find the responsible owners.
But another problem is, they still haven't adopted a law to enable the police to fine drivers caught committing traffic violations. Which has been in the works for years and years already. Hence, all those surveillance cameras are worthless.
They're worthless anyway, you say? Good point.
2024-04-24

Look at It Another Way, Maybe

UNCHR estimates there are currently 14,000 Venezuelans on Curaçao "undocumentedly" or illegal, take your pick, almost 10% of the total population, making it one of the highest numbers of migrants per capita in the world. And their rights are often violated! Such a shame.
Say, UNHRC, why not look at Venezuela, where the regime forces them to flee from? And what are the €uropeans complaining about, anyway.
2024-04-23

If Then

Asphalt production at Isla refinery's premises will not start next month, as announced earlier and disbelieved by anybody, but only in September. 2024-04-23

A Pity

Foundation for consumer protection has done research on several tire sale outlets and what they sell. Too bad that, even though they are all mentioned by name, the results aren't published by Curacao.nu; nor can we find the results at the foundation's website. 2024-04-23

He Would

Finance minister Silly Bully's opinion on the state debt differs from Cft's [financial supervision]; as usual. Cft thinks paying back should go faster, but Bully feels it's more important to invest in infrastructure (where money can be made—much money). Besides, says Bully, debt is going down already. Which, you'll have to admit, is pretty unique for the island. 2024-04-23

Those that Survived

The mangroves brutally removed by bulldozers at Zakitó have to be replanted elsewhere, the judge admonishes. Now we can all resume breathing.
Where else, we're not told. I humbly suggest Malpais landfill.
2024-04-23

Fine with Me

Dutch officialdom advises stopping use of FakeBooc pages for privacy reasons.
In sharp contradistinction with our minister Silly Vain Bully, who makes the impression of using it as his favorite outlet. 2024-04-23

What a Waste

A large part of the Wiedergutmachung [make good] budget to compensate for the slavery past will be spent on slave descendants changing their names. That's 15 million of the €33m budget.
Not long ago, about the first thing people explained to you was that their [female christian name] family name stemmed from that period. And proudly, too. If, on the other hand, Dutchmen oops persons wants to get rid of their embarrassing family names, which they didn't choose for either, have to pay up themselves.
2024-04-23

Short & Snappy

Dutch state secretary van Hufteren, after recently waxing really excited about the great job our government is doing on Curaçao's future, now in a letter to Dutch parliament expresses without more ado that the "decisiveness and tight direction" of the Pisas coalition is "insufficient".
Why she only now arrives at that insight remains a mystery. It's still a very weak description of what really is NOT going on. 2024-04-22

Not Now

Social minister Larmonie-Cecilia has introduced a number of proposals to improve the island's social security. But the contents are still secret, until next month.
I'm really curious. For example, about the AOV welfare pension, which has been sticking in the mud for 11 years now. Swellfare, it ain't. 2024-04-22

Little Chance

... that Venezuela will militarily intervene in Curaçao and Aruba. So opines Dick Drayer on NOS radio. Maybe, even probably; but only because we do have some Dutch protection, and because Venezuela's military ain't worth a flyin' fart. It wouldn't be the first time they tried; nor, let's face it, the last.
Really worrisome, as Drayer mentions, is Maduro's seeking rapprochement to Russia, China and yes, Iran. 2024-04-22

Sounds Familiar
"Many of the most sought-after tourist attractions are becoming over-crowded in a way that is disrupting the life of the locals in an unacceptable way," we read. But our Big Bleeders are too blind to see it coming. Al contrali, they keep gloating and spurring us on to celebrate. Building more and more hotels like there's no tomorrow— in which they may turn out to be right, things go on like this.
More quotes from the same article; first from Tenerife:
"Holding placards reading 'People live here' and 'We don't want to see our island die', demonstrators said changes must be made to the tourism industry that accounts for 35% of gross domestic product (GDP) in the Canary Islands archipelago."
For us, now, it's 25% already.
"They also want to enact curbs on property purchases by foreigners." While we're still welcoming penshonados who drive up real estate prices and, thus for us as well, taxes.
"The archipelago of 2.2 million people was visited by nearly 14 million foreign tourists in 2023" or 16 for every inhabitant, up 13%—CTB jubilates we had 582,409 stay-over visitors on a population of 150,000 (25 for every inhabitant, up 19%).
Then from Amsterdam:
"Construction of a new hotel in Amsterdam will only be allowed if another structure closes."
Oh, how I wish... Not with Bolo Mudbelly fleshing out the saddle.
2024-04-21

Certainly
Curaçao's economy performance from 2010-2024 doesn't make it, Amigoe tells us. We didn't need to be told. That's since we became independent, to make sure you notice.
Not that it was performing that well before then.
After a 0.6% growth 2010-2011 it shrank by 2.1% until 2018. Later figures are not given.
2024-04-20

Please, Keep Us Abreast
Dutch intelligence agencies are investigating Venezuelan political and military developments. Only now? you ask. Yes, only now. Mainly because of the Guyana conflict.
Not a word about cocaine production. Still, we'd all very much like to know what turns up. 2024-04-20

Took Long
But hey, this is Curaçao! In 2016 the police searched ex-CBCS director Tromp's house. But it's only now Central Bank has lodged a complain against him and his former secretary-director, Jerrald "Jerry" Hasselmeyer. For fraud and corruption.
Tromp retired in 2017. 2024-04-20

Spare Us! Please?
March was the strongest tourist month ever: 63,556 stay-over visitors. I never trusted the CTB's figures in past years, but now I do. The proof is right before us on a daily base.
It's because of Easter that they arrived in drones. That's some, but not much, relief. Many were probably not real tourists, but family visits. 2024-04-20

This Time, Agree Wholeheartedly
The headline was "Old building makes way for new shopping center." Uh Oh. But no, this time I'm glad too see that particular one, next to Chobolobo, go. Whoever designed it should be hanged. But he probably expired long since. Rest in peace. 2024-04-20

#Me Neither
Party MAN wants to introduce higher punishments for thievery; to wit of cars, cattle and of tourist's property. Always the same: Tourists are holy but we, not so much. But RvA advisory council; doesn't think the extra fright effect will make much difference. 2024-04-20

Great Question!
There is upheaval ("storm in a teacup" and a minute one too—meant is the teacup) about a letter PM Prick Pisas has written about Curaçao's decolonization. In 2020 he wanted the UN to look at the problem (once again), and used that in his election campaign; but now, he writes that he wonders if the people support such a request and that it has no priority.
Which makes people wonder out loud, "Can the guy even read?" I've wondered myself.
Apart from that, do the people support it indeed? Well, they did vote for him...
2024-04-19

Another Confidence Builder
Now, seriously. Tax Collector Trona will, he himself, develop new "stricter control and guidelines" for the Tax Authority, following the outright scandal exposed by Soab.
That's like having a criminal act as his own prosecutor and judge at the same time. Come on, now!
"This may be seen as problematic" says Curaçao Chronicle. Yes, by some paranoid persons. But this will make more persons paranoid.
Anyway, if you think that solving those abuses may result in tax relief, you must be terribly naïve. 1-They never have enough; 2-They always spend it all; 3-They spend more than comes in.
2024-04-19

Overproduction
Agriculturists and horticulturists will get free water from a reverse osmosis company which has an overproduction. It will be distributed by LVV department.
Let us all wonder what the distribution alone will cost; and then, where the reverse osmosis company gets the money from.
2024-04-19

One More Story
SKBC foundation child protection CUR has money problems. Reason, the government has cut the subsidies. Also, the foundation complains that their role in the Kodego di Protekshon [reporting code] is no longer officially recognized by the ministries.
Plenty more stories like that. Why subsidize when you can put all that lovely money to much better use?
2024-04-19

Zakitó Petition
Maybe I gave the link already; I should have! But here it is: here you can petition those-in-power to stop the rape of Zakitó. Over 1100 signatures already, which isn't very much. Next goal, 1500.
It may not help, I'm afraid it won't; but sign and you've done what you can—which is more than most of us will do. Much more.


We're Saved! Praise the Lord
The Plastic Law has been accorded. Took only two years. Now we can go to sleep peacefully. The government is on its toes?—anyway, too often, ours as well.
2024-04-18

'Bye Damen Dox
The 2 floating docks, installed with much ballyhoo in 2018 ago by Damen Shipyards/CDM-DOK will definitely disappear from Schottegat. One has already been removed completely, the other one has been sunk to be taken apart for scrap, sold to Asia.
The docks arrived here D.O.A.: as a total loss. No wonder Damen is in trouble.
CPA and all are quite content with the way the work is handled. We, not so much. Another farce. Join the club! The more, the merrier.
2024-04-18

Duh. Huh
Minister Silly Bully tells the media that the developers of the Zakitó area still must act conform the law. Sure. "Participation of local residents can help to ensure that developments not only provide economic benefits, but are also social and ecologically sustainable."
Yeah, sure.
2024-04-18

One More Flop
The judge has decided that work on Zakitó buildings and yacht harbor complete with bridge may be continued. Pro Monumento and Amigu di Tera were too late with their protests and filing a court case. Besides, the court found that, after their considering their arguments anyway, these didn't hold water.
The case filed by residents in the area has already been declared inadmissible, which was confirmed in appeals court. They were too late as well.
Hey, we're in Curaçao here, right?
2024-04-18

Will That Work?
My guess is, "No". Sylviania comes with a hotline, or a melding point, where people can complain about unjust treatment by the Tax Persons.
If that works, it'd be a miracle for sure. Our experience has been that you have to go to the office time and time again and again, often only to be told that nothing has been done ("warda un rato mas"—wait a bit longer) or that the files have been mislaid, so sorry.
2024-04-18

It Is a Problem
M*F*K wants a "structural" solution for the 4300 (!) homes that currently lack a water connection. Mostly lower-income families, they add. Some surprise!
They should be reconnected. And we pay, of course. That's not 'structural', or is it?
That a solution must be found is of course so.
2024-04-18

That Bad?!
An letter writer to Amigoe opines those police stops are another farce. What should be done, he says, is a roadblock where every car is stopped and held on a plot to be controlled. None escapes.
He then recounts how he's made a habit of counting cars without valid license plates, on his regular trips from Westpunt to Pariba and says he has encountered 50 of them in 30 minutes. I never did that, but it's the same for much-too-dark windows.
I must add, I don't see the value of those blank windows, letting through all skin-cancer UV rays. That they disrupt your viewing is nonsense; the same applies to sunglasses.
It's the cops who want to be able to meddlingly have a look at all drivers.
Also, in Holland those "roadblocks" have been declared unconstitutional decennia ago. It turns every citizen into a suspect, which is a NoNo. At least, over there. 2024-04-18

Worse Gets Badder
Tourism formed 8.1% of GPD in 2005, 14.9% in 2015 and 25% today. But Curaçao tourism's part in the Caribbean total remains 2%.
But only one MP, PAR member Croes, took the trouble to participate in the Association of Dutch Caribbean Economists 'symposium 'ABC-Islands (too) dependent on tourism? But 5ministers were present at the recent opening of yet another Corendon hotel.Seven PMs, one third of parliament, opted to visit the Amsterdam symposium on mobility,'Intertraffic'. But there was no quorum for a Staten| meeting with destiitute school boards. Who cares?
2024-04-18

Little Problem There
In the (rich) Mahaai neighborhood there's a problem because some guy pumps the groundwater up and discrads it onto the roadway. Which causes algae to grow there, which makes the surface slippery and dangerous. His neighbors want him to stop.
But the guy says there was a system to deposit the water inh a nearby channel, but it was damaged during road works by a company supervised by DOW public works .
2024-04-18

Easily Pleased?
Makes you think a bit. Minister Silly Bully is very pleased with a letter he got from Dutch State secretary van Hufteren. Supporting his great conduct in the Trona Tax affair.
Makes you sick a bit.
We who did pay, paid a record of tax proceeds: 402 million in 20124QI.
2024-04-18

Come On
Cft financial supervision concludes, in spite of several details that look suspicious to me, that the country's budget complies with the kingdom's standard. But mark, the Ennia proposal is not really incorporated in there yet.
2024-04-18

Illegal
At an Otrabanda inspection, 12 illegal residents were arrested and two snackbars were closed because they lacked proper permits. Two more were not closed, even though they were stealing electricity.
2024-04-18

Well, I Never!
The head of the Gang of Rogues AKA Tax Reveiver, Trona, may stay on but his rooming room will be heavily curbed. I'll spare you the details; it's a very moot point if they will ever by really realized anyway.
Now we look forward to his threatened revelations. That could be fun!
There's an obvious pun in Dutch on Trona's visage, AKA tronie: kisser, mug, you get the idea.
He looks the part. In dramatic circles, this is known as a "character role".
2024-04-17

Do It!
Not that it will help. Just maybe might... ARC [court of audit] wants to extend its responsiblities. Mainly to look into FKP public housing, where several fishy machinations have been going on. For years.
But as nobody listens to ARC's recommendations anyway, they might as well get that extension.
2024-04-17

Oh, then It's Kosher
Even though two of the three main criteria for the Zakitó 'development' have not been met, permits were granted anyway.
Nobody's surprised.
2024-04-16

Worse Gets Badder
Tourism formed 8.1% of GPD in 2005, 14.9% in 2015 and 25% today. But Curaçao tourism's part in the Caribbean total remains 2%.
But only one MP, PAR member Croes, took the trouble to participate in the Association of Dutch Caribbean Economists' symposium 'ABC-Islands (too) dependent on tourism?' But 5 ministers were present at the recent opening of yet another Corendon hotel.Seven PMs, one third of parliament, opted to visit the Amsterdam symposium on mobility,'Intertraffic'. But there was no quorum for a Staten meeting with destitute school boards. Who cares?
2024-04-16

Little Problem There
In the (rich) Mahaai neighborhood there's a problem because some guy pumps the groundwater up and discards it onto the roadway. Which causes algae to grow there, which makes the surface slippery and dangerous. His neighbors want him to stop.
But the guy says there was a system to deposit the water into a nearby channel, but it was damaged during road works by a company supervised by DOW public works .
2024-04-16

Easily Pleased?
Makes you think a bit. Minister Silly Bully is very pleased with a letter he got from Dutch State secretary van Hufteren. Supporting his great conduct in the Trona Tax affair.
Makes you sick a bit.
We who did pay, paid a record of tax proceeds: 402 million in 20124QI.


Come On
Cft financial supervision concludes that, in spite of several details that look suspicious from here, that the country's budget complies with the kingdom's standard. But mark, the Ennia proposal is not really incorporated in there yet.
2024-04-16

Illegal
At an Otrabanda inspection, 12 illegal residents were arrested and two snack bars were closed because they lacked proper permits. Two more were not closed, even though they were stealing electricity.
2024-04-16

Now Australia
Not for the first time that country becomes troublesome for the gambling mafia. ACMA, Australia Media and Communications Authority plans to block 950 of Curaçao licensed online gambling houses. It's hoped the new LOK law will safeguard consumers from illegal gambling activities.
Alas, I don't really share that hope.
2024-04-13

Big Deal
159 vehicles have been checked in a large-scale traffic control. 32 fines for driving over maximum speed, without a valid driver's license, valid insurance or safety belt, and with a damaged windscreen. 3 cars were taken away by tow trucks.
Total in fines 2800 guilders. Which makes you ask yourself if that even covers cops' car costs, salaries, and overtime.
2024-04-12

In Character
Antilliaans Dagblad wonders why there have been more protests rising from the people against the criminal tax persons. (AD doesn't follow this Circus, that's for sure).
But that's all as it always was, AD! Only hopefully, not as it always will be. Even if it's getting to look like that.
2024-04-12

Fine with Me
For now, the Dutch law wanting to send back criminal Antillians to where they came from has been put aside. Good. We don't want them back here, either. Got plenty of our own.
2024-04-12

Sigh of Relief
Now ain't that good news! The Ennia accord has been signed, so it's now final: we will all have to cough up 30 million/year for those pensions that millionaires stole. For how many years again? 30 years, right.
2024-04-12

Intentions
Bolo Mudbelly Cooper at it again! He wants to build a seaside boulevard along the cost from Marichi to the new Pen resort. 700 meters long and 15-20 meters wide. Reason given, water comes up higher and higher and starts to abrade foundations of buildings along the cost.
Other reason might just possibly be, there's plenty of money in that thar boulevard.
2024-04-12

Once Again, Promises
The Police wants to take stronger measures against illegal guns. First, Good Luck. Second, how long have we been hearing this already? The public ministry OM calls it a socially disruptive problem and they just might have a point there. On the other hand, there are times I wish I had a gun, myself. Seriously.
Then we'll see who gets disrupted here!
2024-04-11

Will It Help?
You and I know the answer: NO. Dutch government may feel the "shocking findings" of Soab must lead to righting of past wrongs, but we've already had our esteemed government's answer: nothing will be done. Not to mention righting of future wrongs: it will just go on like this. As van Hufteren darn well is aware.
2024-04-11

Nice, Huh?
Officially, according to CBS statistics, last year inflation went down from 7.4% tot 3.5%. Great! Only, in 2023 "Food" went up by 13.9%. Where it really hurts, of course. In fact, everything went UP except Housing and Transport/Communication. Musta been the gas prices, maybe. "Food" is Other categories are Beverage and Tobacco (11.6), Clothing and Footware (10.6), Housing (.3), Household (4.3), Medical (6.9), Transport and Communication (-11.1), Recreation/Education (8.9), Miscellaneous (5.1).
2024-04-11

Seriously, this Time
Not the usual panicking gang NOAA but more sober parties as well are predicting a heavy hurricane season. The "Season from Hell"! The most frightening and dire ever: Named Storms 25-30; Hurricanes 14-16; Major Hurricanes 6-8.
If we will here be hit is a moot point; better start checking your house and garden conditions—and hope your neighbors do the same.
No kidding, folks.
2024-04-10

Over & Done
Maybe—wait for more surprises. CPR Curaçao Petroleum Refinery (say Curazoleño Doran) has lost a court case against (Usa-Venezuelan) Socorro, concluding the transfer of CPR shares to third parties is illegal and must be reversed. This also has consequences for CRU (Isla Refinery), as Doran should never have been acting as a management member of CRU.
2024-04-10

Oh, So
More money trouble. It takes months to open a new bank-account, and some people won't get one anyway, PNP MP Djaoen-Genaro tells minister Silly Bully.
Promising, with those new debit card costs. Time for a Cash Come-Back?
2024-04-10

No Sh*t, No EV
ABC bus company will buy 5 new buses, expected to arrive in October. 4 large ones (52 PAX) and one medium size (32 PAX). All will have airco and comply with the newest demands for pollution and ergonomy. No info if these are the promised school buses. Total costs 2 million.
If the low-floor medium buses turn out satisfactory, 9 more may be ordered for 3 million guilders total. Sounds like diesel, no EV-nonsense.

When you want to buy a "small" drink at McDonalds et al, there's no such thing available. You can get "medium" or "large".
2024-04-10

No Need to Worry
For Baoase at least. For the rest of us, maybe yes. Baoase luxury resort wants to extend its facilities by building on a fill-up in the sea. How large the area will be, and how much will be built on it, remains a secret.
Antilliaans Dagblad tried to get a look at the plans, but even though they should be made available at Domeinbeheer [domain management] until April 15, not a chance. They newspaper was finally referred to Roy Markes, who "didn't think it proper to go public before the plans had been accorded."
And we oafs thinking the public inspection of the plans was part of the licensing process. Not so, of course, with minister Bolo Mudbelly at the helm.
2024-04-09

Think First, Jump Later
PNP MP Djaoen-Genaro reminds PM Prick Pias that trash is not separated before Selikor picks it up to take it to the landfill. Selikor personnel should separate it themselves, but she concludes this is inefficient. People should be able to sort trash themselves and then dumping it into containers.
(Talk about inefficient.)
She wants Pias to look into the problem. As if he had time, not to mention interest.
In the Dutch town den Haag/the Hague, followed by other places, this separation of compostable and non-organic trash has been done by the local waste company for almost a century now.
In other locations, we read that after pick-up separated trash has often just been mixed up and dumped together with all other trash.
2024-04-09

Too Complicated
Is what SER social-economic council says about the new gambling rules for Curaçao. Gambling institutes care not so much about the fees they must pay to the government (which must a real surprise to minister Silly Bully, who has them pay ridiculously little) as in simplicity in applying for a license.
And then, SER goes on to say that Curaçao is attractive because of its fast and efficient license procedure. Maybe you can explain the contradiction here; it certainly is beyond me.
Except for thinking, one more bloody mess we're landing in.
2024-04-09

You Decide
Good or bad? No progress has been made in the first 3 months of this year on the start of the announced asphalt factory, which was supposed to start work next month. Harms, representing contract cooperators of Isla refinery, says meetings have little or no solid substance and are mainly political.
It may be bad news for the workers, but good news for our lungs.
2024-04-09

"Secret"
Lawyer Peppi, or maybe Kokki, Sulvaran claims the Curaçao judiciary system discriminates on color and income. As regards income, what else is new? That's sort of standard all over the world: when you're more "civilized" the judge is better prepared to listen to your arguments. As regards color, might well be so; then again, he may be talking out of the back of his neck.
That's what I can't help thinking when he goes on about a "secret file" that's inaccessible for defendant and his lawyer. How does he know, huh? Which doesn't mean it would not exist—or would. Sulvaran promises more later.
"Color" often, but not always, goes together with higher or lower income, or erudition.
2024-04-09

Cashless Society? Not So Fast
The banks will change their debit cards for a new system, where payments will have to be made using the MasterCard and Visa system. Which results in much higher costs for the payee. Several of those have already announced they do not accept the new debit cards. Many already refuse credit cards for the same reason.
Another result may be, even higher prices for everything; just to fatten the banks.
Deliberations will be starting by the (new) National Payment Council, with the banks and CBCS central bank.
And it's a safe bet, cash prices will go up as well. Hey!
2024-04-08

Oh, It's Like That?
Story goes around about a "woman of color" that hit a "glass cliff" when given a leading function in a mostly white setting. It's given attention by someone "fervently in favor of diversity and inclusion" to NOT coin a phrase. I'm not mentioning any names.
For starters, I don't doubt it for one fraction of a second. I've heard plenty, too many, stories of whities complaining about the same thing in reverse. Figures that it works both ways.
2024-04-08

They Keep Coming (Back)
Once again, a Venezuelan Yola boat has been wrecked on Oostpunt. It was full of refugees, with guns and at least one child aboard. Several of them had been kicked out already, but obviously like the island better than their country.
Six were arrested pretty soon, and later in the day seven more. There may be still more on the loose, but the press messages differ.
2024-04-08

Maybe?
It's not sure at all if FKP social housing, and with them HD&M's Garmes and Shorty, will get money out of the bankrupt Girobank. There may not be a penny left. Which is fine with me as far as those last two are concerned.
2024-04-08

Hurrah, Honkies! Cool, Crackers!
PAN political party demands slavery restitution payments (by Holland) for every Curaçao citizen. Here's your chance, ligvellige makambas and penshonados, to come into some extra money. Vote for PAN so they will get a parliament seat (now they don't have one).
No way of telling if it's PAN's Rojer or the newspapers that are that dumb. Maybe both; I shouldn't wonder.
2024-04-07

By Law Now
After the suspicious Venezuela "referendum" crook president Maduro has declared the controversial part of Guyana is now part of Venezuela, by law. (Remember? that region that by a coincidence is oil-rich.)
A good thing that both Venezuela and Guyana have made clear that they won't start a war on this. But somehow, I don't fully trust Maduro—call me paranoid.
2024-04-07

That Don't Fly
At Hato airport, here was a fire in an engine of Venezuelan Albatros airlines, who have been in more trouble recently. Like an aircraft confiscated in Aruba because of unpaid repair/maintenance charges.
JetAir Caribbean wants to start charter flights executed by Albatros, but more and more people wonder if this is a desirable thing.
2024-04-06

Cooper at Work
There's no stopping Bolo Mudbelly in the "development" of the island. Now it's two building projects for which no building permits have been granted, but which seem to go ahead full steam anyway. Both at Caracasbaaiweg, already one big traffic obstruction. One at Jan Thiel, were else? Answer: at Brakkeput, that one by APC pension fund.
2024-04-06

That's a Lot
What Aqualectra needs to catch up on years of... [let it go, won't help] is 1/3 of the country's annual budget.
In fact, they also need it to invest in still more green dreamery.
2024-04-06

Take Your Pick
One newspaper writes that CBCS central bank predicts a 2024 economy growth of 4.8%; another one of 3.1%.
2024-04-06

For the Tourists, Yes
For us, not so much. Reputedly, there are now 528 cases of dengue. The usual warnings (which never seem to help much) have been given: clean up your garden, get rid of water receptacles where the mosquitos breed, etc.
But not a word about the anti-dengue vaccination Dutch people can get in Holland before they leave. Hey, shut up, clean up, and pay your taxes.—if you get sick, too bad. Welcome, dear tourist.
2024-04-05

Who Cares
It has been found out that FKP social housing has been using templates for concrete walls that are 5 cms shorter than the legal norm. These have been used in Sapaté, Mantagne Abou, Wechi and now again for 204 houses in Tera Korá.
FKP knew about it all the time; the 5cms difference is because a concrete floor was poured after the walls had been built. New, also too short, templates have even been ordered. And most have been paid for as well.
2024-04-05

Happens Again
Malpais landfill caught fire, which has happened before. Responsible Selikor asks the people living around there for understanding if they're bothered by smoke.
Much easier than taking your responsibility and preventing fires.
2024-04-05

Sad
The animal shelter at Parera has to close. No money. No subsidies. But who's to blame?
According to economy ministry, the Shelter has not applied for subisidy the way it should. Hey, I wouldn't know if that's true.
2024-04-05

#HereToo? Not Yet
As far as I know. But in Holland, since 2023 an anti-dengue vaccin has become available. While there are several fat question marks to be applied, the question as so often is: why haven't we here heard about it?
If we did, it did not make the media.
Here's the link. Sorry, in Dutch.
2024-04-04

Who Cares
Bolo Mudbelly Cooper doesn't seem to. The people living around Zakitó have asked him for comments on the planned yacht harbor as regards environmental concerns—in November last year. But no reaction has been forthcoming from him.
Small wonder. As if he could.
2024-04-04

What Else
PNP defends Tax Person Trona against Silly Bully's allegations: "He can't defend himself." They got that straight; it's impossible in the light of Soab's charges. To add to the (pretty transparent) smoke screen the party's Larmonie-Cecilia starts talking about Silly Vain's bullying of his subordinates. So?
At any rate, looks like Trona did defend himself.
It is all resulting in friction within the coalition, which may be all to the good. Just don't count on a split-up.
Besides, the next batch will be just as rotten. We know only too well by now.
2024-04-04

You Want to Know...
... what I think about the announced closer cooperation between CPA and Colombia on the harbors? Can't help having my thoughts turning to drugs, coming in "somehow" and being transported to Europe from our harbor. Don't blame me, please!
2024-04-04

Now It's Secret?
The parliamentary inquiry on the new hospital will now be continued, looking into the actual building of it. But these sessions are not public.
Next week we're promised a press meeting to enlighten us all. By now, I'm hardly curious anymore. I just can't get over the feeling that it will all lead nowhere.
2024-04-04

CyraNose
Double pun in two languages. Or maybe three, but who's counting? An actor playing the character of Cyrano de Bergérac is always equipped with a formidable fake proboscis; in Dutch called "a wax nose" [wassen neus] which expression also stands for something that doesn't help at all.
In this case, the promised tax reforms. Nothing will happen to help us to get rid of that hoard of crooks, the Tax Persons, stealing from us all on a daily base. Who's kidding whom—or trying to?
2024-04-03

One More...
HD&M company, property of Rudney Garmes, of whom ex-PM Shorty is a collaborator, will get 1 million guilders out of the bankrupt Girobank scandal disaster. As a "success fee." Out of 19 million FKP social housing is supposed to get from Girobank.
I'll spare you the details. Just one more thing. Yawn.
And yes, it looks like Shorty gets his cut. Names have been blacked out in the forms.
2024-04-03

Dengue
Another outburst of dengue fever. We get them regularly, mostly in the rainy season though, which is months past. There are 20 (tourist) cases in hospital with already 3 deaths this time around.
But that can be no reason for tourists not to come, we're told: "Some will get it, some won't." Wow! that's good to know.
Here's a new one making its way to the island: oropouche. Not that we have many sloths around from which the virus can be transmitted. Except those in Ali Baba's Cavern, government seat Fort Amsterdam.
2024-04-03

That We Want to See
Hato Airport is at work on a system where every passenger will use an e-pass which enables him to pass immigration in 20 seconds.
Maximum number of passengers in a Boeing 787 is 300, which would still result in 100 minutes, almost 2 hours, total processing time. Let us hope there are more than one immigration stations available.
2024-04-03

Bad
65% of the people have debts. And many are poor and live below the subsistence minimum. A credit card debt with 18% interest (which I think is criminally high) is bad enough, but there are plenty of loan sharks around who charge even more.
Now SOAW social affairs ministry will investigate the problem. That will be a big help (/sarcasm>.
2024-04-03

Who Cares
We are warned to check the seals and codes on alcohol bottles. If they're covered up, safety and authenticity of the contents are not guaranteed.
Looking at it in another way, it means that the product may have been imported by other parties than the "official" agents.
2024-04-03

Fait Wates
Aqualectra promises us we only have to wait for next year, when umpteen more millions have been invested in a not-so-green wind-mill "park" and their tariffs will go down. As I've quoted before, "that would be a miracle for sure."
Here's another quotation, from Marc Morano, who surely knows more than I do:
"In those jurisdictions that have succeeded in getting generation from renewables up to as high as about 30% of their total electricity supply, the result has been an approximate tripling in the price of electricity for their consumers. The few (basically experimental) jurisdictions that have gotten generation from renewables even higher than that have had even greater cost increases for relatively minor increases in generation from renewables. As the percentage of electricity coming from renewables increases, the consumer price increases accelerate."
2024-04-02

Trona's Terror
A "high-placed official" explains to Antilliaans Dagblad howcum no steps will be taken against tax inspector Trona. It's quite simple and predictable. Many politicians, coalition and opposition, as well as Soiled Rats made a habit of contacting Trona to solve their little problems, and he obliged. That's what friends are for, after all.
But if he gets kicked off his chair, he may open up, which is what they want to avoid. Only to be expected.
Remaining question: will we all take this, once again, lying down not to rock the boat? Or will we, for once, protest in a fruitful manner?
I certainly have fought my fights.
2024-04-02

Looking for € Six Million
To finance yet another pipe dream. This time, to start pilot flights with so-called "hybrid planes" between the ABC-islands. At any rate, thankfully no mention of the CUR-SXM route. Even those know-nothings seem to have come to the conclusion that's no good.
Talk is about a Cessna Skymaster push-pull aircraft equipped with a giant battery underneath which can transport (are you ready?) three (3!) passengers. The "push" engine will be electrified; the "pull" engine is still gasoline-driven. Why not both electric, you ask? Well, we can only guess it's because that would mean a still larger and heavier battery.
Why the pilot would cost €6m? A 1980 Skymaster (gasoline of course) can be bought for $350,000 and will transport 6 passengers.
The last Skymaster was built in 1982.
But Ampaire themselves have already been testing their Eco Caravan between the ABC islands. It's the Cessna 208, a single-engine plane taking 9 passengers; but miraculously, the Ampaire version takes 11. Ampaire says the battery is located "in the cargo pod" but in their own photo it's clearly mounted under the cabin. At least, this one is still in production.
2024-04-02

Not News
The deadline for registering sub-licensed online gambling houses has been extended from March 31 to April 30. The government sure is bending over backwards to give them a chance to continue their activities. Quelle surprise!
Because several of them had "logistic problems"—whatever. Translation: they're not even able to get this done. No matter, the GCB gaming board has already licensed 8 of them anyway, even though the new LOK law hasn't been introduced yet.
But there will come no restrictive list of countries where Curaçao gambling houses may be active. I take it, meant is "not active".
2024-04-02

Nice, Not
4 cops are suspects in a case where, after a chase if a car containing guys fleeing after an atrako, which crashed after they had loosened their guns on it, resulting in one death.
Looks like the cops changed their story to make it sound better, and even collected empty shells to put back in their guns, in a (totally clumsy, if you ask me) effort to make it seem they had not been shot.
The unit leader has been given a non-active status.
2024-04-02

Dumb Meters and EVs
Aqualectra is still going on about installing "smart meters" all over the island. But now we read that of the 30 millions of them installed in British homes, 4 million are not working. Which may result in (still!) higher costs for the unlucky home owners.
In more or less related news, car makers lose $6000 on every $50,000 electric car they sell. Why keep on making them, fer cryin' out loud? Maybe to help the tire manufacturers out: seems some drivers have to buy new tires every 10,000 kms. Because the extra weight and fast accelerating results in extreme wear and tear.
Why start buying them, then?
2024-04-02

Of Course Not!
Our esteemed government, consisting of fornicating bleeders, has decided there won't be personnel consequences because of this. In other words, the Tax Bosses, and their enthusiastically supporting gang of crooked thugs, may go on as-is.
Which, as Antilliaans Dagblad remarks raises questions about the goverment plans to reform the tax system. Fairy Tales by Mother Pias; but we knew that already. Since long. Let us all slip down the slope to join Haïti!
2024-04-01

That's Criminally Naïve
MAN thinks it's unacceptable that the government has decided not to take steps against the thoroughly rotten corruption of Tax Bosses Alfonso Trona and Jamilia Isenia, while minister Sylvania (AKA around here as Silly Vain Bully) since May 2023 has refused to explain in parliament about his decision to grant 3 million oops billion guilders' worth of tax exemption.
Hey MAN, we're in Curaçao here! Get it? As if you guys didn't know damn well.
2024-04-01

Enjoy!
No newspapers, no stupid clowns' acts. Except those pulled in secret. Till Tuesday?
2024-03-30

That's Great
PM, ministers and all 9 M*F*K MPs have been tested for cocaine and marihuana; results negative.
What we're not told is how long in advance they were warned about the coming tests.
Culture and education minister van Heydoorn had himself tested while in Colombia; Plenipot minister in Holland, Manuel, will be tested there.
2024-03-30

Tough, Braam
The Dutch court of appeals has decided that Braam may not fill a minister's seat after all, contrary to the Curaçao high court judgment. Braam was not actually convicted of the crime of raping a patient, but now the court has decided he was guilty, anyway.
That is, if my limited brains got it right. The media I read don't say it that clearly.
2024-03-29

"Took a While"
That's Amigoe's comment on the, finally, signed agreement which will enable parking meters to be installed again. An understatement if I ever saw one; took years... Wisely, the exploiters refused to order equipment before they had an agreement. Once the things work, you can pay with your plastic by means of a downloadable Curaçao Flowbird app. Which at least is a great improvement.
2024-03-29

Crooks, All
Many, at least. No, this time it's not about the Big Leaders: between January 17 and March 18th Aqualectra utility shut off 14 businesses and 156 residences for illegal use of water and/or electricity.
Means, stealing it.
Maximum fine is 20,000 guilders. Plus repair costs of damaged pipes/conduits, payment of what has been stolen (plus previous debts), and possible prosecution.
2024-03-29

No Such Luck
Bonaire hospital Mariadal requested Bolo Mudbelly to allow Colombia Sarpa to execute inter-island flights for patient transports. They even went to court. But no.
Seems that Sarpa soon started to execute flights which were not according to the book. Ans after all, Bonaire company ZAir is not allowed to fly between two Colombia locations, either.
2024-03-29

Good Riddance
Jesus-Leito is leaving PAR party and taking her parliament seat with her. Wat's the difference, anyway? She and the party couldn't agree on PAR's repositioning process during the coming elections. Whatever that means—could be plenty of things, most of little or no interest.
But party leader Girigorie may remain on. Or maybe not. They'll fight it out coming weekend.
2024-03-29

How About Them?
PNP MP Osepa wants to know, how about those 5 new buses for school kids' transport, for which 2 million was budgeted end 2023? Have they even been bought? When will they arrive and be put in service?
At least they won't be EV buses, as then they would be at least twice the price.
2024-03-282024-03-29

Alternative
The policy for importing medical supplies will be adapted. It will become easier to import "alternative" medications. If this means more generic products, it may be all to the good and will bring down costs (as long as there remains quality control).
If it means "alternative" in the sense of quackery products, please spare us. Don't laugh; it's a real danger. Remember auntie Sushi and Quackie Constancia...
2024-03-28

Not So
PM Prick Pias paid a visit to Tax Collector head Trona; rumors have it to try and get him to take his leave himself. Wouldn't help much, would it? the entire team should be fired, as far as I'm concerned. But I may be prejudiced, haha.
Other rumors say, but don't mind them, tee hee, that finance minister Silly Bully is out to have Trona's head and replace him with non PNP-party members. Silly Bully wanted to install a management team for the tax dept, but PNP intervened.
With the added remark that Silly Bully himself once worked as a Tax Person but was "eliminated." (He's still alive, though.)
Maybe some PNP members made a deal themselves? It's a thought; and not only they.
2024-03-28

Maybe
MP Mercelina went for a drug test, which turned out negative. He said he never used drugs.
I don't have an idea how long ago he was alleged to have used them, and how long residues remain in your body after use.
2024-03-28

Wilkommen
Still hungry for more tourists, CTB is now trying to attract more Krauts sorry, Germans.
2024-03-28

Oh, Great
Next week, Mogas car gasolene goes up with 10 cents/liter, and diesel goes down. Electricity goes down as well, and so does water.
All because of lower international market prices. So don't ask.
2024-03-28

Shocking!
In fact, sickening. The state of affairs within the Tax Collector's offices. "A shambles and absolute arbitrariness" it's called by Antilliaans Dagblad. The head of the, to judge from the Soab government accounting bureau report, totally corrupt department says he has the liberty to "deviate from the current recovery guidelines" which seems to be right, if the reasons for deviation are registered in the collection file. Which they are not. Almost not at all.
Favoring certain taxpayers with preferred treatment goes on for year after year, which is called "not incidental".
Alas, as so often, WE knew it all the time. What makes it even worse to digest that the normal tax payers are threatened with fines and seizures, while the big villains go off scott-free.
An expediter with a 4.5 million debt got a settlement for 5000/month, which would result in 900 months or 72 years of payments.
A caterer with a 1 million debt got a settlement for 2,500/month; which he didn't honor. So he got a new settlement—for 2,500/month.
You'll never convince us that money didn't pass under the table in cases like that.
2024-03-27

Holland Approves We Will Pay
Nice huh? The Dutch agree that the plan to "save" Ennia's pension is fine, so we can go ahead. For the sum of 30 million/year during the next umpteen years. Which you and I will pay, but you got that already. Even though Cft financial supervision disagrees.
But who cares what Cft says? In fact, it looks like "nobody".
2024-03-27

Condition
Aquatel, Aqualectra's new telecommunication endeavor, has gotten the go-ahead from a government bureau. Start expected half 2025. On one condition: it shouldn't cause the electricity/water tariffs to go up.
Devoutly to be wished. Even if you don't plan to use Aquatel (like me) you may still end up paying for it.
2024-03-27

Endemic
Much ado in parliament about "alleged" drug use of a delegation to Colombia. Must be rumors. Can only be lies. But the fact that the person pointed at, PNP MP Mercelina, used to have a "rasta hairdo" does make you think a bit.
Mercelina is considering what steps to take against these accusations. Which I'd like to see.
I know that parliament is supposed to be spelled with a capital "p" but my keyboard just refuses to. I think I'll hang on to it.
2024-03-27

You Think?
PAR MP Girigorie objects in parliament that "we shouldn't invent new rules to enable MPs to go on foreign trips." Reason, PNP member Djaoen-Genero, parliament head, has been appointed as delegation leader of a trip to Colombia. Which has never happened before.
Girigorie also wants MPs to keep to their promises when on a trip. That would create a precedent indeed.
2024-03-27

Tough: Bad Luck
Aqualectra can't be held responsible for falling cables damaging your car. In a court case, the owner had to pay the over 700 guilders repair costs herself. Plus process costs, including those made by Aqualectra.
Happily, she's still alive.
2024-03-27

Welcome to Curaçao
There has been a law pending to decrease violence in schools, which problem is raising its ugly head more and more; but that's still pending. Good huh? We all understand that our Leaders have more important things to do.
Like making money.
2024-03-27

Good for Mariano
The main suspect cop in the theft of 600 keys of drugs from the police station Rio Canario. The appeals court judged that there was insufficient proof of his guilt. The witnesses were not considered reliable.
Good point. Doesn't prevent us to have our own ideas.
2024-03-27

Another Triumph!
In the struggle of tourism versus Our Own People. Near Jan Thiel, a center of the tourist pest, a hill has been denuded despite protests from the people living there and two objections lodged for the activities being at variance with EOP island development plan.
Only marks on paper.
It's the APC pension fund (for spoiled brats, the terrain owner), Bolo Mudbelly and his ministry's secretary-general Puriel who never bothered to react to those. Not a single permit has been given.
Tourism always wins. There's money in them there denuding of hills. For whom? No comment.
What a laugh, depending on your sense of humor: the developer assures us that "some special trees have been spared" and "others [mangroves] 'may' be used again later." 2024-03-27

Will It Help?
Not much, is our guess. Australian Communications and Media Authority (Acma) is worried about the online gambling possibilities extended from Curaçao to Australians. Acma has discussed the problem with our finance minister Silly Bully. Who must have assured them that the new LOK gambling enabling law will put a stop to all that.
HAH!
2024-03-27

It's a Thought
Surely. MP Doran wonders about food safety in the "hospitality" sector. It doesn't look and feel safe, right.
Welcome, dear tourist!
2024-03-27

Good?
The Netherlands, in their great wisdom, have decided the Ennia "solution" is sufficiently solid and sustainable. But you don't have to agree; that's your problem. Also paying for that solution for the following umpteen years is your problem. Ours.
That means as well that the Covid loan may be extended or renewed, whatever, at a low interest. How low we're not told yet. CBCS central bank figures 3.6% would be, again, sustainable. Our national debt is now 64.7% of the GDP. Which if it was my personal debt would worry me extremely. But CBCS seems to think it's A-OK.
2024-03-23

Less Is More
Aruba, where the last government had licensed the building of 7000 new hotel rooms, has already been able to reduce that to 2000. Which many Arubianos will welcome.
We're still going full steam ahead, with the risk of a boiler explosion. Mind the safety valve!
2024-03-22

Gaah!
Police traffic control stops resulted in 44 fines. 23 for driving too fast (and you should see the sorry state of the lane separations there, on Nijlweg!) and 25 (which totals 48) for the as usual: no license, no vehicle test, no insurance, no tax, dark windshield. What, no phones?
Total of fines over 3000 guilders' worth. Would that cover the cops' salaries plus cars, whatever? Afraid not, but that's not the point.
2024-03-22

Oho
Dutch maritime magazine Schuttevaer writes on the drug case now in Curaçao court. International drug cartels more and more are using Curaçao harbor as starting point for large-scale transports. And only now we're made aware of the fact that Kustwacht coast guard hasn't been operating for a year, so go-fast boats are free to deliver their cargo on our coast. The Dutch want to send a new patrol boat over; in April or May.
So much for the bragging of Koninklijke Marine Royal Dutch Navy about how much they've intercepted. Not to mention those fishing boats that make much more money by carrying coke than by catching fish.
2024-03-22

No Need to Tell Us
ARC court of audit still does: road maintenance is deplorable (not their words), with some parts in good condition (as long as it lasts) but especially neighborhood roads "poor to mediocre". "Problem lies in the lack of transparency and verifiability in maintenance activities" to quote Curaçao Chronicle.That would be Bolo Mudbelly's department. Well, blow me down with a toothpick. Even the quality of the roads has not been inspected during the last years.
2024-03-22

Good Luck, Hans!
Hans van de Velde has become the new manager of Winair. He wants to lift the operational standards to a higher level, with a strong emphasis on punctuality and the reliability of the service.
That punctuality is a sore point; was so for ALM Antillean Airlines and all its disastrous follow-ups; it's endemic—not only here but through the Caribbean region. And much of Latin America.
2024-03-21

First, Ask the Pros
Finance minister Silly Vain Bully, in his double act as minister of health, considers importing generic medicine. Which is a good idea; we pay through our nose for expensive brands. However, he wants to import them from India, which may not be so smart. There have been several scandals recently with faulty Indian medical products. Better have them checked by experts upon coming in.
As long as they're not Ayurvedic, you say? That would be even worse, so far you're right.
2024-03-21

Really?!
By September, it's predicted at least, the downtown parking meters will be operating again after several years of just sitting there. We read that some suckers tried to pay anyway. It took time... This is Curaçao...
2024-03-21

So Do We All
On the coming 3 to 5 years, Aqualectra needs 750 million guilders to invest in water and electricity. It should result in better service to the consumers and to comply with conclusions and recommendations of Belgian Laborelec/Engie, that investigated the utility.
One of the reasons is coming investments in "sustainable energy". Aqualectra is looking for the money.
2024-03-21

Lawlessness Is the Law
Eight enterprises were visited by the police, MEO economic development and Immigration, and only two turned out to have the necessary permits. Seven out of nine persons were illegal oops undocumented were arrested as well,
2024-03-21

Not Here
But in Holland. Where work is being done to tighten up the law on online gambling. Here, not so much. Al contrali.
2024-03-21

Not So Hot
But music to my ears: "Icy blast of bankruptcy looms for Swedish windpower section is the headline. "The total loss for the years 2017-2022 amounted to 13.5 billion Swedish krona [€1.2 billion], which meant a loss margin of 39 per cent." Uh oh. One more quote and then I'll shut up, don't have to add to that: "the sector as a whole has not made a profit in any year since 2017.
Company losses have ranged from 19 per cent to 90 per cent of turnover between 2017 and 2022..
'The losses are simply because the industry cannot produce electricity at a cost below the market price, despite extensive subsidies,' economists noted." No problem here with our market prices, of course.
2024-03-19

Faster, Better? and More Expensive
FLOW telecommunications announces they will raise the tariffs with 4.5%, second time in one year. Only landline calls will not go up, and internet speed will be improved. A condition devoutly to be wished. 2G technology will be replaced by 3G and 4G. No mention of 5G.
FLOW also wonders what's going on with Aquatel, a new competitor to be started by Aqualectra utility.
2024-03-19

Dreamer...
M*F*K PM Prick Pias wants the tourists and the fisher persons both to be happy. He even paid a visit to Playa Piskadó to check the situation.
The good [?] man has no idea, but we're used to that. Alas.
2024-03-19

As Long As We're At It
Staten wants broader environment regulations in the new law. Sea and earth factors should be included as well. PAR MP Pauletta utters that the law should not be about the refinery, which it threatens to be: rather, the refinery should fall under it. And she also worries, as she well might, that maintaining controls will be the biggest problem.
CAE complains that there is not a word about CO₂ "pollution" in the law.
2024-03-19

Took a While...
But now, finally, in Holland as well medical doctors are concerned about the effects of noise pollution by wind generators. I have been worrying here about this for a while, myself. One example is the Groningen village Meede where generators have been installed at less than a kilometer from residential areas. Here, in Tera Corá, it's much less: starting at 560 meters.
Here? Not a peep has been heard.
2024-03-19

That's Better?
The Dutch will pay for the electric buses we've been promised to get, for what we can only guess are exorbitant prices. At least, the Curaçao government has asked Holland to do so, out of the SDE++ fund (don't ask me what that stands for). The National Growth Fund has in the past declined, thank you.
2024-03-19

Traffic Threshold
Most tresholds have gone long since (in many cases demolished by people living around there), but often the warning signs are still there. Our DOW pubic works is really on its toes!
2024-03-18

Coining a Coin
The new Curaçao and St. Maarten guilder will be introduced on March 31, 2025: the ANG will then become CTX. June 30 2025 is the last day you can use it for payments; the last chance to exchange ANGs for CTXs is March 31, 2026. 1 ANG = 1 CTX; 1 CTX = 1.79 USD.
It's more sustainable, CBCS central bank tells us. That's a relief!
2024-03-17

Temporary, Question Mark
Utility Aqualectra asks for bidders to deliver 5 diesel generators which should be in service by July this year. Awaiting the new wind "park" at Playa Kanoa and the new diesel plant—which is the first we hear about that one.
The expected term for these diesel generators to be operational is two years.
2024-03-16

More andMore
Curaçao had over 60,000 stay-over tourists in February, which is 42% more than last year. Plus 125,000 cruise day-trippers. I realize that I'm a grouch for not being enthusiastic, but more and more people start having the same feelings.
2024-03-16

Easy to Follow
Curaçao wants to send two delegates to the Dutch parliament discussions on the Malta tax treaty. Names are unknown as yet.
Betcha they'll be M*F*K members.
2024-03-16

Did You Notice?
Yesterday was International Consumers' Day. This time the theme was "A future with honest and responsible AI for the consumer". You might as well pray; maybe better.
2024-03-16

Eat It
Selikor garbage utility has not been collecting trash in several quarters for several weeks. But directeur Kook assures us that the lag in collection will be over soon./
Can't be too soon.
2024-03-16

That Would Be Remarkable
At least, the only one it's worth it to ask. Aqualectra promises us that in 2025 "the community will see considerable reductions in tariffs for water and electricity." Because of the new wind park at Playa Kanoa. Aqualectra claims that by then, 50% of the 1000mW Curaçao consumption will be delivered by the wind generators; and in 2027 it will be 70%. Presently it's 30%.
Which hasn't helped much, as tariffs till now kept going up. Sorry, color me dark-skeptical.
Another promise is a battery for net stability. Who'll pay for that unaffordable colossus? Yes, I know: you and me.
Finally, Aqualectra promises us we'll have 100% "green" energy in the future.
2024-03-15

Waking Up?
There are more and more complaints about the growth of tourism. Locals have problems to go the beaches, as parts of them often have been reserved for cruise tourists. Even parking has become a problem at several beaches. CTB and Ministry of Tourism will look at the problems. "We will make arrangements on how to minimalize negative effects on beach use."
One possible solution mentioned is, find tourists with more money. That's supposed to improve their quality.
An oft-heard but flawed opinion. For example, rich Chinese and Russkis are much harder to stand than poor Japanese.
2024-03-14

"A Total Shambles"
CMC Martina has had his say in the parliamentary inquiry on the new hospital. Putting it in a nutshell, the best way is to quote his words: "un tutu kompletu." When the time approached that the building must be delivered, all money had been spent and a deal had to arranged with a local bank consortium.
And Donald de Palm opines that "lack of continuity and advise were the problem." There was lack of information from the ministry of Health and that of Finance. Which is not hard to believe; it's chronic, not to say endemic.
2024-03-14

Join Our Club
Dutch MPs are skeptical about the Curaçao-Malta tax treaty. It will enable foreign gambling houses to operate globally, in Holland as well, and may enable transfer of funds to other countries. They don't say it, but I, fearlessly, will: "money laundering".
PVV and VVD are also worried about tax evasion or avoidance, and PVV is concerned about future potential consequences.
We all are. At least, some of us.
Can the Kingdom stop this? We'll have to see.
2024-03-14

Aw, Shut Up
Building of the breakwater for the new yacht harbor has started already, and dredging will start later this year, announces GMFB Caribbean Group on the Zakitó lagoon.
Protest as much as you want, people: Bolo Mudbelly decided so and then it will happen.
2024-03-13

Sushi's Version
Ex-Health minister Auntie Sushi's turn to give evidence in the CMC inquiry. She claims that "nobody ever inherited such a mess as I did" which words we hear on a regular base from politicians all over the world. She states she wanted to proceed Coûte que coûte with the new hospital, as so much had been invested in it already. Which is called "throwing good money after bad") She concludes that there was capital destruction of 4 to 5 million guilders, which is ridiculously less than the 200 million mentioned elsewhere. But I may have misunderstood.
2024-03-13

Fluid Soap
Jan Huurman reacts to the almost implicated threats of Whiteman, leaving not much of Uncle Ben's (oops, is that racist?) allegations intact. Whiteman's memory is not what it used to be, says Huurman. Maybe it never was...
Too bad Huurman forgot in his "7 Points for a Failed State" to mention the InselAir flop and the gambling-mafia enabling LOK law. Which brings the count to 9. One more and it's Down and Out. Plenty more where they came from... Aqualectra, anyone?
2024-03-13

Well, Yeah, Looks that Way
"Curaçao as a transit country is a transshipment point for international drug trafficking" remarks the public ministry in the Crow court case against 9 smuggling suspects. Several working in key positions in CPS Curaçao Port Services. But also mentioned is a "marine" (which I guess means, Royal Dutch Navy, supposed to stop drug transports; among other functions) container containing € 42 millions [street] value worth of coke.
Interesting detail: the sealed shipment goes out with an extra seal, to replace the broken seal after the drugs have been taken out. You have to think of every detail in this business. But it's well worth the trouble.
The case is in court from March 6-15.
Burning remaining question: HOW does all that stuff come in here?
CPS, for all intents and purposes, is a SOE State-Owned Enterprise. Customs people of course are full-time spoiled rats.
2024-03-12

Poor Bastard
M*F*K finance minister Silly Bully takes exception to the last letter he got from the CMC hospital management, which holds that CMC's problems are caused by him and CBV union.
Among other things, CMC reproaches Silvania that he routinely uses "social" media (FakeBooc) for his communications.
2024-03-12

Yes and No
The "living Labs" are at it again. The guys who started the pipe dream of floating colossal hydrogen-producing wind generators. Still in the works: hey, surely some fat crumbs can be picked up during production.
But this is more about our cultural heritage, which is fine with me. All about the catching of rainfall, great, thus preventing erosion (which involves damage to the coral reefs as well.) A pity that even sketchily reading a Curaçao Chronicle article on the conservation and reconstruction of old dams may lead you to think rainwater can be prevented from finally ending up in the sea. It will.
2024-03-12

It's Fiction
A foundation is agitating to try and get the government to forbid public screenings of Dutch feature film Invasie (guess what that means). It's about an imaginary foreign country attacking Curaçao and Aruba, which are finally liberated by three valorous Dutch marines.
Colonialism! Nos mes por. Need I add that the foundation is aiming for a completely autonomous Haïti Curaçao?
No matter that it's fiction; worse, what the foundation wants is to hinder freedom of expression—giving us a nice insight into where they want to go with complete autonomy. Spox Regales says the movie aims to scare the population.
He scares me. Hey, he ought to be forbidden!
2024-03-11

Well Well Well
Both Norway and Sweden are looking at laws to force shops accepting customers' cash payments, not only plastic. If the amount is higher than NOK20,000 (= ANG3465) this may be excepted.
Can't tell you if this goes for payments to the governments there as well.
2024-03-11

Remarkable
New Argentina "anarcho-capitalist" president Milei announced several measures to fight the disastrously failing economy he inherited from former governments. To mention, 9 of 18 ministries have been slashed:
Ministry of Transportation and Public Works (would be our DOW)
Tourism and Sports (CTB, anyone? Plus all that money disappearing in sport subsidies.)
Environment and Sustainable Development (What do they do here? Not stopping Isla, that's for sure.)
Strikes a familiar note. In fact, a chord.
2024-03-11

Contradiction
CAE notes that the government, on the one hand, is trying to get Isla refinery back to work, and on the other hand is spending many millions on projects to stimultae the tourist tade. With many of those catching the Isla smell—and poisons to boot.
2024-03-11

Many-Sided Talent
In a house search at a man's residence, who is suspected of murder, the cops also found two goats with cut-off ears and 188 weed plants plus 39 packs of marihuana, ready for sale.
One of the expressions in Papiamento for adultery is "korta orea", cut ears, but the cops rather suspect these have been cut off to hide the ear-notches owners use to mark their property.
2024-03-11

How He Talks
Ex-Pm Whiteman warned Jan Huurman in some radio program that his "colonial" critical articles that he, Whiteman, knew what had happened exactly and how Huurman had failed; and also, who Huurman was supporting.
Go on talking, both Huurman and Whiteman, we'd all like to hear more about that. Much more.
2024-03-11

Failed State
Jan Huurman writes a long article for KKC where he doesn't use these words, but he might as well have. In fact, better. He mentions, also in Curaçao.nu, 7 illusions that characterize the Curaçao society. Many of those are well known to most of us, especially if you are one of the regular visitors here. Let's sum them up:
The illusion of political integrity — failed projects like the Vomit Comet and the 1000 Cows — the new CMC hospital — absence of proper checks and balances (including the Girobank and Ennia disasters) — the refinery's future — the mishandling of the Covid pandemic. Almost every one of them, not to mention M*F*K's Shorty reign, leaving us with hundreds of millions debt; or much more..
And Huurman finishes by pointing out two courses into the future: the independent Haïti model or back to mother Makambia's skirts.
Too bad Huurman misses the Silly Bully LOK gambling-mafia-enabling law, but it\'s bad enough without that.
I can't agree with him on the reasons why Isla refinery seems hopeless, but the end result is the same.
2024-03-11

Action Announced
CAE Clean Air Everywhere will go to court when the new proposed law on air pollution demands will be voted through by parliament (planned on March 18). The law will transgress the EVRM European Human Rights and also the norms of WHO World Health Organization.
Let us hope it's not necessary. But as long as our Bleaders keep dreaming on about a renewed refinery, it will probably turn out to be a need.
2024-03-10

Two Hobbies
They Bite. The popular media-pushed hobby is, we must go "sustainable". Mine, rowing against the stream, is that's a contradiction in terms. Or Oxymoron if you prefer. Maybe still better, both: Sustainable is unsustainable.
Now it's New York news, where 500 EV buses may have to be taken out of service. Costing ANG800,000 each. (Goodbye, dear 225,000,000 dollars. Which indicates how much we may be paying for them, even though that's a secret. Why? After all, we have plenty more money.) Reasons, the batteries aren't to be trusted; they may catch fire anytime, nobody can predict when, and in cold weather they just don't perform. Etcetera.
Also good, in Sweden 52 EV BYD brand buses are charged with diesel generators. They drink too much for the regular utility net.
These New York batteries as well are made by BYD, a brand of which I have noticed several cars driving around here. Don't park next to them: you may get sorry.
BYD stands for Build Your Dreams, I read. Better say, Burn Your Delusions?
2024-03-09

"Wettig Betaalmiddel"
"Legal tender"— that's what our money is supposed to be. I mean banknotes and coins we get from the CBCS central bank, soon to be replaced.
But the fact of the matter is, you can't use cash money to pay your taxes, drivers' license, passport, sedula ID—in fact, hardly anything to the government. One reason is, because the Spoiled Rats then have less of a chance to steal it. We all know they often do. The other reason heard, that the government is afraid that robbers will steal the cash money, ought to be ridiculous.
Now, a USA woman is suing the government there because she had to use plastic to pay the National Park Service: she couldn't pay cash. Which she alleges is a violation of U.S. law by refusing to accept U.S. currency.
I am really curious how this will work out. Many people here just don't have a bank account, let alone a debit/credit card. Keep tuned!
2024-03-09

Good. Make Them Pay.
Another success for lawyer Roel Bijkerk of LMS Advocaten. Court told two Curaçao companies, Bellona NV and Antillephone NV, to pay €462,114.44 to a Hungarian woman, who had won that amount (plus interest and costs) while gambling.
2024-03-09

Let's Go!
Next year, there will be one tourist room for every four Arubians. That's 148 rooms per square kilometer. Apart from the problems listed by Aruba Birdlife Conservation in a letter to the government, they also mention that it's unknown how many further promises the government has made to condominium and hotel developers.
Is this what we want here as well? Really? CTB seems to... So does our government.
2024-03-09

No Doubt
CFT financial supervision thinks a structural solution is necessary for a CMC-loan. The new hospital has not been able to fulfill its financial obligations, loan repayments, to the government. right.
And we can't help being reminded of the Ennia-deal, which looks like leading to unavoidable future trouble.
2024-03-09

We'd Like to Know, Too
MAN MP McWilliam demands clarification on the ministers' use of credit cards, with a maximum of $25,000 = ANG45,000. She wonders if those credit cards are indeed used following the rules: only good for flights, car hires and hotels. Minister Silly Bully upon introduction claimed the country would save 1.2 million ($s or ANGs?) per year. Which doesn't sound very impressive in the first place. McWilliam wants to know if the target has been reached.
Remember ex-PM Arsjes's CTB credit card use? I guess we all do.
2024-03-08

That Will Help
Or maybe probably surely not. Residents of Zakitó call for urgent action in order to protect the mangroves coral reefs and more generally , nature, against the developments there. Which they have been doing for three years, while those developments go on inexorably.
A special worry is the proposed yacht harbor to be built by GMFB Caribbean Group.
Good luck, my friends. You'll need it as long as Bolo Mudbelly rules the earth.
2024-03-08

Tiens...
What the Frenchies say for "Lookitthat". A line in a KKC article on Stake online casino almost casually mentions that 40% of blacklisted casinos are from Curaçao.
Wonderful. M*F*K really put us on the map.
2024-03-08

Delay
Investigating goat theft in Bandabao is delayed, because criminal groups go on stealing. Maybe you see the logic; I admit I don't.
2024-03-08

More Marks on Paper
Curaçao will ratify the United Nations Convention against Corruption. It's meant to combate corruption in all its forms. If they're not kidding, the ministers have their work cut out for them.
2024-03-08

Whatever
"35 second-year students from the Faculty of Social and Economic Studies at the University of Curaçao" paid a visit to Waterfort Plaza to study the "sustainable aspects" of redevelopment, Curaçao Chronicle reports.
Don't know about you, but in my brain this news only raises more questions.
2024-03-08

Too Little
Our always-hungry finance minister Silly Bully thinks the Curoil dividend of 10% is too little. In principle, even. In the past the government could count on 50% of net profits; and now Curoil even requests not to pay out any dividend at all over 2019-2022.
Because of the usual list of problems: Covid, loan refinancing, current account facilities with a local bank (does that cost money? for me, only when I'm in the red) and the Ukraine war; for which larger money buffers are needed.
Finally, Curoil remarks they're obliged to charge the consumer what the government tells them to, and not more.
2024-03-07

That's All Good and Well...
... but how? CBCS central bank is supposed to pay ANG30m/per year to the Ennia pension fund. Each year for the next 50 years.
But Antilliaans Dagblad informs us that from 2013-2019 the total CBCS profits were 70.1m (or 64.8m, it's not very clear), max. average 10 million/year. From 2019 to 2022 it was zero or less.
So we might better be prepared to pay for it; by way of higher taxes, of course.
2024-03-07

Forget It?
Ex-health inspector Jan Huurman does it again: calling himself a meddler, he thinks Holland should take over the exploitation of CMC new hospital. Like (probably) you and (in any case) me, he sees the parliamentary inquiry turning into a Kabuki performance that will lead nowhere: "A parade of illusions." And, good point, future projects may or will be mishandled in the same manner.
Interesting detail: location change from Amstel-terrain to Otrabanda did not cost, as reported, 25 million, but over 80% of additional building costs.
I still fail to see why Dutch tax payers should have to pay up. Al contrali, that would mean just one more extra impulse to continue business as usual—exactly what he warns for. To quote a Dutch saying: Wie zijn billen brandt moet op de blaren zitten [Who burns his buttocks must sit on the blisters].
2024-03-06

Chutzpah
Diving school Samí is accused by people living there of having occupied public restrooms and turned them into a storage room. Just like that. They ask minister Silly Bully if he knows about it and what he plans to do about it, when.
Best guess is, not today.
2024-03-06

Forget It, Too
AOV welfare pensions (which everybody pays for in a Ponzi scheme) will not be raised, says anti-social minister Larmonie. Still worse, she says AOV-law does not allow indexing. PAR wants them to go up, even (!) if you have other sources of income.
2024-03-06

Cultural Prerogative
Once again, illegal power and water taps have been discovered. This time also at houses still in the building phase. Fines have gone up since a period of grace, to ANG5200 or (how much?) higher. Repeaters get much (how much?) heavier fines and will be reported with OM public ministry.
2024-03-06

You'll Never Guess
Maybe you will. C***-Post wants to become more "sustainable"— by buying electric vehicles for services. Does this mean goodbye to community mail boxes? I hope so, but don't count on it. Come right down to it, delivery door-to-door is much more efficient than all those individual trips by customers to the community mail box. Specially if it is empty.
2024-03-05

What He Does Best
Lying.
Professor Pinedo told Antilliaans Dagblad that there were several "inaccuracies" in ex-PM Shorty's statement to the parliamentary enquete. For one, Shorty claimed that Usona planned a 450 beds hospital, which he alleged was much too large for Curaçao. But Usona, or FHN or HNC (whatever) planned only 340 beds, also on Dutch TNO's advice.
To put it less politely, those were not inaccuracies but rather deceptions.
Shorty had taken the oath before lying his head off to defend his actions. It's commonly called "perjury".
2024-03-04

More and More...
Now Ben Whiteman, who was PM during an important part of the HNO-affair, has given his witness report. He said he didn't trust the whole business, but it doesn't become clear in what manner (nor what he did about it). We're all beginning to suspect that it will never become clear; that whole parliamentary enquete is starting to look like a farce.
But what Whiteman has to say about Steenhorst of Berenschot is most disquieting. "The whole hospital sage begins at Aqualectra and ends there as well." Aqualectra was also involved in the Amstel terrain choice.
A guy Troeman refused to give any information on his contract and a Berenschot report and told the enquete-committee that a phone call to the MP "would solve everything." Really! Only after the committee threatened him with the OM public ministry he came across with the two documents.
I can tell you nothing about the other witnesses, ex-PM Daniel Hodge, ex-PM Arsjes, Geraldine Cristina, ex-secretary general of GMN (ministry of health) and ex-GMN minister Zita Jesus-Leito.
2024-03-02

Who Is that Guy
Steenhorst: A consultant of Aqualectra, where all the consultants habitually made up reports which guaranteed they would get more consulting jobs.
But this item is more about minister Cijntje, wo has made a mess of his role as large shareholder of Aqualectra and his relation with the Board of Directors. He complained that the Board didn't do as he told them to (troublemakers!). It's endemic in this cabinet. Ciijntje also didn't bother about Aqualectra's yearly accounts—which didn't really exist anyway since 2019.
The article in Curaçao nu suggests that Cijntje still refuses to accept his responsibility for the Aqualectra debacle, while ex-director Jonis does. In my opinion, Jonis does not, not really, and he will go on in the same vein.
And so will Cijntje and the rest of the power-loving bullies.
2024-03-02

To Whom?
Staten/parliament wants to ask CBCS central bank to find a party to sell Ennia to "in a responsible manner". Easier said than done. I wouldn't touch the outfit with a 10-ft. pole.
Also, CBCS must improve. That's something we can all agree with.
2024-03-02

HNO Soap, Cont'd
Ex-interim PM Betrian declared that he was a proponent of the new hospital's location on the planned Amstel terrain. Betrian admits it was all done without public tender, which he says didn't matter because the building had been finished after all. (BAU: Business As Usual, for Curaçao government affairs; or even better—it got finished for a change .) But ex-minister Jardim thought the Otrabanda location would be advantageous, because the Amstel terrain was subject to floods. (Not that Amstel brewery was ever flooded in all its years.)
Ex USONA member Troeman said he'd warned that the project was on a disaster course, because no obvious course was indicated. Sounds weird to my ears.
Witness Berenschot finally declared that "hefty amounts" were transferred from USONA to Berenschot, even though he would have preferred no more involvement, but he had no clear idea what then happened to all that money. You may be excused for thinking different. He got money but doesn't know what happened to it after he received it?
2024-03-01

Did He?
PNP MP Osepa wonders if finance minister Silly Bully violated his duty of confidence by publishing Curoil's tax debt on his Fakebooc page. Every citizen must be sure that protective measures are maintained. (I guess many are not so convinced, already.)
And then Osepa adds that he finds Curoil's debt worrying. But is it a debt?
2024-03-01

Everybody Agrees
That's pretty rare. But it is so: the main factor in the exorbitant building costs of CMC new hospital was moving the location to the present one in Otrabanda. Which Usona building foundation had warned the government for. Thus said Usona's Doran.
Quickie Jacinta, next witness, went so far as to suggest that the government parties from 2013 used the affair to pay back their election campaigns. How that's supposed to have worked is not clear; at least not to me. Without naming names "for safety reasons" she blamed the governments between 2013-2017 for the fact that nothing happened in those years.
That would be PS™-PIAS; but note that Quackie is a member of the M*F*K party, which with Ex-PM Shorty fell in 2012. To bend over backwards for her sake, it's true enough nothing at all happened, strong-government-wise, in that period.
2024-02-29

Just Personal
If you want my personal view, it is that Bob Pinedo may be a great oncologist and professor, but he's been incredibly naïve in his choice of committee members. Admittedly, Jaime Saleh hadn't been exposed in his true false colors yet, but IJs and auntie Sushi?
I'm still curious who Shorty wanted to replace those two with. Must have been pretty much the bottom of the barrel.
2024-02-29

Music! For How Long?
ABC Aruba Birdlife Conversation has started an action "No More Hotels". Enough is too much, they figure. It's accompanied by a letter from a tourist who, 2 days after arrival, decided to cancel their booking and move to Curaçao. "Aruba is too full, has too many tourists and is too commercial" she writes. Nice huh?
Too bad our CTB is doing everything in its power, and more, to follow Aruba's example down that road.
2024-02-29

The HNO Enquete
First to give his opinion to parliament was professor Bob Pinedo, who was requested by the PM de Jongh-Elhage to lead the team that should give us a new hospital, now CMC.He was "embittered", and gives as one reason that M*F*K's ex-PM Shorty wanted him to exchange two members of his team for two (unnamed) persons. Too bad the members he mentions were that same Auntie Sushi and Etienne IJs, one of the infamous "wise men". Even worse, we're not told who the replacements, even worse, would have been.
Another member of Pinedo's group was Jaime Saleh. Maybe Pinedo himself, with all his good intentions, was victimized by bad hungry-for-money collaborators.
All together, with insufficient control by the then minister of finance, it led to an incredible surge in costs.
Next day Shorty himself Told His Tale, as the word is in con-artist circles. The main impression we get from the media is that he often "couldn't exactly remember" what had been going on 14 years ago. Like, he could not remember about wanting to replace Auntie and IJs. Shorty also blames Pinedo's foundation for wanting a 450-beds hospital, while the cabinet thought 300 beds would suffice. Finally, the move to Otrabanda caused enormous extra costs. Which was largely motivated by Shorty's own government; even if he had been removed as MP by the time the actual decision was taken.
Next another (not yet ex-)con, Quackie Constancia.
2024-02-28

That's Telling Him
Foundation Betèsda was, as is his wont, blamed in the social media by finance minister Silly Bully, where he quite in character asks for a written account by March 8 about the over 2 million subsidy Betèsda received. Or he wants "his" money back.
He got the account the very same day. So there.
2024-02-28

More Gambling Suckers
Maybe the wrong word: "addicts" would be a better fit. Anyway, 5 of them have gone to court against gambling company Stake, a so-called cryptocasino.
When several of them complained with Stake, the gambling house had the chutzpah to offer them a bonus so they could gamble some more.
Lawyer for the gamblers is the by now logical choice Roel Bijkerk.
2024-02-28

Good to Know
What a relief. M*F*K is NOT against transparency and control. They (= Ramón Yung) say.
So we all had it wrong.
It's because of the CPR-Isla refinery transactions.
2024-02-27

Hotting Up
Possibly. Maybe. Dutch parliament is discussing the Curaçao-Malta tax treaty. They don't like it one bit, also because of justice minister Bully Silly's LOK mafia-gambling enabling law. No date yet.
What the Dutch can do about it? Good question.
2024-02-27

Is This Public?
Because I'm sure many of us would like to read it. Former PM Arsjes (he of the credit card) has written a, what's the word? "story" I guess, on what happened during the planning and building of the CMC hospital.
Probably inspired by the parliamentary enquete that started today. Whitewashing his meddling? It's a thought but we have to wait until somebody has seen it. "I have always acted in honor and conscience" he says. Not everybody would agree. Of course, definitions may differ per individual.
ARC court of audit member Gerling has already declared to parliament that "during the entire project the budget right has been violated." Many problems could have been prevented if the government had held a closer supervision.
What say, Arsjes?
Parliament is still deliberating on filing possible criminal complaints.
2024-02-27

Empty Gas Bubble
Aruba announced last week three enormous gas deposits had been found. But AVP MP spoils it all by telling us that this is no news, the same info was available from at least 2017: there is no gas. Not even hot air.
That's when AVP had power and wasted quite some money to have the gas possibilities investigated.
2024-02-26

Yawn
In a prison check drugs, cellphones and even a gun with ammunition have been found.
Prison authorities say more measures are needed to avoid smuggling the stuff in.
2024-02-26

That We Can Believe
Finance minister Silly Bully denies that his new LOK gambling facilitating law has been designed without any influence from interested parties. Which, even if the mafia trusts complain they haven't been granted enough, sure looks like the Truth.
2024-02-25

Izzatso
Amigoe lets us know that the number of persons working for the government has gone down; it's now 3912. Alas, we're not told how much it went down, from how many.
2024-02-25

Good Questions
Why has the OM public ministry not started investigating the Girobank debacle? And when? After all, CBCS central bank had filed a complaint in 2015. Also, has minister Hato received the CBCS report on illegal acts between 2010 and 2019? Finally, can we have guarantees that everybody who commits illegal acts will be prosecuted, to avoid class justice?
Surprisingly, the questions come from M*F*K Yung. Would this mean M*F*K changes its tune? Don't count on it; after all, the questions are about 2015 when PS™ and PIAS (remember those clowns?), not M*F*K, ruled.
2024-02-25

Better Believe It?
And sweet dreams. PM Pias says there are no (more) Isla relations with CPR Curaçao Petroleum Refinery (they of the fraudulent documents).
2024-02-25

Hotting Up
The complaints filed by Yves Cooper (no relation) against several people-in-power, via "his" foundation Dos bui pa Kòrsow [2 shackles for Cur.] is based on justice minister Stanley Betrian's 2012 integrity law. Betrian now says that "it looks like there's no control on compliance." Ya betcha.
Except PM Prick Pias and justice minister Hato, Cooper's complaint may further involve ministers Cijntje and Bully Sylvania.
And then some, we guess. It's up to OM public ministry to decide on criminal prosecutions.
2024-02-24

Time to Celebrate?
Gasoline will go up to over 2.15/liter; diesel to 1.90; electricity to 0.65/kW. But wait! Water will go down from 9.16 to 8.82/cu.m. So we can drink more wiskie-awa and still save money.
2024-02-24

That I Want to See
VVRP Urban Planning will extend its oversight on public transportation. Named are illegal taxi services, buses deviating from their routes and transporting passengers without permits. (Or insurance, follows logically.)
Davelaar, a cohort of Cooper, is mainly aiming for preventive control. That would be a unique approach.
2024-02-24

Worthless
The SOEs or, in Dutch, Overheids nv's have atotal value of 852 million guilders, says Antilliaans Dagblad. Largest is Aqualectra utility, which supposedly is worth 411 million.
In fact, many feel it's worth than worthless.
2024-02-24

Figures
A parliament motion to investigate the bidding process for the Isla refinery take-over was rejected. 11 against, 8 for. Which indicates, says MAN opposition party, that M*F*K is not interested in clearing this up.
What is a surprise is that CPR, they of the fraudulent documents, is still a partner in the negotiations.
2024-02-24

Sic Em!
The parliamentary inquiry into construction of CMC hospital found strong indications of "possible" criminal offences. Which have been passed on to the public prosecutor.
What we all suspected may become confirmed. There may be justice, after all.
2024-02-23

Small Wonder
Can he even read at all?
M*F*K PM Prick Pias, in replying to questions by PAR Croes, has indicated he never read the documents delivered by NFI Dutch Forensic Institute on CPR Curaçao Petroleum Refinery. Croes asked for a response in June 2023. It's about the fraudulent documents CPR handed in.
Says Pias: "We all make mistakes, former governments included." Truer words were never spoken—for a change.
2024-02-23

No Joke
Six MPs will go to Amsterdam for the Intertraffic conference; from 13 to 21 April. This has been a regular visit in the past years; how many I couldn't tell you.
Now if that would have any influence on the sorry state of our roads, it wouldn't be such a farce.
2024-02-23

Pirate's Nest
It's our culture. $18 million worth of bribes to Latin American officials have been processed through Curaçao. A "Dutch national" (which we all are) Hanst made the money pour by way of world's largest oil and gas trader, Vitol. But hey, let's face it, how else can you do business in thoroughly corrupt Latin America?
Hanst has earlier been accused of facilitating the online gambling mafia. After all, he's in the trust business.
2024-02-22

Better Laugh
Instead of crying. Another illegal building project was stopped, this time in Duzu. Foundation and walls were built already, and the concrete roof was being poured. The work was stopped instantly and tools and materials were confiscated.
Ten more illegal projects were discovered as well. All in a conservation zone.
One person got a 2500 guilder fine. Which makes you pour copious tears—a mere bagatelle. Won't help one bit. Now, if only they had confiscated that concrete truck too...
2024-02-22

More Secrets
The education reform plans of minister Heydoorn may cost 260 million, but what they involve remains (almost) anybody's guess. And the funding sources as well.
That's transparency, folks!
2024-02-22

That's What They Say
Trust offices and stakeholders were barely involved in drafting the new LOK law, we're told now. I seem to remember that they were highly involved; at least, that's what we have been told before.
"Especially the smaller offices" were only later invited to talks. Hmm.
2024-02-22

He Can't Take It
Ramon Chong may appeal the judge's decision that he can't become a minister. Better change the Landsregeling, what passes for our constitution, first, Chong.
2024-02-21

Not Cooperative
The €U has published a blacklist of 12 countries who are "not cooperative" in fiscal matters. Curaçao is on the grey list; Aruba has been removed.
2024-02-21

Medical Case
That flipped TUI passenger has been moved to a hospital after he had an "unexpected physiological reaction (convulsion)". The Azores police thinks he may have had something in his digestive tract that caused the problems.
Or in his head, possibly.
2024-02-21

Idea!?
Hawai'i seems to be considering a tourist charge of $25/person. Because of climate change, get it? Any reason to shake them down is fine with me. The "cost is a small amount given how much damage visitors cause on Hawaii's fragile ecosystem." Even if it won't help, it will still pay Hawai'i $68m/year, which is no cat dung.
But would it stop even one tourist from coming over? No matter, as long as they pay.
If present trends continue, 12*[Jan]61,000*$25=$18m/year for us. Sorry, I mean for the government.
So Hawai'i gets 3.8 times as many tourists a year than we do? One Happy Island! Or in fact more than eight of 'em. Makes me think a bit.
2024-02-21

Keep Him Out
Ramon Chong, he of the hot air hydrogen generators, once again wants to become a minister. He tried before. An ambitious man, for sure: he even went to court to have the rule scratched that people with a criminal record may not become ministers. But so says the law, said the judge and threw his case out.
2024-02-20

Who Cares
They don't! Meant are the ministers who get police officers for their security, and the police corps itself. There are rules which all parties transgress to their hearts' content.
Which might help explain the overtime problems.
2024-02-20

It's a Secret
CRU refinery utilities does not want to tell us who's the buyer of all that Bullenbaai oil.
Why not? Something fishy there, CRU leaves us to suspect.
2024-02-20

There's That
MAN realizes that replacing plastic by cardboard or bamboo is no real solution: just like plastic that stuff will be discarded on the streets as well. Educating the people is a must. Good luck!
That may sound sarcastic, but it's meant seriously.
2024-02-20

Ominous
Education minister van Heydoorn has presented his education improvement program MdE in parliament. He complains that the last innovations in education stem from 2002 and 2004. MdE should take care all children get the same chance; the difference in school quality must be eradicated. (Sounds like a pipe dream to me.) Thanks to MdE by pressing one button all information on schools, teachers and pupils should be accessible at once.
To bad that his demonstration failed because of technical problems.
Not one word about the language problem.
2024-02-20

Oh, Great! We're saved
The list of forbidden plastic products, now limited to foam containers and plastic bags (with handles), will be extended. (And I thinking there was none yet.) Added will be plastic toothpicks, stirring sticks, all kinds of foam trays, dishes and cups and also plastic drinking straws.
Don't know about you, but to me the heaps of plastic toothpicks polluting our environment are an absolute disgrace indeed.
2024-02-19

So Much for Them
Antilliaans Dagblad has an editorial sweeping the floor with the management capacities of the carnival organizers. Year upon year we get their promises that the Gran Marcha procession, consisting of 4000 dancers and uncountable trailers, will finish a 7km long course in less than 6 hours. And year upon year it doesn't work out. Small wonder, maybe. Which undermines trust and credibility in the organizers.
That's AD's word, uncountable. Methinks they can be, and are, counted very well.
2024-02-19

Bragger
That guy running amok on a TUI flight AMS-CUR is not a member of the No Limits Soldiers criminal gang at all. Also, he was born here all right, but lives in Amsterdam.
So he's in fact one of those bastards oppressing us. Join the club! he must have thought.
2024-02-19

Oh, So
What a trick. Police officers call in sick, and then work on rest days where they get overtime wages. There now is a rule that when they've been sick, they may not work overtime hours for 30 days. But the word is this is not enforced very seriously.
Surprisingly, justice minister Hato claims that the overtime-total has not exceeded the budget, whatever ARC may say.
2024-02-19

Over Time
ARC court of audit is worried about the overtime of the police corps. Which is promoted by, among others, a shortage of personnel and payment of higher overtime tariffs than laid down by law. Some receive over 9000 guilders/month extra, while the maximum is 1000. Governmental overtime is caused for 80% by the ministry of justice, largely meaning the police. Mentioned as well is protection of ministers (I'm sure they need it) without any allowance in the budget.
2024-02-18

Sssst... Don't Tell Them
Elizabeth Warren, the woman who calls herself an American Native but nobody else is sure, is of the opinion that filling out your tax forms is too hard for the average citizen. So, apart from paying tax, many have to pay an accountant as well. Now she has an idea to correct that:
Have the Tax Person decide how much money you made and thus, how much tax you must pay!
Not so brilliant, that. It's bad enough now and it will only make arbitrariness worse.
Admittedly, the new digital way of submitting our tax returns is a great improvement.
2024-02-17

In Character
Bully minister Silly Vain was reprimanded by court, because he (or his ministry, same difference) had retracted or refused a settlement exemption for a midwife who wished to start a Curaçao practice. Bully claimed his refusal was based on a policy change from 2017, but no such change can be found. Meanwhile, Bully did grant exemptions to other persons.
Looks like arbitrariness has become the norm. Since when, I dare not say. Before my time?
2024-02-17

Worse and Worse
That Bullenbaai oil? Suddenly and unknown to CRU refining utilities, a tanker moored in Bullenbaai to load that fuel oil for which the auction was suddenly canceled (now we know why), and after 6 days moved on to the US Virgin Islands with 450,000 barrels aboard. Seems the amount of 8 million was surreptitiously paid.
The transfer to the ship took much longer than planned as the Bullenbaai installations turn out to be in "unsatisfactory" (to pick the weakest of synonyms I could find) state. Sounds promising for those Great Plans.
2024-02-16

Whew
Backstabbing minister Silvania included an article in the new LOK gambling enabling law that players are not allowed to transfer their claims to other parties. Which would make it impossible for SBGOK [Foundation Looking After Interests of Victims Online Gambling] (hey, don't blame me, I didn't think up that name; but it's better in Dutch if you only use the abbreviation) to sue the gambling houses for pay-out of the gained amounts.
So SBGOK wants that article removed. Will they succeed? Keep tuned; and pray.
Supposedly, the article serves to fight money laundering. No comment.
2024-02-16

Savage
A gentleman running amok caused the TUI flight AMS-CUR to land in the Azores, where he was removed by the police. He started hassling the honkies in the plane, and the cabin crew had to prevent him entering the cockpit. He addressed the stewardesses with "sexually tinted" remarks and accused the crackers of oppressing Curaçao. Also claimed to be a member of the notorious No Limit Soldiers gang. Four passengers (of what color isn't mentioned and indeed is of no importance) finally subdued him. He seemed to be Flying Under Influence. Ya think?
2024-02-16

More Savages
A boat on her way from Aruba to Curaçao was stopped by the Kustwacht coast guard and had 29 game cocks on board; not, as the papers said, 37 hens and cocks. And they were not meant for Curaçao either, but for Bonaire. Both islands forbid the import of game cocks. In Aruba cock fights are a lively sport, popular among certain parts of the people.
The beasts have been delivered to the veterinary service. Rest in peace.
2024-02-16

Over and Done With
Not completely. The old plans to collect all soiled rats in one building have definitely been canceled. Good, but now the idea is for related government services in an inner-city cluster. Because it'd be accessible for those poor suckers who don't have a car. Location is mentioned as Colon, where the government at least already owns some buildings.
Like new hospital CMC, I can't help being reminded.
2024-02-16

Here's YOur Chance
Currently, there is no Dutch Navy ship stationed in the Caribbean. Nobody seems to know when we'll get another one.
So, drug smugglers, go ahead! Not to forget Maduro while he's at it.
2024-02-15

Good Costume, Good Doggie
A guy who came back home from carnival celebrations, still in costume, was not recognized by his dog which attacked him and started to tear him to pieces.
Was it by chance a pitman bull?
2024-02-15

A Real Prick
There were problems with a carnival's procession because the police refused to let a truck participate with papers that weren't valid. Meaning, the chassis number was not the same as that on the inspection card, which I permit you hereby to call "fraud". Caused 2 or 3 hours delay for the show to get on the road. (All trailers are inspected by AGKK carnival committee.)
Baseball millionaire Kenley Jansen, owner of the group "Alegria", refused to take the vehicle off the road, so others could not proceed and held up the show. But the problem was readily solved when Jansen approached PM Prick Pias who personally intervened with the police. Which reminds us all. But it's not clear if those involved, which includes justice minister Hato will get away with it.
One more instance to lend weight to Pias's saying: "I'm the Commander-in-Chief" (and everybody must do as I say).
Udate: the trailer has been confiscated.
2024-02-14

More Trouble on the Way?
Orco Bank will purchase the assets of CIBC Caribbean (advertised as "the 100% Antillean bank"). No longer? The bank's clients are assured they will continue to receive excellent customer service.
All's well that ends well; but it hasn't ended yet.
2024-02-14

That's Fine
The standard of living in Curaçao is "relatively high", compared with other small developing countries, says a report by the University of the West Indies. Too bad if your income is below the poverty line, as almost one third are.
Do tell: is Haïti a "small" country? Even more to the point, is it "developing"? Are we?
2024-02-14

Not Yet. But When?
Remember that fuel stored in Bullenbaai terminal? It was supposed to be auctioned today, but that won't happen. Nobody tells us (or the press) why not.
At any rate, former auctions only resulted in non-payments by bidders. Say, and who's paying for all those bailiff's costs?
2024-02-14

Oh Cheez
Curaçao has been chosen as number 4 in the top-10 intercontinental destinations from Schiphol, Amsterdam.
There is a shortage of eggs in the island, (also) caused by the enormous amount of eggs the tourists consume.
2024-02-14

Look There!
Journalist Yves Cooper, who may be called a maverick, is acting up again. He lodged two complaints against PM Prick Pias after the latter caused the closing down of Restaurant Green House to be canceled, stimulated by a phone call from the proprietor.
Cooper acts for Foundation Dos bui pa Kòrsou which wants to improve the quality of public government, of SOEs and of State foundations. They've got their work cut out for them.
Complaints have been filed with the OM public ministry and Landsrecherche [crime police].
2024-02-13

Just Keep on Building
Illegally... A contractor had been warned that the house he was building was not permitted. He went on anyway and yesterday morning he was given notice to demolish the structures, plus all building materials were confiscated.
That'll teach him? Looks more like, there's no stopping these folks. It's our culture!
2024-02-13

"It's All in the Mind"
The "workers" at the tax collecting department, not for the first time, complain about fungus.
2024-02-12

Better Start Worrying?
Despite Venezuela president Maduro's assurances that "his" country will not try to annex the larger part of Guyana (Essequibo, which just happens to be rich in crude oil), troops, tanks, missile-equipped patrol boats, and an armored carrier are being stationed at the border. Venezuela is peed off because Guyana, after Exxon's discovery of rich new oil deposits, sought military alliances with the USA; but our friendly neighbor just might be interested in grabbing Essequibo anyway.
Next, war next door? Hopefully not. But remember, Venezuela has the support of Iran and China.
2024-02-11

Correction
According to Green Phenix there are no laws (yet?) to reduce plastic pollution. There's been talk about it, but no results. We're used to that, of course.
2024-02-11

Making Haste
The Julianabrug has to be thoroughly looked at. Which will be paid for out of the 800 million originally meant for infrastructure repairs. But after "highly necessary exercises" (translation: scratch what we can't afford or "borrow" from Makambia) this was reduced to 1/3rd: 310 million. By 2029 44 main roads will have been fixed. By then, they'll have to start all over again.
After all, says the department, the Julianabrug is over 50 years old. So?
Construction of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco started in 1933. The Nijmegen, Holland, Waalbrug was delivered in 1936. Both still going strong.
2024-02-10

The Usual Mess
In contrast with finance minister Silly Bully's story, MAN McWilliam claims that, in fact, there was a law exempting Curoil from paying import duties. But (hold your grin, this is serious) the Customs weren't told about it and kept sending Curoil bills, which were never paid.
Now maybe you can decide if Curoil does or does not has a tax debt.
2024-02-10

Damn the Torpedoes—and the Pollution
Isla asphalt production will start end May. GOMG has a contract for 5 years.
If the new environment law will be accepted by then, we're not told. Also, the judge may have hir/hes own thoughts about that.
2024-02-10

Oh Joy
Tourism grew with 27% in January: 60,000 stay-overs.
Curaçao.nu thought they'd celebrate with a picture of the tourist train, driving through the narrow Willemstad streets at a speed calculated to drive your blood pressure way up when you're stuck behind it.
2024-02-10

Guess We'll Pay Even More
Next April Curaçao will host two Parlatino meetings. Good, you think: so we don't have to cough up the sumptuous travel expenses of our members. But in fact, I wouldn't mind betting any takers that we'll pay even more to receive and feast those foreign delegates.
If we're ever told about it, sure.
2024-02-10

Slower than Expected?
Methinks van Hufteren had way too Great Expectations: the reforms in BPD ministry [board, planning and services] go slower than expected. Many new people have been hired, but they still have to learn their jobs.
If ever.
2024-02-10

Some Leak!
A forensic report (translation, to make sure: it may involve crime) on Aqualectra director Jonis has been leaked to the press, and it doesn't look good for him at all. But minister Cijntje says he deplores this, as "it should serve to protect the company's interests."
Which is a really, er, special way of looking at it—except in the "all hands wash all others" Curaçao politics
Another factor is that Jonis is involved in the reboot of Isla refinery; just the job for him, right?
2024-02-09

May Well Be
Curoil denies they have a tax debt; as so often, minister Silly Bully is talking rubbish. At least, that's what Curoil says: "It's all out of context." That one we too often heard before.
Someone needs to go figure.
2024-02-09

They'd Love That
A proposal reached my beady eye to combine all car tax payments in 1 digital transfer. Fine? But what it boils down to is, we'll pay car tax to the insurance company, who will then check if insurance has been paid before transferring the money to the Tax Person.
Which relieves said Tax Person from the job of having to check this; the insurance companies have done so already.
Gratis for nothing.
You can bet your ass that the insurance companies would do a much better checking job than the corrupt Tax Persons; plus, we won't have to stand inline when payment can be done online. All true. But...
2024-02-09

All Righty
The USA sanctions on Venezuelan oil do not apply to the arrangement where PdVSA pays its debt for half the amount in crude oil, to be delivered in ten years. Some deal!
2024-02-08

Di Nos E Ta!
Curaçao considers the reform of its tax "service" as an internal affair and wants the Kingdom to keep its claws off it. The country seems to like the "unauthorized preferred treatments and disadvantages of specific taxpayers." So says van Hufteren, still state secretary with the ongoing cabinet crisis in Holland.
2024-02-08

Get On With It
The inspections of supermarkets, restaurants etc. will be resumed.
2024-02-08

No Difference
Bully minister Silvania had a brilliant idea, as much too often on social media. Curoil owes 88 million guilders in taxes, which he wanted to condone. Otherwise, the people would have to pay up. He said.
As if then we wouldn't have to pay that amount in our taxes anyway.
When protests broke out, Sicvania retreated and said he'll await "the people's" reaction first.
2024-02-08

In Style
A big word to use for bully minister Silly Vain, but it refers to the fact that, as it turns out (and as we all suspected long since), he doesn't care a flying fuck about parliament and advises. The new Gambling Law LOK is pushed through and new licenses are already passed out to the gambling mafia. There are plenty of applicants, which surprises no one.
In other news, a Dutch gambler who in a couple of months lost €800,000 to a sub-licensee of GSP is requesting GSP's bankruptcy.
The gambler complains that GSP "abused his gambling addiction" which hardly sounds like a valid legal argument. Don't all gambling houses, incuding Staatsloterij do just that? But hey, I'm no lawyer.
2024-02-07

Not Popular
A survey of stakeholders on the restart of Isla refinery has resulted in some maybe doubtable opinions, but the outcome is clear: 75% think reopening the refinery in its present state will have a negative effect on tourism, agriculture and fishery.
"Eighty-five percent responded in Dutch, 10 percent responded in English and 4 percent responded in Papiamentu" reports Curaçao Chronicle. Out of 405 respondents. Makes you think a bit as well.
2024-02-07

Makes You Think
Again, a fisherman has fallen into the sea at Shete Boka. He was rescued all right. It's not clear if he did so earlier... What could possibly be the fatal attraction of that spot?
2024-02-07

Count on It
The new Guilder will be introduced on March 31, 2025. Central Bank CBCS says it can't be stopped: new coins and notes have been ordered already.
2024-02-07

Shortcomings
In anti-pollution plastic regulations. And they're working so hard on it! But wait, it's only Green Phenix crying alarm; which doesn't mean they haven't got a point. It doesn't mean they have one, either. What they tell us is, in March 2021 the government committed itself to effective preventive measures, and nothing much seems to have happened since.
Except, far as I know, plastic drinking straws, shopping bags and styrofoam food containers have been forbidden. There may be more.
2024-02-06

As If They Need It
A new thing as been introduced by Curaçao International Financial Center, called VVC for Variable Capital Company. Sparing you (and me) digging out the details, we're assured this will mean in new impulse for the Trust Companies. AKA "nests of crooks" who just had a major windfall by the new LOK-law, already.
2024-02-06

Oh, So
The Routemap Curaçao Climate Strategy has been offered by Mudbelly Cooper to Staten/parliament. It has been written by the Curaçao Climate Change Platform, which, I understand, has ties with several ministries. We can expect more heat waves (and also warmth waves, ça va sans dire), higher sea levels (hardly a new one except for the actual occurrence) and seawater temps, and more and more intense rainfall. Not so much for us, as for the Caribbean.
Amazingly, hurricanes are never mentioned. Did Hato MTO finally recognize it as a hoax story?
What we actually can do to prevent all these future disasters seems not to be made very clear. Good.
2024-02-06

Now It's Official
C***-Post announces that the days on which mail will be delivered will be reduced from 5 to 3 a week. We've long since gotten used to one a week, which in fact is admitted on C***-Post's website.
2024-02-05

Killing Law
Maybe not all of us, at once. But SMOC says it's painfully surprised by the new Environment law, now being built in haste to enable the newly planned polluting Isla refinery activities, reduces the measuring stations which should have been added to since 1997 to only one: that existing at Chas Chikito.
SMOC quotes the judge: "The verdict leaves no room for a transitional arrangement." So we change the law! Easy, huh?
2024-02-05

Candidates, Too
It's voters like ours that give Democracy a bad name.
2024-02-03

No Marvel
The Soiled Rats will get time off to join the Carnival fun. We pay. Condition is, "nature of the work allows for the absence." Well, that applies to every single one of them as far as I can judge.
2024-02-03

Give Them Time
The money owed by former Campo Alegre to the crime fighting fund still has not been deposited. Hey, it's only 5 or 6 years. And how much it's in total, with fines and all? We're not told.
2024-02-03

Keeps Growing
FIU Notification of unusual transactions, now "suspected" unusual transactions, has gone up again. As too often, we seem to read gibberish in the media. It reportedly went from (2019) 4,053 to (2021) 514. Something wrong there... Anyway, what now has been counted in 2023 is 839.
Most notifications came in from national and international banks, but, amazingly, also from online gambling houses and casinos.
2024-02-03

Why Not?
We've got plenty of money. At least, the government has. So the Soiled Rats want the money taken away from their salaries in the Covid years paid back. Nobody knows how much that totals, but who cares? Not their unions.
And maybe not the government, either.
2024-02-03

Not So Much
If you're a welfare AOV pensioner. They're now trying to see whether the monthly amount can become 100 guilders higher (first time since 2013!) but that will cost the government 45 million. Per year, if my machine is right.
But don't go out and buy that new Porsche yet; that will only go to those who only have AOV for income. The others? who also all paid for it in the socialist Ponzi con-trick scheme? Let 'em eat cake and continue driving their 5th-hand Kia Picanto.
2024-02-03

Opinions
Oh, how nice! Minister Silly Vain is back to bullying, this time of CMC hospital, where he claims a patient died 3 years ago because he was given a toxic medication. But CMC quotes Medisch Tuchtcollege [Medical Disciplinary Court] that concluded no toxic medications were given and death was due to natural causes.
CMC plans further steps against Silly Vain's "Inspection".
2024-02-02

Yes. True.
There are "remarkable" differences in prices of drinks, alcoholic or not, between supermarkets. You may pay double the prices asked elsewhere, says the consumers' union..
Which not only applies to drinks, we all can add.
2024-02-02

Prepare for Thy Doom
Isla refinery says that to comply with Environment laws limiting SO₂ pollution, the refinery will have to buy new installations; which won't work in less than 4 to 5 years.
2024-02-02

That's Nothing
Last year, Dutch Customs confiscated 1860 kilograms of coke; all from Curaçao. Comparing it to what's confiscated at sea here by Kustwacht can only make you conclude there's much, much more slipping through.
By a factor 10, is a popular rule of fist. Which seems not very provable in itself.
2024-02-02

Uh Oh
Two of Damen Shiprepairs'/DOK's/CDM's (take your pick) floating docks will be removed and sold for scrap. They never worked. Would these be those imported some years ago, with lots of noise? I'm afraid so.
2024-02-01

We Noticed
Our money lost 3.5% in value over last year. That's more than most saving accounts will pay in interest—on which the government charges tax to boot.
2024-02-01

Give It to Him
No doubt he'll put to it to good use. Mudbelly Cooper wants 310 million to fix the roads and drainage. If only he did it.
We're not told if this will be spent this year or in a, old USSR-like, multi-year plan.
2024-02-01

Don't Worry
The new USA-sanctions on Venezuela crude oil are no problem at all for Isla refinery exploitation. So says director Newton, who never lies.
Newton refers to the shady 450 million deal PM Prickie Pias made with PdVSA in payment of (over twice as high) old debts.
2024-02-01

That's Curaçao...
A management agreement has been signed, finally, for the Mari Pompun recreation area. That was opened July 2023.
Maybe now we'll get some real security there?
2024-02-01

218 Keys
Of coke, what else, on a boat Yola between Curaçao and Klein Curaçao.
"Some fish" was found as well.
2024-02-01

Rejoice
Another windpark at Playa Kanoa (where I can't see it—good). This one will cost 60 million dollars. It will save the government millions yearly on imported fossil fuels.
Not us. Not to judge from our electricity bills.
2024-02-01

Addicts' Nuisance
In 2021 the addicts' night care center Dios Yudami has been closed. (Wanna bet the government subsidy was cut off?) Since then, especially early in the mornings and evenings, several of them tend to become a nuisance pestering passers-by. Hey, they don't have anywhere to go!
2024-01-31

Damn the Torpedoes!
For a change, a real expert who knows what she's talking about, Bernadette Heijligers, writes about the way Papiamentu was smuggled into education, in spite of what should be better for the children. The educators want the teaching language to be Papiamentu, and who cares about the consequences for the pupils?
Here we've commented on this deplorable development and I'm sick and tired of it. Those stubborn mules just plow ahead and they have the Power (if not the Glory).
2024-01-31

There's More
About that F&F policy of the Tax Collector: they also have one for Foes & Enemies. They are often hassled just to make them pipe down a bit. (Tell me about it.) The F&F group includes several SOEs, we're told. You can't mean it. Another complaint is that many small contractors don't even have a CRIB-number and never pay any tax at all: estimated total 50%. But if you'd start bothering them, the economy (such as it is, right) will grind to a halt.
2024-01-31

Oh... Hold It
I forgot where I saw this, but suspect it's the bitter truth: candidates for Isla refinery take-over are "waiting for a new environment law". As well they might, because if the present one is maintained they won't have a chance.
And if they'll get the new one, it's we won't have a chance. Count on it.
2024-01-30

Yeah, Yeah...
In Dutch NRC ex-inspector of heath Jan Huurman sums up a number of points, all indicating that Curaçao is not fit to be an independent country. According to him, but we can only agree. Here are 7 of them: The many millions ex-PM Shorty made disappear — new CMC hospital, with a debt of 250 million already — Girobank and Ennia debacles we're still bleeding for and will keep doing so for 30 more years — the Covid pandemic disaster resulting in a 1 billion debt. Finally Huurman mentions the "rusting" refinery, but even though he may be right in that we'll never get it going again, he presumes that is because "the world has committed itself to a transition to fossil-free energy." Sorry Huurman, looks like it didn't after all; now that's what you'd call "unsustainable".
As for the rest, who could possibly deny it? "Failed nation" are the words that come to mind. Not even to mention the gambling mafia taking over.
After 13 years, Huurman advises us to start over à la BES. Dream on.
2024-01-30

Mazel Tov
Some fishing boat, of which the crew maintained that they went out to fish, had a lucky catch: 351 kilos of cocaine drifting around in the sea, just waiting to be picked up. Which they did.
Only, first OM public ministry and now the judge didn't much believe them and they all got 5 years in jail.
2024-01-30

Of Course Not!
No other ministries will get less money in the new budget to pay for the Ennia debacle. What did you expect, anyway? After all, it's we, the voters, who are ultimately responsible for getting that bunch of (words fail me).
2024-01-30

That's Permanent
It will never change? Not the way things are going. The Tax receiver has favorites, and in some cases it has been found that sums are just not collected. We pay for the difference, of course.
Question we all have: what will be done about it? With this government, nothing—or even less.
2024-01-29

Let's All Just Deny It...
.. and then proceeed as usual. Knipselkrant Curaçao carries one of their by now famous analyses of the gambling mafia. Listed are 90 (called: at least) "Trust service Extensers [who] manage[d] and then operate illegal online gambling worldwide, or on board software companies with which they facilitate and promote illegal online gambling, tax evasion and money laundering."
The usual guilty persons are mentioned by name: Jardim, ex minister, now director CBCS central bank; minister Sylvania; and several more. Read it (sorry, in Dutch.)
"The majority of the Curaçao trust offices are nests of crooks" is the opening quote. And it's almost as bad in Holland.
2024-01-29

What Else
Parliaments accords the 2024 budget.
Such as it is.
What difference does it make, anyway?
2024-01-28

That Long?
Next elections will be held March 21, 2025.
2024-01-28

Cool Down
Excitement on global media: Restaurant Green House was closed down during one of those inspections, but was reopened immediately. Arbitrary! Friends & Family politics! Even that worthless lout PM Prick Pias got involved and had to explain. And apologize to the inspecting official.
What exactly has been going on, except for a vague reference to "flies in the kitchen" I could not find out.
2024-01-27

Up, Down, Down, Up!
As Jerry Lee Lewis sang. Water will go up next month from 8.75 to 9.16/cu.m., electricity down! from 0.66 to 0.64/kW; mogas car fuel 1.98 to 2.02/liter; diesel 1.89 to 1.88; LPG cooking gas remains 80/100 lbs.
2024-01-27

Good News
No money from the Dutch Groeifonds growth fund for the disgusting APC plans for their Waterfort Plaza monstrosity. May be looked at as a consequence of Wilders PVV's election victory.
2024-01-26

More Stench
PM Prick Pias will not refer to Campo Alegre any more, but instead to Kunuku Hatun. Which supposedly is the name the people use. News for most of us.
A lawyer has started suing the OM public ministry because OM allegedly committed fraud in the sales of Campo. The lawyer claims that there always was security on the Campo premises, which is distinctly different then what we were told at the time. Time will tell?
Former spokesman (yes, he's male, not a person) Regales says it would be good for the island if Campo reopened. He doesn't mention the laundering and drug/gun dealing that went on there, nor draws the comparison with slavery he's always nagging about.
2024-01-26

Only...
The costs made since 2014 to find a new start-up for the Isla refinery take-over total 38.5 million guilders.
At least, that's what we're told. You're free to believe it or not.
How much was lost in bribery efforts, we of course don't know.
2024-01-26

Oh Wait
Without knowing what the results may be, it's still interesting that the Dutch government will soon evaluate the Ennia-deal. Cft financial supervision thinks the 30 million/year coughed up by the island is a too large risk.
What Holland can and wants to do to change that is another matter.
2024-01-26

Kinda Kute
In 2020, in New Jersey USA the use of plastic (and paper) bags for shopping was prohibited.
Since then, the use of plastics has tripled. Reusables were discarded at the rate of 151 million pounds/year versus 53 before single-use bangs were prohibited.
Not so contradictory as it seems: 15-20 times as much plastic is used in the manufacture of resusable bags, and they are used 2-3 times versus, obviously, once.
2024-01-26

Forget It
For now? And for much later as well. Mudbelly (AKA "Bolo") Cooper talks about the future FAA status of Curaçao and can't mention one single hard date. Not that you'd expect him too; after all, this has been going on since 2011 already. Remember how in 2012 same Cooper (then MAN), was bragging that FAA was impressed by his department's work on the problem?
2024-01-25

No Such Thing
The opposition parties demand clarity about the future of Isla refinery. As it the government or management could possibly supply it.
2024-01-24

Money for Buses
There is now money to finance 5 new buses (out of 15 needed), in total 2 million guilders. So they must be diesels, not EVs. For now.
2024-01-24

Sigh
Amigoe analyzes the new budget and concludes that the government is working on bettering the soiled rats' conditions, rather then improving the country's payment balance.
Nice to have our suspicions confirmed? Not even that, no.
2024-01-24

It's Private
One again, the island has tried to get its ugly claws into the cash profits of Kadaster land register. And again, the judge (now in appeal) has told 'em to forget it: since 2002, its a private foundation and the money is untouchable.
Amazing, huh, that now they're non-government they make a profit? Makes you think a bit.
2024-01-24

Count Your Profits
CTB and the Gang want to double the amount of visiting day trippers cruise tourists to 1.5 million/year. Every one of them contributes $90 to the economy (somehow; much of that flows out immediately, but don't mention it); total $1,350,000 or ANG2.430,000/year. Most impressive. And damn the torpedoes!
2024-01-24

Only 15,000
Illegal terrains on the island. Stolen from the government. This has been known since 6 or 7 years—at least—, resulting in a 100 million (total? per year?) uncollected money for the government.
Air photography should now serve to find those illegally occupied terrains. According to Lionel Janga, ex-head ROP, this is not a mere question of poverty: enormous houses are built on those terrains and they're also exploited for removing diabase.
Why nothing has been done all those years? And we loaning more and more money from cash-cow Holland.
As usual, slavery is said to be a cause. Because slaves had no rights whatsoever, including terrain ownership. Huh? Kindly explain further?
2024-01-23

Questions! Answers?
Those nitwits in-the-know want to import 10,000 extra workers, with their families, to augment the catering services. Where will they come from? Where will they live? How will they get from home to work and back?
Say each brings a 3-person family, that means population will go up from 160,000 (?) to 200,000.
In 2022, there were 66,722 employed workers on the island. So we'll get some 15% more. To give you a further idea, officially Curaçao has 5,001-10,000 government employees. (Rather a wide margin...) And what will happen to the Curazoleños? Who cares. Goodbye Papiamentu?
2024-01-22

It's a Secret
Consumer Interests Curaçao wants ForenSys to give motorists all info related to accidents. Now, they must often be forced in court to do so. Result is that motorists have to pay a lawyer before they'll have a chance on compensation.
Presently, "ForenSys makes the collected data easily available online to insurance companies via a web-accessible database." [Emphasis added.]
2024-01-20

Appeal
HIMA (Hende i Medio Ambiente) is appealing the court's decision that Aqualectra (= the government) is doing enough to supply water to people in difficult conditions.
2024-01-20

Nothing New
The much-vaunted "Punda-Pact" everybody (well, maybe almost everybody) was so enthusiastic about has found hardly any follow-up wort mentioning. But now, activities will be rebooted!
Just like the Isla refinery.
25 action points should have been executed before 2023. We're not told how many actually made it. Among them, demolishing the Cinelandia building and turning the Plaza Hotel into an even worse monstrosity.
2024-01-20

You Bet Your Ass
"10,000 needed new Horeca/catering industry workers will be difficult to find locally." So one idea is to import (part of) them, plus their families. During the next three years, there's talk of 3900-5200 more workers needed.
2024-01-20

How to Pay
About those EV-buses. Now it's a "Pilot Project" but financing is still not completed. Small wonder. It's one more boondoggle among many promising a Golden Feature that costs nothing. (Except some.)
To repeat, once again. From what we're left to figure out for ourselves (that's transparency, folks!) Those EVs will set us back 2.5 times the normal price for diesels. Plus we've been told batteries will be added in the set-up which will drive up costs even farther. No matter, there's money in them thar buses.
Only, not for us.
2024-01-19

Back up to date after a bout with Covid followed by bronchitis.
One more week to go and I hope to be fully back at working order, thanks.
Old Popular Song
The government plans to start regulating public trash dumping and burning have (at least) one disadvantage. Once again, possibilities are very limited because the existing pre-independence laws were not continued after 10-10-10.
2024-01-19

For You, Not for Me
RvA advisory council mentions that all those guys who get an Ennia-pension are now fixed good and proper, but the poor suckers who only get AOW welfare pension continue to be at a disadvantage. Since 2013; it bears repeating.
2024-01-19

No Kidding
One of the first results we read about the last census, people are living in smaller homes than they used to. Cheaper, you know. To which I have to add that many were saddled up with much larger houses than they obviously needed. But to call this "progress" is another matter again.
2024-01-19

Relax, You Won't Get Money Back
Aqualectra, after a two months' grace period, is now ready to start collecting debts from defaulters. Out of 308 checks,. 6 commercial institutions and 54 private residences were reported for illegal activities.
2024-01-18

Not For You
Arrangements for collecting Purchase Tax will be lightened for Willemstad's Punda and Otrabanda. For tourists, you know. We keep on paying, as if we'd expect else.
It's for now only meant for cruise tourists, as there's less chance for fraud there. You think? A bit less, but there are ways. Plenty of 'em.
2024-01-18

Must Be Money
MAN/PIN's Cleopa wants to be old more about the machinations of the Prick Pias cabinet re. the future of Selikor. It certainly is curious that Selikor's subcontractors were threatened to be replaced by those active for DOW public works (Read: Mudbelly. Aha! So that's the way the fat cookies crumble?)
"A political football" we read. Isn't by now everything? It's hard to judge what's going on. Selikor itself isn't exactly famous for transparency in its operations.
2024-01-18



Fairy Palace of Peace, den Haag, NL
locally AKA "PiesPalès" (Source WIKI)
Oho
The premature extending of gambling (sub) licenses awaiting the new LOK gambling law, is in violation of the law.
Will that make any difference in this by now worse-than-lawless society?
2024-01-17

More Soap
Remember that CRU-oil auction? Due to its tremendous success, it will be repeated—again! Starting to be a running joke. Once again, the highest bidder after all couldn't pay. Or maybe they did, nobody tells us exactly what's going on. You never really get used to that.
2024-01-14

We're Not Asked
Cft financial supervision is fine with the Ennia "solution", where the budget will take care of 30 million/year to cover the pensions. Until (at least) 2074.
Which means, you know it does, we'll have to pay.
2024-01-16

We'll Pay Instead
Debts of subsidized foundations will not be collected by the government anymore. Another gift from our finance minister. It's a well-known fact that those subsidies were, er, highly suspect in the first place and often went to F&F instead of, for example, the sports which they were supposed to promote.
2024-01-16

Dushi Hende
"Nice people"—a female tourist's purse was grabbed from a car, but as she didn't let it go, she was dragged along for 200 meters. When she finally released it, the car sped on on its way. No idea about what criminals are involved.
2024-01-16

Related, Maybe
The judge has spoken out: Curaçao with its limited resources cannot be held responsible to supply all people with clean potable water. Which would include defaulters.
While there's much to be said for that opinion, it automatically follows that the other people, who can afford to pay their bills in the bargain, will have to cough up. Hey, my resources are limited as well.
2024-01-16

Won't Work, Geert
Dutch PVV's Geert Wilders still wants to kick all criminal Antillians back out of Holland. It's easy to follow his, and Dutch voters', frustration. However, as far as I can see, that can't be done. We're all Dutch citizens.
2024-01-13

Shaddap, Bully
Finance minister Silly Bully Vania warns there's a lot of misinformation beging distrubuted on all his terrible new laws.
Not only by ot her parties than his, you must add.
2024-01-13

Agreed. Not That It Matters
Ex health-inspector Jan Huurmans opines that the last thing Curaçao must do is relaxing the conditions for air pollution, so as to enable start-ups to go ahead and keep poisoning us all as long as they feel they need to.
Easy prognosis: we're all sorry Jan, won't help one fart.
2024-01-13

What Else
Utility Aqualectra will not pay any dividends over 2019, 2020 and 2021. You won't notice, even though you're a shareholder as a citizen. The Government will; take care of that.
2024-01-13

Masks in Prison
The world on its head? No, another Covid attack. There's other places where they're obligated now as well.
2024-01-13

'Course Not
The anti-mafia law (against money laundering, terrorism and its proliferation, is nowhere near comoption. Are you suprised? I guess nobody is. First things first, get the LOK pro-gambling mafia law accepted.
The Curaçao Bar Associtation has its problems with that; so does Staten/parliament. Will it help one bit?
2024-01-13

Aw Shucks
Suriname's Gangster Boss Desi Bouterse, who was supposed to turn up for jail next Friday, has disappeared. Without a trace. A private foreign aircraft (didn't anybody note the registration?) is alleged to've picked him up. He may now be in Venezuela, but his wife isn't talking.
Didn't anybody see this coming? No difference; I'm sure Zanderij Airport is full of Desi's hangmen.
2024-01-13


Floating Cage
Floating Cage
Can't help it. Drove by the harbor today and the resemblance struck me like with a hammer: those tourist ships look just like cages afloat.
Which they are, of course.
2024-01-13

What Else
The parliament meeting on the 2024 budget has been delayed.
Again.
And the civil rats' costs are 15% higher! not a cent less.
2024-01-12

It Will Never Be
Current draft of Gambling Ordinance (LOK) not ready for Parliament, says RVA Advisory Council. You ask me, it will never be.
But possibly, there's a meager chance, I'm just prejudiced.
2024-01-12

Huh?
"Government's plan related to the increase in the price of basic goods" is the Curaçao Chronicle headline. But wait, they're working on reducing the problem. If that will help?
2024-01-12

Here's a Thought
When you hit a road bump, imagine it was Mudbelly you drove over. It won't help you, nor your vehicle, and he won't even feel it. Same for what h.h. called "crocodile skin asphalt". Fits in with his smile.
2024-01-12

More or Less
Back in the saddle. First Covid got me, then bronchitis: La Vie en Bleu. Now in the aftermath (did it take the starch out of me...) have to cope with all those filthy tricks of our Beloved Leaders. Enjoy or skip, whatever tickles your fancy.
2024-01-12

Not Only Dogs
The aggression by loose-running dogs is getting worse and worse. Several cases have occurred and it's getting more, not less. And OM public ministry doesn't know how to handle this.
Not to mention the "dogs on two legs" as the popular saying here goes.
2024-01-10

On Their Toes
The Tax person is switching over to digital correspondence. It will save 450,000/year.
Maybe even better, we will receive their documents in time before the date to protest has gone by.
2024-01-10

Tell Us
Cft financial supervision, AKA the bend-over-backwards club, is worried about the growing spoiled rats' costs. So are we all.
Compared to 2023, this year's cost will be over 10% higher: 503 versus 440 million.
2024-01-10

Party Time
MPs complain they have to work so hard these days, because the budget meetings coincide with the preparations for Karnival. Tough.
2024-01-09

There It Is
SER social-economic council advises to relax the refinery clean air norms, to enable new start-ups/reboots shances. What a surprise! Illegal? "Only marks on paper." Isla refinery has announced it will switch to LNG for fuel, which should result in less pollution. But that may take 15 years. Right, fifteen years. If at all.
2024-01-09

Wait for It
Dutch PVV leader Geert Wilders, who's called a "populist" because he democratically won the elections, is prepared to cancel 3 controversial demands to make himself more acceptable to the other so high-and-fine politicians.
Now wait for how this will be turned into a negative fact.
2024-01-09

Tell Us About it
Let it go... there's no need to. Dutch NRC has an article on how tourism makes the coral reefs die off. Especially those cruising hotels are the death knell. Sure, we've known that for years; but wo cares? Not the government nor the sucker-exploiters. Après nous le déluge once again somes it up nicely: wasting our future resources to make a quick buck now.
It's our culture!
2024-01-08

Say It Ain't So!
Well, he did. Mudbelly Cooper stated emphatically that he didn't know ex-PM Shorty was a figurehead in FKP social homes; but as it turns out, he was well aware. Also, we can only add, Shorty made a clean 8000 guilders/month ($3600) on the job. Because of his "knowledge, skills and determination". This was at the time when people were getting afraid they'd be kicked out of their homes. For some reason. Musta been a coincidence.
2024-01-08

Say I Ain't So!
Well, he does. Finance minister Silvania says it wasn't he who had his friends stop payments on taxes older than 2017; that's a job of the receiver.
No matter that the High Court judged differently. Nobody's taxes have been abolished, says Silly Bully now, although he played a quite different tune when he published the same in FakeBooc. Even always complying state secretary van Hufteren blamed him for it. All in all, it's only 3 billion guilders.
2024-01-08

Sounds Good
ARC accounting will investigate APC pension fund's yearly accounts from 2020-2022. A bit late, you say? One of the things looked into will be if APC follows the relevant legal provisions.
2024-01-06

That's Good, Too
As from Monday, you can pay your Car Tax, in one or 2 two terms. Seems almost 10% of drivers omit to pay the second half. They'll have to pay that before they can pay the new year.
Prices as last year's.
2024-01-06

No Worries
There's some misunderstanding about the Tax Person's recovery policy. But it's not about remission of open tax debts: only about prioritizing those claims. So says Silly Bully (after all, he could have fooled us).
So not to worry, they're gonna get you yet.
2024-01-06

We Know
31.3% of the people are living below the poverty line.
Now do something about it instead of robbing us.
2024-01-05

He Would
Minister Cijntje deplores that the report on Aqualectra's CEO Jonis's malversations, no other word, has been leaked. He'd rather have had it remain comfy under covers.
The long and the short of it is that he failed to live up to his responsibilities as shareholder.
2024-01-05

Once More and Again
A few hotheads, members of the slavery-is-a-disgrace-and-whities-are-to-blame club has now discovered there are still streets named after former Dutch "heroes" like admiral Piet Heyn and even (!) that colonialist crook Columbus. Just when we got rid of the name of Stuyvesant College, and even made his statue disappear, we have to start getting morally excited all over again. Give us all a break, okay? E kos ta kansa hende - that stuff is tiresome.
Remember? We have to thank mainly ex-minister Rosalia for that name change. Another Bully, also allegedly hassling and harassing the women working for him. Good thing he disappeared without a trace, long since; just like Peter's statue.
2024-01-04

Flop
The Pact for Punda, an ambitious plan to improve Willemstad (containing also Otrabanda, Pietermaai and Scharloo) didn't work out so well. There were 35 action points, but we're not even informed how many of those were actually executed. Should have been done before December 2 last year. Blamed are the not forthcoming proceeds of parking fees.
I can only hope the same thing happens to the Waterfort plans.
2024-01-04

Don't Bet On It
RvA advisory council keeps insisting that their advises on Silly Bully's new LOK law should have been adapted before the law was presented to parliament. But I'm sure that Silly Bully had very good reasons not to do so.
Just like I'm sure that the law will be accepted an voted for anyway. Please surprise me.
2024-01-04

What Else
Voices are being raised to start criminal investigation into the acts of Jonis, former Aqualectra CEO. Sounds good to me. It's all because of a forensic report, leaked to the public. Which minister Cijntje deplores; should have been kept out of sight, right?
Among other things, Jonis went ahead and bought stuff, far exceeding his procuration. He deliberately withheld information. One item is the transport costs of those wind generators, with 10 million dollars exceeding his procuration limit by almost 20 times.
Engaging a criminal lawyer is urgently advised.
2024-01-04

Like, What?!
The government regulator SBTNO has given Aqualectra the green light to go ahead with their plans to become ISP Intertel. We are told that "something as vital as telephony and the internet should not solely be in the hands of commercial entities but should also be offered by the government."
You think? Oh, that explains why they sold Setel/UTS to Flow.
2024-01-04

Really?
M*F*K PM Prick Pias promises us that the Isla refinery will be rebooted in this coming year.
Don't hold your breath.
2024-01-03

Good Riddance
That may be your first reaction, but you may be wrong. 3 members of the Aqualectra board have taken their leave, complaining about the lack of the shareholder's cooperation; which of course still is the M*F*K-PNP government.
The trouble seems to be the non-firing of ex-director Jonis, who finally got out himself looking for greener pastures. Mentioned are Jonis's "serial unacceptable acts as CEO" on which not a single content-related reaction was given.
Aqualectra, they say, is facing an enormously difficult year with grave challenges.
2024-01-03

Remember Benny?
Benny Demei is who I mean. He was far ahead of the rest of us laggards when in 2008 he announced we'd "never have to work again" because he'd brought sports betting to Curaçao, resulting in 2000 new jobs. Only it didn't.
You have to admit, our Bully finance minister doesn't even promise that with his new LOK law.
2024-01-02

Who Pays? We Pay!
Because so many cars drive around uninsured, 28%, the price for those who do have any is 40% higher than it would be otherwise.
Also, Curaçao doesn't know a so-called Waarborgfonds [guarantee fund] that in Holland covers damages for those who get involved in a car crash caused by an uninsured party.
2024-01-02

Meanwhile, in Venice
Everybody seems to be enthusiastic about the wave of visiting tourists. Almost everybody, that is. In Italian Venice, which makes a lot of money on the trade, not everybody is. Starting in June, groups will be limited to 25 people (half a bus-full) and loudspeakers will be banned from the streets.
That at least is a thing we're not plagued by. Yet.
2024-01-02

Hah!
Sorry to start this new year on a sarcastic note. But there it is: RvA advisory council opines that the limited validity period for gambling institutes must be maintained in the new LOK law.
That's all good and well, but is it what the mafiosi want? And what they don't want, we won't get.
2024-01-01

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