The Amigoe newspaper in Curaçao reported on an extensive policy note by former-Lt. Governor, -Prime Minister and -Central Bank director/secretary Stanley Betrian addressed to the new Dutch State Secretary of Kingdom Relations Alexandra van Huffelen. In it, he suggested more balanced and better-worked-out restructuring measures for the island.
This may also be relevant in Aruba and St. Maarten, which face similar so-called “country packages” to be implemented under supervision of a Caribbean Body for Reform and Development COHO as condition for COVID-19 crisis liquidity support from the Netherlands. Betrian, currently management consultant, wrote that the present COHO route will undoubtedly “end in shipwreck and lead to failure.”
Instead, the approach should be based on a well-prepared vision and ambition-level for the future, requiring in-depth investments in human capital. The latter will allow the local government and social partners to play a leading role in helping to shape sustainable socioeconomic development with short-, middle- and long-term priorities.
Right now, survival in peace and security are still major concerns that require tackling poverty and crime while maintaining public order. Any transition that comes with certain additional sacrifices must therefore be made in phases, with a social safety net for the worst affected.
Betrian also proposes that the plans include support for ongoing promising public-private initiatives, mentioning possible involvement from Port Rotterdam in developments at the harbour of Willemstad and the island’s ship repair industry as example. This, in his view, will greatly increase the chance of success in building a resilient community.
