Blue Wave must not become a tsunami that drags us into the deep

Blue Wave must not become a tsunami that drags us into the deep

1 February 2026

I am writing this with mixed feelings. The reason is an article describing the so-called Blue Wave effect: Curaçao’s national team qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the smallest country ever to do so.

It is understandable that many see this primarily as an economic opportunity. Curaçao’s international visibility will undoubtedly increase because of the World Cup. I have also pointed out before how important global exposure can be.

At the same time, we must be honest about the context in which this “Blue Wave” is arriving. Curaçao is already facing an overheated tourism sector and a real estate market that is becoming increasingly unaffordable for many people. Additional international attention may further intensify that pressure.

This is where the island’s carrying capacity becomes crucial—not only ecologically but also socially. The benefits of growth are not shared equally. We can see this clearly in rising inequality. Curaçao’s Gini coefficient increased from 0.415 in 2011 to 0.46 in 2023 (official census figures). Based on developments since 2023 — tourism growth and the construction boom it fuels — it is not unrealistic to expect this to move toward 0.50. By comparison, the Netherlands has hovered around 0.30 in recent years.

That is why we must ensure that the “Blue Wave” does not turn into a concrete tsunami — one that gradually makes the island unaffordable for its own people.

Still, I remain optimistic. If we combine economic ambition with moral ambition — as Rutger Bregman argues — this period can become an opportunity to build an inclusive future. That means prioritizing affordable housing for first-time buyers, especially young people who want to return after studying in the Netherlands, as well as the middle class.

The government can play a decisive role by making land available for housing development and by strengthening Fundashon Kas Popular's core mission: public housing.

Because no matter how successful Curaçao becomes on the global stage, it cannot be acceptable for the island to become unaffordable for its own population.

Miguel Goede