From Efficient Service to Experience

From Efficient Service to Experience

May 23, 2026

Recently, I had to get my car inspected because, while waiting for my new license plates to arrive, my inspection card had expired, and I had failed to pay attention to renewing it on time. So I ended up having to pay the higher fee. I made an appointment online. About ten years ago, the inspection office was so organized that you would actually receive a letter inviting you to bring in your car for inspection before the card expired. That has long disappeared, and many people probably do not even remember it anymore. And yet, the inspection office still ranks number three on my personal list of public service counters in terms of service quality. Number one is the Civil Registry (Kranshi) or the SVB.

Once again, the inspection office did not disappoint. Within an hour — despite the blazing heat — I was done. And still. It is peak season, that much is clear. Upon arrival, I was still able to find a parking spot relatively easily. Inside, huge lines stretched in front of the counter in a space far too small for the number of people there. The security guard, who was also acting as a receptionist — which probably should not be the case — seemed the most stressed of all. The building is completely outdated and undermines the quality of the service.

Fortunately, the line moved quickly, and I guessed the correct queue, so within fifteen minutes I was able to drive my car to the inspection area a hundred meters away. There, a female security officer directed me to the back of the line. As I moved forward, I was redirected into one of three separate lines. Within twenty minutes, I was through the process. I should add that the week before, I had serviced the car and instructed the garage to make sure everything was ready for the inspection.

After that, together with about twenty others, I had to park behind the building and wait for an employee to bring the new inspection cards. And that part is very unclear. You do not know whether you are supposed to remain inside your car or not. After a while, I joined several others standing under a tree, and twenty minutes later, I saw an employee from a distance slipping my card under the windshield wiper.

On Curaçao, we are quite happy with this level of service, and it certainly has a certain charm. As a tourist attraction, it would probably score very high. But after so many years, this level is no longer acceptable. The physical service counter truly needs to be redesigned, and there should be a proper waiting area behind the inspection facility. In 2026, it is no longer only about efficiency, but also about experience. And the current experience has had its time. We need to move to the next level.

Miguel Goede