Performance Measures

Performance Measures

Finally, Performance Measures are rarely applied. Yet measuring performance is an essential condition for lasting change. Without measurement, we simply do not know whether we are making real progress, nor can we adjust our course when necessary.

This does not mean that data are unavailable. For example, Curaçao's economy grew by 5.1 percent in 2025. At the same time, however, we have remained the poorest country within the Kingdom since 2010. Clearly, individual economic indicators do not tell the whole story.

Curaçao also seems to have a certain resistance to performance indicators and systematic accountability. Consider the government's annual financial statements. They are still several years behind schedule, and there is still no unqualified audit opinion. The problem is not limited to central government. Many government-subsidized foundations also fail to report on their actual performance and societal impact. They receive public funding but provide little insight into the results achieved with taxpayers' money.

It is much like someone who is overweight but refuses to step onto a scale. Without measuring, you simply do not know whether you are making progress.

Ironically, in recent years we have become almost obsessed with measuring a single indicator: the number of tourists visiting Curaçao. But even here the question is whether we are using the right Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The number of visitors alone tells us very little about tourism's real contribution to our society. What is the economic value added per visitor? How much of the tourism revenue actually remains on the island? What is the impact on our infrastructure, environment, housing market, and quality of life? And perhaps most importantly, how do residents experience the continued growth of tourism?

Increasingly, there are signs that tourism also generates significant negative externalities. Public frustration is becoming more visible, not only on social media but even through graffiti and incidents in which rental cars have been set on fire. These are warning signals that should be taken seriously when evaluating the success of our tourism policy.

Once a shared vision has been formulated and implementation begins, progress must be monitored continuously. The implementation of the Landspakket demonstrates the importance of regular monitoring and reporting in order to make timely adjustments. Equally important is celebrating interim successes. Success creates momentum, strengthens public support, and reinforces the confidence that meaningful change is possible.

Miguel Goede