Reflections on Curaçao's Current State and the Path Forward
August 7, 2024
Recently, I have spoken to many people, and a common theme has emerged: a pervasive despair about the future of Curaçao. The upcoming elections are barely mentioned, as there seems to be a collective skepticism that they will bring any meaningful change. When we examine all the indicators, we see that things are not going well for Curaçao. Even the supposed economic growth and increase in tourism are, in reality, bad news disguised as good news because tourism imposes a significant burden with a high price tag.
What is often overlooked is that everyone can be part of the solution by collaborating and allowing people to showcase their expertise. How did we get here? Since the establishment of the country Curaçao in 2010, democracy has been repeatedly undermined through political assassinations, attempts to halt elections, refusal to cooperate in appointing members of Parliament, and more. Additionally, many board directors have been dismissed, and numerous CEOs have been fired. The consequences of these actions are evident in the results we see today.
Curaçao has become the poorest country in the Kingdom, with 60% to 70% of the population living in poverty, including those with jobs and incomes. The solution lies in embracing Governance 5.0 and transforming into Society 5.0.
Governance 5.0 represents a forward-thinking approach to leadership and management, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and community involvement. It moves beyond traditional governance models to incorporate advanced technology, data-driven decision-making, and a focus on sustainability and inclusivity. This model is essential for addressing the complex challenges facing Curaçao today.
Society 5.0, a concept initially developed in Japan, envisions a human-centered society that balances economic advancement with resolving social problems through a system that integrates cyberspace and physical space. By adopting this framework, Curaçao can harness technology to improve the quality of life for all its citizens, ensuring that economic growth benefits everyone, not just a select few.
For Curaçao to move forward, the community must recognize the power of collaboration. Each person’s expertise and willingness to work together can drive the changes needed to lift the nation out of its current state. This means fostering an environment where innovation is encouraged, and diverse perspectives are valued.
The future of Curaçao depends on a collective effort to redefine our approach to governance and society. By adopting Governance 5.0 and transforming into Society 5.0, we can create a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for all. It is time to move beyond despair and skepticism, recognizing that each of us has a role in building a better Curaçao.
Miguel Goede
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