The Implementation Gap in Curaçao and Bonaire

The Implementation Gap in Curaçao and Bonaire

13 September 2026

On 11 September, I received Bonaire’s climate plan through my app. The plan had been formally adopted by the Executive Council. Shortly afterwards, I read in the newspaper: “216 million needed for climate plan.” It is the interim result of a process that officially started in 2024, although preparations had already begun earlier. A fine achievement. But apart from the fact that the necessary funding still has to be secured, I cannot determine from the document how implementation has been organised.

It reminds me of the Vishon Boneiru 2050 document. This, too, is a document that deserves recognition. The final report was submitted by the Executive Council to the Island Council for adoption. This process, however, does have a very extensive implementation structure in place.

Both plans have their counterparts in Curaçao. Curaçao also developed a climate strategy several years ago. I can no longer find it, and in everyday life it seems to play no meaningful role whatsoever. The same applies to the National Development Plan Curaçao 2015–2030, which was approved in early 2016. It, too, hardly seems to play a role. If I am not mistaken, a blended conference on the plan is held every year. Meanwhile, in December 2025, the government launched yet another vision-building process. Every now and then, we hear something about it.

My point is that on many of our islands, a great deal of time is invested in producing impressive documents, yet the documents themselves often reveal that very little thought has been given to implementation. Too little attention is paid to how visions and policies will actually be put into practice.

Money is really not the main obstacle. What matters most is having an implementation structure with clear ownership, clearly defined responsibilities, and a fixed rhythm in which people come together in a disciplined manner, make decisions and monitor progress. What I see is that many of those who are part of such structures do not understand their role and regard these meetings as a waste of time. Instead, they spend their time dealing with the daily fires.

The result? Permanent crisis.

Miguel Goede