Schotte: “Curaçao’s first year as country was not easy

January 2, 2012

WILLEMSTAD — “2011 was the first full year for Curaçao as country and it certainly wasn’t an easy year to govern the country”, Minister-President Gerrit Schotte (MFK) said in his New Year speech. Some people think Curaçao is the center of the world, he said. “However, with the worldwide turbulence financially and economically, the reality is there are also certain negative effects on our economic development.”According to Schotte, for the government this means ‘we have to change something here and there and view matters differently to help develop our society and our people’. “For instance, we realize fundamental changes and adjustments of the government policy to produce better results because if we continue as before, the results will remain the same.

General pension

With the beginning of a New Year, it’s time to review the results of the past year and to enter the New Year with a clear vision, said Schotte. “Our country requests urgent attention for huge challenges that have been waiting for us for many years.” First, he mentioned that people live longer and we should consider that the current AOV-system is almost costing the earth. “Many people are solely dependent on AOV. The society deserves a general pension beside the AOV.”

New tax policy

Second, Schotte mentioned the new tax policy that will become effective this year. The indirect taxes such as sales tax will increase (from 5 to 6 percent, (editorial office)). “The direct taxes, such as income, will decrease gradually.”

Other important changes are required in the medical care system, said Schotte. “The system is becoming unaffordable, among other things due to the lack of integral policy, the lack of efficiency and the inequality in the field of medical care.”

Another area for special attention, according to the Premier, is ‘the exorbitant high price paid for water and electricity’. “We lack an effective policy to withstand the international developments that also affect us.” The infrastructure also requires our attention, said Schotte. “Without an integral approach our country cannot handle the growth of traffic when our country continues to develop. Radical adjustments will be introduced, based on an integral infrastructural plan.” The Premier also mentioned tackling crime. In conclusion, Schotte promised this government would continue their hard work this year, ‘with more dedication, for the welfare of all and to unite everyone, throughout 2012 and thereafter’. “In good and in bad times, the members of this government will give their all every day to realize the people’s mandate and to serve this society in all conscience.”

Source: Amigoe.com