WILLEMSTAD – Member of Parliament Ruisandro Cijntje (PNP) has raised strong concerns about the government’s failure to index old-age pensions (AOV) despite clear provisions in the law requiring such adjustments when Curaçao experiences real economic growth. 

Cijntje explained that under the AOV law, specifically Article 7 paragraph 3, the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) must calculate real economic growth between August 1 and July 31 of the following year. Based on these calculations, the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) is required to adjust pensions on January 1, including retroactive payments for the period of growth. 

However, both CBS and SVB have repeatedly informed the government that they cannot comply with the law as written, since CBS does not calculate growth according to the prescribed August-to-July cycle. CBS has suggested aligning the calculation period with the calendar year (January to December), allowing pensions to be indexed each June. 

According to Cijntje, this issue never arose before because Curaçao had not experienced real economic growth between 2013 and 2021. With growth now confirmed, the lack of indexation has sparked public debate. 

The MP highlighted that during his tenure as Minister of Economic Development, Curaçao recorded consistent growth: 4.2% in 2022, 6.9% in 2023, 4.2% in 2024, and 5.0% projected for 2025. “This growth must translate into higher pensions for our elderly, as the law prescribes,” he stressed. 

Cijntje warned that continued government inaction amounts to negligence. “A government that refuses to index pensions in line with the law is acting like a criminal government, forcing pensioners to go to court to receive what is rightfully theirs,” he said. 

As a solution, Cijntje proposed that pensions be immediately increased to ANG 1,050, with retroactive payments arranged. He noted that sufficient funds are available, citing the state’s growing tax revenues as proof. 

The MP urged the government to act swiftly, either by amending the law in line with CBS recommendations or by ensuring CBS has the resources to perform the necessary calculations. “The government must recognize this obligation and clearly explain how and when pensioners will receive what is due to them,” he concluded.