WILLEMSTAD - Under the initiative of Minister of Economic Development, Roderick Middelhof, and with the support of Minister Charles Cooper of the Ministry of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning, significant improvements have been made to the waterfront area at Sha Caprileskade, commonly known as the Floating Market.

The adaptation introduces a clear physical distinction between the section where the floating market vendors can set up their stalls and the area designated for pedestrians and customers. The zones will be marked with a visible line on the pavement, indicating where vendors may place their products and where pedestrians are expected to walk.

According to the new layout, vendors will have a working space of 1.60 meters from their tables to conduct their activities, while pedestrians will have 2.10 meters of walking space to ensure safe movement through the area.

Minister Middelhof described the measure as an essential step to bring more order and safety to the marketplace, both for vendors and the public.

“I remain firm in my principle: compliance with rules and laws without distinction of who you are. Everyone—merchants, businesses, or institutions—must respect the country’s regulations. If we allow things to go unchecked, in a few days pedestrians would be forced to walk on the street or across to the other side of the road. To prevent that, I decided to establish clear markings that indicate exactly where products can be placed and where pedestrians must pass. In this way, we create space and safety while also sending a clear message: Curaçao has rules,” Minister Middelhof stated.

The Minister emphasized that his intention is to create a fair and safe commercial environment that benefits everyone involved.

Inspectors from the Ministry of Economic Development will continue to work closely with the Downtown Management Organization (DMO) and other relevant entities to ensure that all vendors comply with the established regulations.