WILLEMSTAD - A dispute has erupted within the Curaçao government following the temporary closure of Mondi Beach Club last week by the Inspection Department of the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO). The action has led to a public confrontation between Minister of Traffic, Transport and Spatial Planning, Charles Cooper, and Minister of Economic Development, Roderick Middelhof.

Minister Cooper sharply criticized the head of the Inspection Department, accusing the official of having “violated all standards of decency and good governance” and acting improperly in shutting down the popular beach club. However, Minister Middelhof defended the inspector’s actions, stating that the decision was made in full accordance with the law.

The disagreement between the two ministers played out publicly yesterday through media statements. Mondi Beach Club, located at Rif and owned by Corendon Curaçao Holding, has since reopened.

Minister Cooper expressed regret over the situation, emphasizing that the “unauthorized closure” sent a negative signal about Curaçao’s business climate. He noted that at the time of the closure, European investors who were exploring business opportunities on the island were present at the venue.

“The timing and manner of this action were extremely unfortunate and harmful to Curaçao’s image as an investment destination,” Cooper stated.

Minister Middelhof, on the other hand, maintained that the Inspection Department acted within its legal mandate, underscoring the importance of enforcing compliance fairly and consistently.

The incident has sparked broader debate about government coordination and communication between ministries, especially in cases affecting the island’s tourism and investment sectors.