WILLEMSTAD – Dutch State Secretary for Kingdom Relations, Eddie van Marum, expressed concern about the high cost of food during his working visit to Curaçao, saying stronger support for the island’s agriculture sector is essential to lowering the cost of living. 

“I was shocked by the high prices,” Van Marum admitted during a closing press conference. While he acknowledged the quality of local products, he said the prices are disproportionate when compared to average incomes on the island. 

Unlocking Potential in Local Production 

Van Marum emphasized the opportunities within Curaçao’s agriculture, fisheries, and livestock sectors. “If we can stimulate sectors like farming, fisheries, and livestock, we will be on the right path toward producing our own food,” he said. According to the state secretary, boosting local production could reduce supermarket costs, helping residents maintain a decent standard of living with access to healthy and affordable food. 

Dutch Support Promised 

The Netherlands has pledged to provide assistance through economic and agricultural support packages. In collaboration with the Curaçao government, several projects aimed at strengthening the island’s agricultural base are already in preparation. 

Van Marum also met with local entrepreneurs and praised their resilience. He shared the story of an individual who lost his job, sold his car and other belongings, and invested in livestock farming. “Now they are supplying supermarkets. These are success stories that should inspire others,” he said. 

The state secretary concluded by noting that The Hague is exploring how far support can go to help such initiatives grow and attract more people into the agriculture sector, which he believes is key to easing Curaçao’s cost of living pressures.