WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao's Ombudsman Keursly Concincion has issued sharp criticism of the government's performance in his recently published 2024 annual report, highlighting persistent failures in timely and effective decision-making by public authorities. According to Concincion, many of the 958 complaints received last year stemmed from delays and inadequate responses from government institutions, leading to widespread frustration among citizens and increasing pressure on civil servants.
“Government decisions are often not made in a timely manner,” Concincion states, adding that this inaction contributes to inefficiencies and a lack of trust in public administration.
Systemic Issues and Bureaucratic Hurdles
The report points to underutilization of existing laws and regulations, as well as unnecessarily complex and cumbersome procedures within the government system.
A striking example includes the Inspectorate for Public Health, which failed to respond substantively for three years to a formal complaint regarding an oncologist. “The Inspectorate did not act with the urgency expected of public institutions,” the Ombudsman wrote.
The Curaçao Police Force (KPC) also came under scrutiny. One citizen waited over five years for information regarding an investigation into the chassis number of their motorcycle. “The departure of a staff member cannot justify withholding clear and concrete information from the public,” the report emphasized.
Broken Promises and Lack of Follow-Up
Concincion stressed that many complaints could have been avoided if the government had honored its commitments and provided citizens with timely updates. One cited case involved the Ministry of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning, which failed to act on a 2017 promise to address rainwater flooding in a neighborhood. “Seven years without a single follow-up message contradicts the principle of trustworthy governance,” said the Ombudsman.
Some Progress Through Dialogue
Despite the critical tone, the Ombudsman acknowledged positive developments. A significant number of complaints were resolved through constructive dialogue with civil servants, and in some instances, with political leaders. He described this approach as crucial to the effectiveness of the institution.
Focus on Children’s Rights
In 2024, the Ombudsman also placed special emphasis on children’s rights. An investigation was launched into a fatal drowning incident involving a minor placed in care by the government. The Ombudsman also sent a formal letter to the Minister of Economic Development, highlighting the right to clean drinking water for children.
However, the planned appointment of a dedicated Children's Ombudsman could not proceed due to lack of political decision-making. Still, Concincion expressed hope that the institution will soon be reinforced with a full-time deputy to handle children's rights issues.
A Call for Reliability and Accountability
The Ombudsman concluded his report with appreciation for the trust and cooperation of citizens and public servants who helped address systemic issues throughout 2024:
“This demonstrates once again the vital role of the Ombudsman in Curaçaoan society — also in 2024.”
