WILLEMSTAD – The Ombudsman of Curaçao has issued a warning regarding the introduction of the new Caribbean Guilder, highlighting concerns over unequal treatment of citizens and potential financial disadvantages. In a letter to the Minister of Finance, the Ombudsman urges swift action and clear guidelines to address these issues. 

Since the replacement of the Netherlands Antillean Guilder with the Caribbean Guilder, the Ombudsman has received reports from the public that the transition is proving problematic in practice. According to the letter, individuals and businesses are unable to exchange the old currency directly on a one-to-one basis. Often, the money must first be deposited into a bank account before it can be withdrawn in the new currency. 

For people without access to adequate banking services, this presents a significant obstacle. These individuals risk being unable to use their money, which directly impacts their financial rights. 

Moreover, some banks have been found to charge fees for depositing cash in the old currency, while others are offering this service temporarily for free. The Ombudsman has expressed concern over this inequality, which he finds difficult to justify. While banks are commercial institutions with the freedom to set their own policies, the Ombudsman argues that clear and uniform rules are necessary when it comes to a government measure that affects the entire population. 

The Ombudsman also raised concerns about government and private companies refusing to accept banknotes greater than one hundred guilders in the old currency. This has led to frustration among citizens, as the old currency remains legally valid. 

The Ombudsman is calling on the government to quickly implement uniform and clear guidelines, which should include ensuring that cash can be exchanged without fees and that all banknotes continue to be accepted during the transition period. He also emphasizes the need for active monitoring to ensure compliance with these rules.