Once again, Curaçao was hit by a prolonged internet outage, this time on June 14–15, when the island’s main telecom provider Flow experienced a near 24-hour service disruption. Social media exploded with frustration, while the company issued a dry statement saying it was “doing its utmost” to resolve the issue. Customers were later offered a 15% discount on their next bill—a symbolic gesture that left many feeling ignored.
While technical failures can happen, the frequency and duration of utility outages on the island—whether involving electricity, water, or internet—raise serious questions. Experts and residents alike point to chronic underinvestment, aging infrastructure, and the lack of proper maintenance as long-standing issues. And though the tropical climate and natural events are often blamed, the negligence is largely man-made.
Where Was the Crisis Team?
Curaçao has a Crisis Management and Disaster Response Organization (CRBO) tasked with protecting the population during emergencies like hurricanes, tsunamis, or pandemics. But during this digital crisis, there was radio silence. No action plan, no coordination, no public communication—despite the fact that internet connectivity today is as essential as electricity and water. Some even argue it's a basic human right.
A prolonged outage isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s social and economic disruption. Working from home, online education, and business operations all rely on internet access. Yet internet infrastructure is treated like a luxury, not the critical service it is.
Regulatory Authority Steps In
The Regulatory Authority Curaçao (RAC) has now announced an investigation. This is long overdue. In countries like the Netherlands, consumers are legally entitled to compensation for prolonged outages, with the ACM (Authority for Consumers and Markets) enforcing rules and penalties.
Curaçao urgently needs a proactive infrastructure policy, not just disaster response after the fact. The government must lead, set clear regulations, and enforce them strictly, even if it means taking tough measures against service providers. Continuity of vital services is a public duty, not a commercial favor.
A Deeper Problem
Beyond internet issues, Curaçao also faces frequent flooding, overgrown drainage systems, and overloaded dams. These problems are ignored until the next disaster hits—when once again, the island is caught off guard.
The island’s mess of above-ground cables—electricity and internet lines dangling from lampposts—remains an unresolved hazard. With strong winds and yellow weather warnings issued by the meteorological service, one tropical storm could rip these lines down, leaving the island without services for weeks or even months. These cables should have been moved underground long ago.
Time for Accountability
The CRBO must evolve from being a reactionary body to one focused on prevention. That means real planning, enforcement, and—if necessary—sanctions. Continued inaction in the face of known risks should no longer be seen as acceptable.
Is it time to consider legal accountability for negligence? If an organization fails to act on known risks and damage occurs, should that be considered force majeure—or preventable harm?
The current pattern is unsustainable. As the old saying goes, “the well is only covered after the calf has drowned.” And on an island like Curaçao, that well is often far too deep.
Jeff Sybesma
