In the year 2025, under the leadership of Minister of Traffic, Transport, and Urban Planning (VVRP) Charles Cooper, two brave citizens, Mr. Pursy Ignacio and Mrs. Giselle Rosalia, are being relentlessly attacked. Why? Because they had the courage to stand up for the Charo neighborhood and its surrounding areas, and to expose the serious wrongdoings occurring in that region. 

Pursy Ignacio and Giselle Rosalia are opposing developments that severely damage our environment and our natural resources. Yet, instead of engaging in constructive dialogue, Charles Cooper, under a personal vendetta, attacks these citizens. He accuses them of baseless claims and, in the process, indirectly undermines the respect and dignity of the Curaçaoan community. And while this is happening, the people of Curaçao sit idly by, accepting this abuse of power. 

This is Curaçao in 2025. It is the aftermath of a crushing victory by the MFK party—of which Charles Cooper and Javier Silvania are key members—in the recent March parliamentary elections. What we are witnessing is not freedom of speech as Minister Cooper might claim to exercise. Instead, it is a campaign of terror against two innocent citizens who dare to challenge the status quo. 

Who is Charles Cooper that he feels entitled to attack citizens in such a vulgar, brutal, and beneath-all-dignity manner? And where are our media—newspapers, radio stations—that should be holding the government accountable? They stand by, too afraid to speak out. This government, led by figures like Cooper, exploits the needs of our people, paving the way for dangerous figures to gain more power and become ever more monstrous. 

We must ask ourselves: What happens tomorrow when corruption has completely overtaken the island, and all our land is controlled by foreign investors? By then, it will be too late to reverse the environmental damage that has already been done. The people will cry out, but no one will be left to hear their pleas. 

Minister Charles Cooper’s narrow-minded view seems to suggest that the children of Curaçao are destined to live in poverty, injustice, and bitterness, their voices silenced. And this, according to Cooper, should be accepted. 

In his interviews, Charles Cooper plays the part of the wise minister, claiming that these actions are all in the name of promoting tourism. According to him, the only way to boost tourism is by suppressing our people, publicly humiliating them, and inciting hostility between the people and those who speak out against him. 

Charles Cooper has always acted in a crude, arrogant, and disrespectful manner—despite missing the opportunity to become the leader of the MFK. But now, vast sums of public money are being spent on propaganda and advertisements that Cooper broadcasts on television, all in the name of road construction and resurfacing projects. He seeks to gain popularity at the expense of the people of Curaçao, using taxpayer money, not his own, for such campaigns. 

This money is not his; it is the people's tax money, being used for propaganda about roadwork. With this, Charles Cooper strengthens his grip on power, continuing to insult and belittle citizens on social media platforms like Facebook. 

Just a few days ago, it was Minister Javier Silvania mercilessly attacking Mr. Carl Camelia, accusing him of trying to profit from the bee problem. Now, Charles Cooper mimics Silvania’s tactics, following his example by attempting to silence brave citizens who are not afraid to speak out. 

I call on all media outlets in Curaçao: Do not remain silent. Do not look away from the appalling treatment of members of our community. For if we allow this mentality to continue, the press will eventually be the next target. 

The time to act is now. Stand with our citizens, stand for the truth, and stand for the preservation of the integrity and dignity of our beloved Curaçao.