Whilst Parliaments around the world are taking action on climate change, our Parliament has yet to honor a petition made two and a half years ago by an opposition party to discuss this matter. Mind you, we are a Small Island Development State which means that we are highly exposed to all kinds of extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent, more intense and more harmful for our ecosystems (interaction among all living things and between the living and non-living environment). 

My friends from other Caribbean and Pacific SIDS do not understand why Curaçao is not showing any meaningful interest in this matter. Is it stupidity, carelessness or disbelief? I do not know. What I do know is that we are one of the few in the world who couldn’t care less, it seems. 

What equally worries me is that young people are not involved enough. Young people are critical to ensure that discussions, policies are effective and sustainable. I hope that the youth realizes that the future depends on their engagement in climate governance. Finally, I hope that when the discussions about climate governance finally take place, that the Members of Parliament will involve the youth by making it possible for a meaningful engagement of the young population. 

Alex David Rosaria (53) is a freelance consultant active in Asia & Pacific. He is a former Member of Parliament, Minister of Economic Affairs, State Secretary of Finance and UN Implementation Officer in Africa and Central America. He’s from Curaçao and has a MBA from the University of Iowa. (USA).