The Friendship Treaty Providing Opportunities to Inject Growth into Curaçao’s Economy

The recent presentation of the Tourism Master Plan to the Government of Curaçao, and business associations, outlined a solid path to increase the economic contribution that tourism makes to the island’s economy.

TEXT KATY BRANUM

The focus of this plan is to attract larger numbers of visitors from the northeastern area of the USA. This target group is particularly attractive, because they spend much more on the island than visitors from other parts of the world. This in turn could mean that they use more services, which results in an injection of a greater amount of money into local businesses. It also provides potential for local businesses to grow and help support the community with jobs. The good news is that the island’s ability to prepare local people for the influx of these visitors, both regarding the type of business opportunities it presents and the service skills that US clientele require, has now become easier. “The Friendship Treaty,” an initiative that is embedded in Curaçao’s history, has been in effect since the fifties and was originally initiated to help foster economic development on the island. After years, a new interpretation of the Treaty has presented itself, and has been in effect since 1 June 2015.

Within the ‘reinterpreted’ Treaty framework, American and Dutch passport holders are able to work in Curaçao under similar pretenses, providing opportunities for knowledgeable workers to come to the island, share their experiences, and inspire others. Curaçao’s history and rich tradition of collaboration with USA and the Netherlands dates back to the Second World War, when the island relied very much on protection from US forces, after the Netherlands fell to the Nazis. The US occupied Fort Nassau was a key defense position, deterring potential attacks. In its new interpretation, the Friendship Treaty outlines the following criteria for Dutch and American citizens.

According to research, figures indicate that foreign workers spend more money locally than abroad. Further, these workers expose the local population to new career possibilities that they may not have previously considered, helping to inspire potential entrepreneurs. The workers also bring valuable skills and knowledge to the island, fueling creativity and helping to prepare the island for any challenges it may face in the future.

According to research, figures indicate that foreign workers spend more money locally than abroad.

Another effect of an influx of foreign professionals includes the friends and family that they attract to the island for vacations, and the effect that this could potentially have on the local economy. A relatively unknown effect of these workers is wonderful work that their families do to help the local communities. The local Britannic Club (an association that dates back to the 1930s consisting mostly of the wives from Commonwealth countries), for example, raises 25,000 ANG per annum, and distributes funds to local charities such as: Stichting Shimaruku, Kwido pa Grandi na Kas, Kwido pa Famia, Kinderoord Brakkeput, SILOAM Children’s Hospice & Dierenbescherming Curacao, Dierenhulp, Arco Cavent, Stichting FELIS, CARF, Stichting Equine Curacao, Fundashon Jabi di Libertad and Huize Tabita. These foundations work to help the less fortunate and the youth on the island.

The Friendship Treaty provides a very attractive proposition to the local IT sector. The IT sector is very competitive globally, and living in the Caribbean would be attractive for many software engineers. This Treaty enables these businesses to attract top engineers from the USA and the Netherlands, potentially allowing Curaçao’s software industry to grow, and increasing its economic contribution to the island. It also provides the potential to develop educational programs that will build the local skill set in this area.

The Friendship Treaty offers endless possibilities for the island’s people and continues to strengthen the island economically. Let’s hope that these types of initiatives continue, as they make Curacao an attractive destination for business knowledge, thus ensuring its economic growth.

The applicant must have:
• A Dutch or US passport and birth certificate;
• No police record;
• A letter confirming employment from a proposed employer or an investor permit (to launch a business or purchase a home); and
• A permanent address on the island.