The Social and Economic Council (SER) of Curaçao issued today its advisory opinion to caretaker Finance Minister Javier Silvania on draft legislation aimed at reforming the national ordinance governing government fees, charges, and fees for use of public spaces (precario rights). The proposed legislation seeks a comprehensive update of the existing fee structure, which has remained largely unchanged since 1992, primarily by adjusting rates to reflect cumulative inflation.
The SER received the formal advisory request on April 14, 2025, following a decision by the Council of Ministers on April 9. Preparations for this legislative proposal began as early as July 2024, incorporating recommendations from Curaçao’s Directorate of Legislation and Legal Affairs (WJZ).
The SER’s advisory document provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary analysis, carefully weighing legal, economic, and social considerations. Legally, the advice emphasizes transparency, legal certainty, and clear definitions of delegated regulatory authority. Economically, the analysis addresses cost recovery, budgetary impact, and the efficiency of revenue collection. Socially, the SER examines potential impacts on citizens and businesses, with particular attention given to vulnerable households and small enterprises.
