A relief package must be introduced for the people
The MAN Party has taken note of the announcement regarding the increase in gasoline and diesel prices starting September 29, followed on October 1 by a drastic price increase for water (by 71 cents) and electricity.
For MAN, this announcement is a heavy blow to all households, experiencing a simultaneous price hike in gasoline, diesel, water, and electricity. Basic household needs are becoming more expensive while people’s wallets are shrinking.
Poverty
The poor, such as senior citizens who only receive state pension (AOV) and social assistance welfare recipients, are becoming poorer and can barely survive.
Middle class
The middle class—teachers, healthcare workers, etc.—is gradually falling into poverty. We are aware of global developments, but that does not relieve the Government of its responsibility to provide the people with relief from a drastic rise in the cost of living.
Higher cost of living
This increase negatively impacts the overall cost of living. Life will become more expensive for every household. Food, a basic necessity for everyone, will become costlier alongside water, electricity, and gasoline, which are also essential in daily life.
The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) has already shown that many households face financial difficulties meeting their basic expenses and that the middle class in our country is growing poorer day by day.
As we at MAN have proposed in the past, we once again call upon the Pisas Cabinet to present to parliament and pass a relief package for all the people of Curaçao.
Relief Proposals (to maintain the people’s purchasing power):
Compensation for households below a certain income threshold.
Food, energy, and public transportation vouchers/cards for the most vulnerable.
Lower the extra Revenue/Sales Tax (OB) gains on gasoline, diesel, freight, and freight insurance.
Warning
This increase in the cost of living is a heavy blow to all households and businesses, and we cannot sit idly by and let this price hike create more pain!