WILLEMSTAD – An online petition about beach accessibility on Curaçao has gathered hundreds of signatures in a short period of time. The petition, which has been online since Tuesday evening, received 260 expressions of support within just two hours.
The initiative was set up by an organizer using the name ‘Kosta Liber’. No real name is provided.
With the petition, the initiators are drawing attention to beaches that, in their view, are becoming increasingly difficult to reach for residents of Curaçao. They argue that the issue goes beyond recreation alone. According to them, culture, traditions and the connection residents have with the coastline also come under pressure when public access disappears.
Public overview of beach access
The initiators want parliament to request that the government compile a public overview of all beaches on Curaçao and their accessibility. This overview should make clear where public access points are located, whether public roads or paths lead to the beach, who manages access, and what solutions are offered when access is restricted or closed off.
According to the initiators, it is currently not always clear which beaches are publicly accessible and how residents can get there.
“Our sea, without barriers”
The call emphasizes that beaches serve an important social and cultural function for many Curaçaoans. They are places where families come together, children learn to swim, and fishermen carry on their traditions.
The initiators therefore describe free access to public beaches as a fundamental right, and warn that parts of the coastline are gradually becoming less accessible to the local population.
