Curaçao Finance Minister Proposes Minimum Tax for Multinationals

The Algemeen Pensioenfonds van Curaçao (APC), Curaçao's general pension fund, has announced a 0.51% increase in pension payments, representing a partial restoration of indexation that was not granted in previous years. The increase took effect on January 1, 2026, and pensioners will receive the difference retroactively from that date. The adjustment addresses a longstanding concern among retirees who had seen their pension purchasing power eroded due to previously withheld cost-of-living adjustments. While the increase is modest, it signals the fund's willingness to partially compensate beneficiaries for missed indexation. The retroactive payment means retirees will see a lump-sum correction in addition to the adjusted ongoing monthly amount. No explanation was provided in the excerpt regarding why full indexation has not been restored, suggesting the fund may still face financial constraints.

A legal dispute over a swimming pool construction project in Curaçao has escalated to court, with the total amount in contention reaching XCG 68,500. The case centers on alleged defects in the pool's construction, with one party claiming the work was substandard or incomplete. The contractor and client are now at odds over responsibility for the reported deficiencies. The lawsuit reflects a broader issue common in construction disputes on the island, where quality standards and contractual obligations are frequently contested. The outcome of the case could set a precedent for how similar construction defect claims are handled under Curaçao law. No ruling has been issued yet, and the matter is currently working its way through the local court system.

Curaçao's fuel and electricity rates are set to increase starting Tuesday, September 1, 2026, according to the RAC (Refineria di Kòrsou or the relevant regulatory authority). Diesel prices will rise by 24 cents per liter, while gasoline will increase by 5 cents per liter. Electricity tariffs will also go up on the same date. The RAC announced the changes, signaling a notable jump particularly for diesel consumers. The diesel increase of 24 cents per liter is significantly steeper than the gasoline hike, which could have a broad impact on transportation, logistics, and businesses that rely heavily on diesel. Residents and businesses are advised to prepare for the higher costs across both fuel types and electricity bills beginning in September.