Marshe Rondo Reopens, But Local Entrepreneurs Remain Absent

An independent review of Curaçao's state-owned utility company Aqualectra has found that the organization has made significant progress in recent years, though critical infrastructure work on the electrical grid remains incomplete. The review assessed Aqualectra's operational performance, financial health, and infrastructure development across the island. Reviewers acknowledged measurable improvements in the company's management and service delivery, signaling a positive trajectory for the utility. However, the report flagged unfinished grid upgrades as a continuing concern, warning that delays could pose risks to the reliability and stability of Curaçao's power supply. The findings are significant for residents and businesses on the island, who depend on Aqualectra for both electricity and water services. Authorities and stakeholders are expected to use the review's recommendations to prioritize and accelerate the remaining infrastructure work. The report underscores the balance between progress made and the urgency of completing long-term improvements to Curaçao's energy network.

Curaçao consumers remain unable to switch mobile carriers while keeping their phone numbers, a feature known as mobile number portability (MNP), even as major regional carriers Flow and Digicel have already rolled it out in other Caribbean markets. The absence of MNP on the island limits consumer choice and competition, effectively locking subscribers into their current provider to avoid losing a familiar number. Telecom regulators and operators in Curaçao have yet to reach the agreements and technical implementations necessary to enable the service. The delay puts Curaçao behind regional peers where the same carriers operating on the island have demonstrated the technical capability to offer MNP. Consumer advocates argue the lack of portability suppresses competition and keeps prices artificially high. The situation raises questions about the pace of telecom regulation on the island and when authorities will mandate or facilitate the rollout. No official timeline has been announced for when Curaçao residents can expect the feature to become available.

A Curaçao court has recognized a German court ruling that orders online gambling operator NGame to repay nearly €95,000 in losses to a player. The case highlights growing legal pressure on Curaçao-licensed online gambling companies, which have long operated under a relatively permissive regulatory framework. German courts have increasingly ruled that online gambling contracts made outside of Germany's licensed framework are unenforceable, entitling players to recover their losses. By recognizing the foreign judgment, the Curaçao court has opened the door for enforcement of the repayment order against NGame within the jurisdiction. The decision is significant because it signals that Curaçao's own courts may no longer serve as a shield for operators facing foreign consumer protection rulings. This comes as Curaçao is actively overhauling its online gambling licensing regime under new legislation aimed at greater oversight and accountability. The ruling could set a precedent for other players and jurisdictions seeking to recover funds from Curaçao-based online gambling companies.