During the seminar ‘It’s the Economy, Stupid’
WILLEMSTAD:--- In a time of persistent inequalities, which have profound impacts on the nature and future of work, and on the place and dignity of the people in it, it is imperative to act with urgency to seize the opportunities and address the challenges to shape a fair, inclusive and secure future of work with full productive and freely chosen employment and decent work for all. Such a future of work is fundamental for sustainable development that puts an end to poverty and leaves no one behind. The question is: is Curaçao ready?”
That question has been put forward by a technical delegation of the Social Economic Council (SER) during the panel discussion ‘It’s the Economy, Stupid!’ which was held on Thursday, July 25th, 2019, in the Atrium of the Renaissance Curaçao & Casino. The panel discussion was organized by the University of Governance (Dr. Miguel Goede) and was sponsored by, among others, the Chamber of Commerce of Curaçao and the MCB Bank. There were approximately 130 attendees.
Members of the panel were the Director/Secretary-General of the SER Mr. Raul Henriquez M.A., Senior Legal Advisor of the SER Mrs. Miloushka Sboui-Racamy LL.M., former Minister of Economic Development Dr. Steven Martina, the Director of the Central Bureau of Statistics Mr. Sean de Boer M.A., the President of the Chamber of Commerce Mr. Billy Jonckheer and entrepreneur Mr. Renato Ignacio.
During its presentation, the technical delegation of the SER emphasized the need for diligent action in dealing with the transformative changes in the world of work which are driven by technological innovations (the 4th and 5th industrial revolution), demographic shifts, environmental and climate change and accelerated globalization.
The advisors of the SER acknowledged the fact that Curaçao is currently facing quite challenging times, but nevertheless must direct its efforts, in a collective manner, in identifying the opportunities and leverage the potential of the profound transformations that are taking place in the world of work. , The import of young highly educated talent with an entrepreneurial spirit, preferably from the region, will have a significant impact on the size, nature, and dynamics on the local labor market. Labour mobility between sectors (public sector, offshore and onshore private sector) must be stimulated”.
Furthermore, the structural institutional weaknesses need to be addressed in a responsible and diligent manner. Civil service costs are relatively high compared with the region, yet the level of public service rendered to civil society and the private sector is little efficient and effective. Fundamental institutional innovations are therefore necessary”.
The technical delegation of the SER pointed further out that, taking into account the evolution of work, it is of the utmost importance to ensure that education and training systems are responsive to labor market needs. Effective lifelong learning and quality education for all will enhance workers’ capacity to make use of the opportunities available for decent work.”
In addition, they stressed the need for, policies and incentives that promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, the creation and development of enterprises, innovation, and the transition from the informal (currently roughly estimated at about 40 percent) to the formal economy.”
In conclusion, the SER-advisors stressed the need for a change of mindset to become ready for the future of work that’s already here “to collectively enhance our chances of employability”.
