Digital and Accessible Information Services – A Key to Economic Growth in the Dutch Caribbean
On Thursday, 7 August, the Economists Club Curaçao hosted a lunch meeting at ICUC, inviting Mr. Wesley Eleonora, Managing Director of SIM Caribbean, as the guest speaker.
Digital accessibility is no longer just a social responsibility – it is also an economic necessity. This was the central message of Mr. Eleonora’s well-attended lecture.
In his presentation, “Digital and Accessible Information Services in the Dutch Caribbean”, Mr. Eleonora addressed the current state of digitalization and digital accessibility in the region. He highlighted both the challenges – such as infrastructure, digital skills, and collaboration – and the opportunities, including more efficient public services, greater transparency, and inclusive communication.
“Digital accessibility ensures that all residents, businesses, and visitors can use information and services. It’s not only fair, it also strengthens the business climate and makes our islands more attractive to tourists, investors, and international partners. Digital accessibility means that websites, apps, and documents are usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. Internationally, this is guided by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the standard which is mandatory in the European Union under the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and is increasingly applied in the Dutch Caribbean,” said Mr. Eleonora.
According to the most recent figures from Senso (CBS Curaçao), 10.4% of the population – around 16,113 people – have a disability that can hinder digital access, such as difficulties with remembering or concentrating, mental disabilities, communication challenges, or sensory impairments (vision and hearing).
Link to Sustainability and Tourism
The lecture also connected digital accessibility to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including promoting sustainable economic growth (SDG 8) and reducing inequality (SDG 10).
Mr. Eleonora also noted the direct economic spin-off for tourism:
“Accessible websites and apps improve the experience for travellers with disabilities and align with the ambition to position the Dutch Caribbean as an inclusive and sustainable destination.”
Role of the Business Community
The presentation concluded with an open discussion on how the private sector can contribute to digital and accessible information services in the Dutch Caribbean.
Suggestions included collaborating with government on user-centred, multilingual, and accessible platforms, investing in innovative inclusion tools, and providing feedback on public digital services.
The discussion was fuelled by three statements:
- “Digital accessibility is a responsibility of the government, not the private sector.”
- “As clients of the government, businesses should be able to demand high-quality digital services.”
- “Accessible technology presents economic opportunities – also for the private sector.”
Mr. Eleonora emphasised:
“Accessibility isn’t just a legal or ethical issue — it’s an economic opportunity.”
About SIM Caribbean
For over 16 years, SIM Caribbean has supported governments and public organisations in the Dutch Caribbean with digital transformation, with a strong focus on accessibility, inclusive communication, and innovation. The company also conducts Accessibility Audits for organisations. For more information, contact us.
About the Economists Club Curaçao
The Economists Club Curaçao provides a platform for exchanging knowledge and insights on current economic issues. For more information, visit their website or Facebook page.
