[6] In January 1968, prime minister Efraïn Jonckheer announced his intention to retire from active politics, and named Kroon as his successor.

The same day, he wanted to drive to the airport to say goodbye to Jonckheer, however he was involved in a traffic accident with a bus, and was hospitalised with a concussion.

It had one of the highest per capita incomes, a 99.5% literacy rate, a tourist friendly capital with luxury hotels and many duty-free shops,[10]: 1–2  however Royal Dutch Shell, the largest employer, had laid off 2,000 workers.

[10]: 2  On the other hand, the mainly Caucasian management was living in the segregated and gated villa wards of Julianadorp and Emmastad.

[11][12] Royal Dutch Shell announced using plumbers of subcontractor Werkspoor Caribbean (WESCAR), where the employees received significant lower wages.

On 30 May 1969, the strikers were joined by disgruntled personnel of Texas Instruments, and a march was organised to the centre of Willemstad which escalated in a riot where houses were set on fire, and shops were looted.