Volume 3 - Issue 6 November 2015

The official opening of Curaçao House

CURAÇAO 5 YEARS OF AUTONOMY

Francis SlingNel Simon

The story of Tula

Curaçao Precious2

BLUE SAPPHIRES

There are multiple reasons why the sapphire has been

chosen as the gem to embody the preciousness, the

uniqueness and the invaluable personification of our

cherished island na apphire is blue.

It is an acknowledged fact that the sapphire has become

synonymous with the colour blue.

Throughout the ages the characteristics of this coveted

gem have been both recognized and admired.

The sapphire is rare, indescribably beautiful and more

expensive than the clear diamond and the other big two

coloured gemstones, the ruby and the emerald.

This could explain why the sapphire reigns supreme.

The colour blue is also omnipresent in the clear daytime

sky of Curaçao and the Caribbean.

The different variations of blue that characterize the azure

and pristine water of our sea are legendary since they

provide a colourful background for photographs and

movie clips by both amateurs and professionals.

In addition, blue is also the principal colour in

the flag of Curaçao, a blue, much like the vibrant

and lively blue of a fine sapphire.

By the way, the other two colours featured in the flag of

Curaçao are yellow and white – the flag was

officially introduced on July 2nd 1984.

Considering the abovementioned, it is easy to conclude

why sapphires were selected to exemplify

Curaçao Precious.

CURACAO - 5 YEARS OF AUTONOMY 4

HUMANS OF WILLEMSTAD 5

TULA - THE ROAD TO FREEDOM 6

MEET THE ARTIST BEHIND THE “DESENKADENA” NATIONAL MONUMENT 8

FRANCIS SLING 10

STICHTING PASSAAT 12

CURAÇAOAN TRADITIONAL DISH 13

OFFICIAL OPENING 13

CONTENT

3

Cabinet of the Minister

Plenipotentiary of Curaçao

Prinsegracht 63-65

2512EX Den Haag

Tel. +31 (0)70 3066111

info@kgmc.nl

Editorial:

Communication and Information

Department | Cabinet of the Minister

Plenipotentiary of Curaçao in

collaboration with Stichting Passaat

Design & Production:

Ben Coëlho / www.bemaco.nl

Photography:

Paco Núñez

Caïnva Isenia

T. Kelly Photography

Djeesen Photography

Gloria Lowe

Anneke Polak

Alex Rodriguez

Dear readers,On 10th October 2010, Curacao became an autonomous country within the Kingdom of The Netherlands after years

of preparation.Now, 5 years after the dissolution of the Nether lands Antilles, we have had our challenges but we have also made great progress in many ways as an autonomous country within the Kingdom, and we will continue our strive towards improving the development of our country in the coming years. We believe as one nation, in a positive future

for our beautiful country, Curaçao. In this edition of Curaçao Precious, we commemorate the 5th anniversary of Curaçao as an autonomous country within the Kingdom of The Netherlands. In addition we also remember the revolt of August 17th, 1795, the onset of

a long road to the abolition of slavery on Curaçao.I wish you much enjoyment in reading this edition of

Curaçao Precious.

Marvelyne Wiels

Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao to the Netherlands

A word from the Minister Plenipotentiary

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All rights reserved. The magazine

may not be published, broad-

casted etc., in whole or part,

without the express written consent

of the Cabinet of the Minister

Plenipotentiary of Curaçao.

COLOPHON

Pictures: Alex Rodriguez

This year on October 10th, 2015 marked the 5th year anniversary of the historical decision that turned Curaçao into an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This meant the end of the Netherlands Antilles, and a whole new chapter for Curaçao as well as the other islands.

To refresh our memories, the most important consequences of this decision were the following :

The Netherlands Antilles was dissolved on 10 October 2010.

Curaçao and St Maarten became new countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba became special municipalities of the Netherlands.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands now consists of The Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten.

Curaçao and St Maarten are responsible for their own national government and legislation.

Joint Public Prosecutions Service and Common Court of Justice for Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.

Encourage economic growth by tackling short-term problems and investing in long-term solutions.

Looking back on the past 5 years one thing is certain; as in all areas in life, change is not easy. The transition phase has progressed with its up and its downs. Yet at the same time one can sense the determination of the public to continue to fight for the growth and prosperity of the island they love.

This can be noticed when looking at the development of the tourism industry on the island, which is showing great signs of growth. Tourism remains an important source of income for

the island and thus very important to its economy. There are many methods to measure growth. But more simply when you tell people today about Curacao, you no longer have to explain that it’s the island next to Aruba. People across the globe know who we are through our various athletes performing on a global stage. Curaçaoan athletes represent the island in major league as well as little league baseball, professional soccer, and we treasure our Olympic medalists and Wimbledon champions. The Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival also plays a huge role in the increased popularity of the island. The music festival has brought some of the world’s biggest musical artists to the island and thus attracts thousands of others to visit each year. All of this attention would not mean much without the tremendous effort from the Curacao Tourism Board and CHATA, in continuing to develop the sector, and the work of sector players themselves, ensuring our visitors have an unforgettable experience during their stay so that they will return and also spread the word.

Another development has been the increase in the number of young professionals returning home after their studies abroad.

Many move back to the island, and join the corporate world. There is also another group that returns to chase their entrepreneurial dreams, and carve their own paths. Together both groups help propel the country forward, raising the level of education and skill available on the island. Meanwhile, their experiences obtained from countries around the world provide this

younger generation with inspiration and perspective allowing them to identify gaps in the market and take advantage of various opportunities the island has to offer.

These are just some examples of areas that are showing progress, and provide signs of hope for Curacao. It proves that banding together and focusing on possibilities can create a bright future for Dushi Kòrsou.

CURAÇAO5 YEARS OF AUTONOMY

Picture: Anneke Polak

Curaçao Precious4

Humans of Willemstad was started with the intention to help the world get to know Curaçao, and its people through their stories, in their own words. By reading these stories we can learn how people continue to work towards bringing the island forward. We learn about teachers trying to make a difference, athletes working to showcase Curaçao in a positive light, and scholars coming home to apply their knowledge there. There are also the tourists, that see us through a completely different lens, and are inspired to apply some of what they learned in Curaçao, back home.The stories shared on Humans of Willemstad are posted in the language of the person who shared it. It may be in Papiamentu, English, Dutch of Spanish, which shows the multitude of languages spoken on our island.

‘’I really really like the lyrics to the song ‘Kabes ariba’ (Keep your head up).

It teaches you that no matter what happens in life, you need to keep your

head up high. And the same goes for the lyrics to ‘Tula Warda’ (Tula, wait).

Because it illustrates how we fight each other. That it is not coming from our

oppressors, but that we fight our own. Both these songs do not get played

much anymore. Yet the lyrics remain relevant till this day”.

‘’It’s amazing how that people here speak four languages. I was an eight

grade teacher back in the U.S. and I’m really amazed by your education

system here. Everybody can communicate in at least four languages. Four! In

the U.S. we only get taught one, and still some don’t get that one right. And

I like that the students are in uniform. It’s so colorful, when you see them in

the streets. The uniform prevents that children feel excluded at school. You

can’t tell who is poor or rich. It helps against forming cliques, which is good

against bullying. Everybody is just on the same level.’’

“I want make my entire family proud of me. Actually, the entire island’’.

How do you plan to achieve that?

“Well, by lending out a hand to others wherever I can. For example, there are

kids that come to school without having their breakfast or without money to

buy something to eat. So then, I share my sandwich with them or sometimes

give them the entire thing. I’m ok just having water for a day, I don’t mind at

all. I try to put myself in their shoes. I don’t know what their situation is like at

home. They know they can come talk to me as well. This way they know that

there are people that they can count on”

Pictures: Djeesenphotography

Curaçao Precious 5

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On August 17 Curaçao commemorate the revolt of the slaves in 1795. The revolt of 1795 is remembered as the onset of a long road to the freedom from slavery on Curaçao, one of the major transit points in the Atlantic slave trade. This revolt was led by Tula, a fighter for human rights and independence. He liberated himself and led the Curaçao Slave Revolt of 1795 that convulsed the island for more than a month.

The revolt started on the morning of August 17, 1795 at the plantation of Kenepa of slave master Caspar Lodewijk van Uytrecht at Bandabou, Curaçao. Tula had more revolt partners, Bazjan Karpa-ta, Pedro Wacao and Louis Mercier. In

this fight for freedom, Tula convinced 40 to 50 slaves to join him. They met on the square of the plantation and informed Van Uytrecht they would no longer be his slaves. Caspar van Uytrecht told them to present their complaints to the

governor at Fort Amsterdam. The liberators left and went from Kenepa to Lagun, where they freed 22 more slaves. At the plantation of Santa Cruz, they were joined by more liberated people under Bazjan Karpata. Tula then led the liberated people from plantation to plantation, freeing more slaves. The slave owners had retreated to the city leaving their plantations unprotected. At the same time Louis Mercier led another group of freed slaves to Santa Cruz where he took the commandant Van der Grijp and ten of his mixed race soldiers as prisoners. Mercier also attacked Kenepa, where he freed more slaves and then he rejoined Tula.

On August 19, the Dutch military under the command of Lieutenant R.G. Plegher, attacked Tula’s group at Portomarie where they were camping. During this first combat, about 300 rebels participated. The Dutch military was defeated by Tula and his followers. At the plantation of Fontein, Pedro Wacao killed the Dutch slaver, Sabel, who became the first white victim of the rebellion.

At this point, Tula was aware of the revolution that had resulted in freedom for the enslaved in Haïti and that they also deserve to be freed. Tula argued that since the Netherlands were now captured by the French, they should get their freedom as well. The governor was notified of Plegher’s defeat and the rebellion was now considered a serious threat to the white community. The governor and the slavers had raised a force of 67 well-armed horsemen under the command of Captain Baron van Westerholt to renew the attack. Westerholt had orders to offer leniency to the rebels if they would surrender. Jacobus Schink, a

THE ROAD TO FREEDOMTULA

Picture: Gloria Lowe

Curaçao Precious 7

Roman Catolic priest, served as negotiator and attempted to prevent bloodshed. At Portomarie a historic meeting was held between Pastor Schink and Tula.Tula had 3 demands: an end to collective punishment, an end to labor on Sunday, and the freedom to buy clothes and goods from others than their own masters. The slaves were being forced to work on Sundays, which had generally been a day of rest in the past and many planters hired their slaves out to maximize profits by exploiting their labor.

There were two attempts at negotiating with the enslaved. Father Schink could not convince the rebels to surrender. Tula refused to accept anything less than freedom. After Schink returned to Westerholt’s camp, he told him the demands of Tula. After hearing this, Westerholt got more reinforcement and decided to attack. He attempted a last negotiation, but when he was turned down by the rebels, he ordered to shoot any slave with a weapon. At the height of the revolt, 2000 slaves were participating out of a total slave population of approximately 12,000. In this fight, several slaves were killed and the rest escaped.Tula did not give up the war yet. The rebels continued fighting in the bushes of Sta. Martha and San Juan till half September. On September 8, Luis Mercier was captured in the neighborhood of plantation Kenepa. On September 16, Tula was betrayed by a slave of plantation Kenepa. Pedro Wacau and Bazjan Karpata were taken as prisoners by enslavers of plantation San Juan on command of their supervisors. On October 3rd, Tula and his fellow leaders were tortured and

executed. Their bones were systematically shattered with an iron rod, their heads lopped off and their bodies tossed into the sea.

Despite its tragic end, the revolt of August 17 is remembered as the start of a long road to the freedom from slavery on Curaçao. In commemoration of the revolt a statue was erected of Tula in 1998. The statue shows that Curaçao has not forgotten this page in the island’s history, but rather acknowledges it and celebrates the fight against slavery. The Desenkadena National Monument made by sculptor Nel Simon, is located on the south coast of Curaçao between “Koredo” and “Holiday Beach Hotel”.

Source: www.museotula.com www.slavernijenjij.nl

Picture: Gloria Lowe

Picture: Gloria Lowe

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MEET THE ARTIST BEHIND THE “DESENKADENA” NATIONAL MONUMENT

Curaçao Precious

Pictures: Paco Nùñez

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Can you tell me about your background and your route to becoming the sculptor you are now? I was born on October 12, 1938 in the Seru Fortuna neigh-

borhood in Curaçao. I started to create ceramics at the Suffisant Ceramics studio, which was a project set up by the International Labor Organization. Later I got a scholarship to study ceramics at the University of Burlington, Vermont USA. After my return to Curaçao, I travelled to The Netherlands to complete an internship at the Volkers Bronze Foundry, to study Bronze casting. After I finished my internship, I went back to Curaçao. In 1993-1994 I returned back to The Neth-erlands.

How does the process start when making a sculpture and what inspires you when creating a sculpture? First, when I start with a new sculpture, I think about what I

will be making. I take inspiration from the human form, an animal, an abstract idea, or a real figure. I do not sketch my ideas out before I start, I simply go to work with the ideas that I have in mind. The central theme in my work is Africa. In every single one of my sculptures, you can see Africa in one-way, or another. My work can be considered as Afro-centric.

To create any given sculpture, I use ceramic, and bronze. Firstly, I create the sculpture in ceramic, after which it takes anywhere between 2 or 3 weeks to dry. After the ceramic has dried, it is fired in the kiln for 6 hours.

How long does it typically take to create a sculpture? It all depends on the type, and size of the sculpture. It could

be a simple sculpture, which at the same time is very dif-ficult to execute. It takes at least 3, to 4 weeks to complete a sculpture.

Curaçao’s National Monument, Desenkadena was erected at Rif in October 1998, to commemorate the slave revolt on August 17th, 1795. What was the vision you had for the Desenkadena Monument when you started on it and how was the process when creating the sculpture as we know it today? Well as far as the National Monument ‘Desenkadena’ is con-

cerned, I won the national competition with my maquette (model), and proceeded to follow the general guidelines for the form which included the male figure Tula, and a female figure that symbolizes the vitality, and strength achieved through the struggle for freedom from slavery.

It took me 9 months to create, and complete it. It was an admittedly complex process. I began to work on the sculpture in 1996, and in 1998 it was erected in Curaçao. The

story of Tula at Sta. Martha inspired me as I was working on the sculpture. After the slaves seized power at Sta. Martha, and the slave owner had left the plantation, Tula and his associates managed to free several slaves that were held in captivity in some of the slave houses. Tula freed them

by breaking their chains, and this is where the chain in the sculpture comes from. The breaking of the chain symbolizes freedom.

On October 10th 2015 we celebrated the 5th anniversary of the autonomy of Curaçao. How do you feel about this as a Curaçaoan? I am truly happy for the people who live in Curaçao. As a

Curaçaoan, I think it’s a great achievement for Curacao, even though it didn’t have an impact on me, as I have lived, and worked in The Netherlands for many years.

What can we expect next from Nel Simon as a sculptor?The last time I had an exhibition on Curaçao, was 25 years ago.

I hope to exhibit again on my island, Curaçao. It is some-thing I have not done for a long time. If an opportunity presents itself, I will definitely go.

MEET THE ARTIST BEHIND THE “DESENKADENA” NATIONAL MONUMENT

‘’ Tula freed the slaves by breaking their chains, and this is where the

chain in the sculpture comes from. The breaking of the chain symbolizes

freedom’’.

Narcisio (Nel) Simon, born on October 12, 1938, with a compassion for the history, and liberation of the oppressed people of the African continent.Inspired by Tula, and his fight for freedom, he transformed his vision into a sculpture: "Desenkandena, cut the shackles".

Curaçao Precious10

His roots can be seen in every single one of his paintings, colorful, expressive, and loud, like his beloved Curacao. Born on March 10, 1979, Francis Sling is a well-known Curaçaoan artist, whose artworks can be seen from Curaçao to China. He considers himself to be in the school of life, so that he can become the best Francis Sling he can be, and hopes to inspire others towards the same. Currently, he is working on a piece of art portraying the great Tula, which will be displayed prominently, in the main hall of the Curaçao House. “It’s an honor to give Tula a face that will hopefully be remembered for generations to come.”

’The courage and drive that Tula showed during this revolt is a true

example that individually, and as a whole, the people of Curaçao, should

fight for what we believe in’’.

FRANCIS SLING

Pictures: Francis Sling

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When did art first make an appearance in your life? My father Francis Sling Sr., one of my greatest creative

inspirations, is a very creative man who always knows how to fix things. They call him ‘Frankfieter’ (Frank the fixer), because he is always fixing things. Sometimes I still ask myself, why it is that back then we didn’t automatical-ly buy new stuff when they were broken. Was it because our family didn’t have a well-off status at that time, or because my father had a passion to see how he could use one broken object to fix the other?

I think my passion for art grew when I was a kid, my aunt Norva Sling, a well-known ceramic artist on the island at that time, use to give my brother Omar Sling, who is also an artist, and I, a piece of clay to play with. And I loved it!

These will be my answers, back then when I didn’t know the meaning of art.

Now that I know more about the beautiful complexity of art, I can say that art never appears in one’s life. The whole existence of art, everything we know or not, tangible or not, is art. Before I was born, I was art.

You’ve lived both in Curaçao, and in The Netherlands. How do both places inspire you? I will say you can compare this with the relationship

between summer, and winter. I value my cup of tea more after walking in the cold weather outside. You can say that Holland is for me the cold and structured teacher who patiently taught me the real value and meaning of the sometimes too loud and colorful Curaçao in me.

On 10 October 2015 we commemorated the 5th anniver sary of the autonomy of Curaçao. Did this chan-ge have an impact on you, and your work? To become the best version of ourselves, we need to

leave the comfort of mother’s womb, regardless of the consequences. I am and will always be a part of Curaçao, so if Curaçao is ready to leave mother’s womb, I’m ready too. But I can say I didn’t experience a drastic change. Sometimes I still need to get used to the fact that I’m not coming from the Netherlands Antilles anymore, but from the Dutch Caribbean. It’s a strange feeling. But like everything that is new, it will take time to get used to it. But I truly support the idea of becoming the best version of yourself. I embrace it.

And speaking of mothers, I am glad that I have this beau-tiful scarf called the navel, which is like a tattoo to me, that will always remind me where I come from, during the journey to become the Francis Sling I have to be.

One of the paintings you are working on is of the great Tula, a fighter for independence and human rights. How do you portray Tula in your painting? I may not call myself a patriot, but I believe that it is a

beautiful thing to be proud of our flag, and who we are as

a Curaçao people. Ever since the beginning of my journey as a painter, I was drawn to portray things that are typical to my roots. The yellow ‘landhuis’, the typical trees, birds and folklore garments. They were always, and are still of big influence in my artwork.

History tells us a lot about Tula. I think he was a true hero. Not the kind that media sells us with a cape, a mask, and maybe even a special uniform. He was the kind of hero to risk his life, to fight for what he believed was right; not even expecting any special recognition for his efforts, and not only thinking of himself.

The painting of Tula is an acryl on wood, two-piece art-work. I painted him together with one of the three leaders that stood by him through the historical revolt, Bazjan Karpata. The courage and drive that Tula showed during this revolt is a true example that individually, and as a whole, the people of Curaçao, should fight for what we believe in.

To me it is an honor to give Tula a face that will hopefully be remembered for generations to come. That’s why I chose to not just give him a face, but also a character. Both Tula and Bazjan are portrayed standing prominently under the light of recognition in a rich, colored but yet nostalgic environment in Curaçao.

Why nostalgic, you may ask? Because to me, Curaçao is more than just blue and yellow flag to identify with. To me it is a rich culture, energetic and warm. It is an ochre heart instead of two stars, to show what our name stands for coraçao...heart. It means having a rich past to embrace, be proud of and learn from.

What’s the message you want to bring across with your artwork? Doing what we are made for, will give us the highest

satisfaction in life and eventually this will make the world a better place.

Curaçao Precious12 Curaçao Precious 12

The initiative of Stichting Passaat began in 2014 when four members of the former Studenten Vereniging Passaat came together, and thought of a new concept in which the name Passaat could continue to flourish.

The former Studenten Vereniging Passaat was an active member in the Dutch Caribbean community beginning in 1997 up until 2012, serving as a platform where students united, communicated together and learned from one another.

In order to breathe new life into the name Passaat and to continue its legacy, Stichting Passaat would now become the vessel that connected students and young professionals within the Dutch Caribbean community. By being entrusted with an inheritance from the former Studenten Vereniging, Stichting Passaat has now changed course from its predecessor and become a key figure in helping other organizations and initiatives. This important change has allowed Stichting Passaat to keep the core values of the former Studenten Vereniging while helping other organizations and initiatives achieve their goals for the future.

Stichting Passaat will aim to help achieve these goals by:

Helping finance, and advise on events that bring together students and young professionals in The Netherlands, introducing them to the Dutch Caribbean culture while strengthening, and continuing the bond between these groups.

Stimulating growth, and development of Dutch Caribbean students and young professionals in The Netherlands, on a social, personal and professional level.

Representing the best interests of The Dutch Caribbean Community and the Dutch Community in The Netherlands.

Stichting Passaat will aim to help an estimate of 10 organizations, and initiatives bring their events to life throughout the entire country. Organizations and initiatives that are thought up and run by individuals who have the best interest in mind for the Dutch Caribbean and Dutch Community. For more information: www.stichtingpassaat.com

Board members: Silvia-Monica Semeleer, Aisha Doran and Amedee Wever. Claire Edward is no longer a member of the board.

Picture: T. Kelly Photography

For enslaved cooks, okra was a common tie that bound them to their fellow slaves even though they were from different regions in Africa. Okra quickly became a common ingredient in soups.

In Curaçao the okra soup is known as ‘guiambo’, which is primarily made out of the okra’s mucila-ge. It is often prepared with fish, salted beef and funchi, a dish made out of cornmeal and boiling water. Okra is a popular health food due to its high fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, potassi-um, and it is high in antioxidants.

Pictures: Alex Rodriguez

‘GUIAMBO’

CURAÇAOAN TRADITIONAL DISH

INGREDIENTS150 gr. salted beef 225 gr. salted pigtail450 gr. fresh okra, cut into 1 cm rounds2 packed tablespoons of fresh basil 225 gr. medium shrimp, shelled and deveined225 gr. red snapper, tilapia or Mahi Mahi cut into 1.5 cm square pieces100 gr. cooked octopus, cut in 0.5 cm rounds 12 raw oysters in shell for garnish

PREPARATIONPlace the salted beef and salted pigtail in a large bowl, 24 hours before cooking. Cover meats with cold water and store in the refrigerator overnight.When ready to cook, remove meats from soaking water and discard water. Place the meats in a large pot with 5 cups of fresh water. Bring to boil, then lower to a simmer and cover them. Cook until the meat is tender, about 1 hour. Pour the contents of pot through a colander, reserving both meat and broth.To cook the okra, you will need 5 cups of water, because the reserved meat stock is salty, you need to add some fresh water to it. The amount depends on the saltiness of your dried meats. The amounts used here are 3 cups reserved broth and 2 cups of fresh water; test before you commit. Combine these 5 cups of liquid in the cooking pot over medium heat. Add the okra and the basil. Chop the reserved meats into small pieces and add them as well. Simmer and covered until the okra is just tender for about 15 minutes.Add the shrimp, the cut-up fish filets and the octopus, over medium heat. Simmer until shrimp are just cooked for about 4 minutes. Shuck the oysters right over the pot spilling all of the oyster juice into the pot. Collect the oysters as you go and then add them all together just before serving. Simmer for 30 seconds.Give the soup one final check for seasoning and texture. If you find it a little too goopy, add back some of the reserved meat stock to thin it slightly. Serve immediately and garnish each plate with a few big scoops of warm funchi.

Bon appétit!

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OFFICIAL OPENING!The Cabinet of the Minister

Plenipotentiary of Curaçao has moved

The new accommodation of the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipoten-tiary of Curaçao, the Curaçao House, was dressed for an important official opening event. The Curaçao House was housed since the fifties, on the premises at Badhuisweg 173 – 175, The Hague. The new home of the Curaçao House was festively put into oper-ation on July 7th, 2015. The official representation of Curaçao in Netherlands is now officially located at the Prinsengracht 63-65.

Ms. Josepha Estrella Finies played a starring role at the opening. Since 1979, Ms. Finies (96) has been taking in students from the former Netherlands Antilles, and later on from Curaçao, at her own private residence. Students, to this day, still know where to find Ms. Finies. Together with the Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao, Ms. Marvelyne F. Wiels, Ms. Finies performed the opening. Not in the usual manner of cutting a ribbon, but by cutting into a big cake, with a picture of the new building on it.

Ms. Wiels highlighted in her speech that since she took office two years ago as Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao, the moving of the Curaçao House to a new building, has been a labor of love, which could only have been achieved through hard work. A new building with all the facilities needed for guests, visitors, and employees alike. The new accommodation comprises amongst others, the following halls named after Antilleans who have passed away: Kim (Kevin) Jesurun, George J.L. Maduro, Nicolaas (Cola) Debrot, Julian B. Coco, Josepha E. Finies, and Macario A. Prudencia. The new garden of the Curaçao House is named after the legendary Frank Martinus Arion. The best part of the Curaçao House is the entrance. In the entrance, one and all can admire 8 stunning works of art by the artist Fran-cis Sling, each symbolizing a paragraph of the national anthem of Curaçao.

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The Curaçao House has existed since October 10th, 2010. Before that, Curaçao as an island territory was represented in the Antilles House, along with Bonaire, St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and Saba. Until January 1st 1986 Aruba was also represented in the Antilles House. Today, Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten, are all countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, each with its own representation in The Hague. The islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba became public entities of the Netherlands as of October 10th, 2010.

The Curaçao House represents the interests of Curaçao in the Neth-erlands and provides information, and services to Curaçaoan people in the Netherlands, and those who have an interest in Curaçao. In addition, the Curaçao House is responsible for promoting the interests of Curaçao within the European Union.

Conversely, the Curaçao House has the task of gathering information, and feedback for the government of Curaçao. As a representative of Curaçao in the Netherlands the Curaçao House supports cultural activities of organizations, which promote the culture, language, and traditions of Curaçao, to the widest possible audience.

Pictures: Caïnva Isenia

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