On 27 December 2008 Curaçao hosted its second annual Global Nomad Salon. The event was organized by Janera in Landhuis Bloemhof and was made possible by Randolph van Eps, a partner at the law firm VanEps Kunneman Van Doorne, and the Fundashon Bon Intenshon of Greg Elias, owner of The United Trust Company.
During the Salon about thirty experts, all Curaçaoans residing either on the island or abroad, exchanged ideas about embracing the diversity of the island and how to combat its extremism in these uncertain times.
The constitutional structure of the Netherlands Antilles in the Dutch Kingdom will soon be amended, effectively ending the federation’s existence. Both the island territories of Curaçao and Saint Marten voted to become separate, independent countries within the Dutch Kingdom (status aparte). The remaining territories, Bonaire, Saint Eustatius, and Saba, will be given a new status (sui generis) within the Kingdom. These territories will have a direct tie to the Netherlands and can also have cooperative relationships with the other countries in the Dutch Kingdom.
The island territory of Curaçao has a remarkable diversity of cultures. The ethnic inhabitants of Curaçao—the Arawak, Dutch, Spanish, West Indian, Latin, and African— have created a rich heritage and thriving culture. Although Dutch is the official language, English and Spanish are widely spoken. The majority of the residents of Curaçao also speak the native language, Papiamentu—a Creole mix of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, French, English, and Arawak Indian. At the moment there are around forty to fifty different nationalities residing on Curaçao. Despite racial, cultural, economical, social, and religious differences, these people have largely found a way to live together on the island.
Although Curaçao is a mix of nationalities, the African descendents make up the majority. Rising up through the oppression of the slave trade, the Afro-Curaçaoan people have established rich cultural traditions that have been embraced by both native and visitor alike. However, they also form the majority of the social economically underprivileged on the island
In the past few months, during the negotiations between Curaçao and the Dutch Kingdom, some citizens have demonstrated against the amendment of the constitutional structure. The outrage is largely caused over Holland’s insistence that, while Curaçao can be granted autonomy within the Dutch Kingdom, they, the Dutch, will still preside over certain issues (for example, criminal persecution). When Aruba was granted autonomy in 1986, the Arubans were not subject to this condition, and many Curaçaoans, particularly those of African descent, are outraged. Violence during the demonstrations has been escalating and the reason seems to be—but not limited to—racial hatred. For some Curaçaoans, the memory of Dutch Colonialism and its subsequent African slave trade is still fresh. Most Afro-Curaçaoans are the descendents of slaves who were brought by the Dutch to Curaçao from Africa, and to them, the fact that the Netherlands can still control some aspects of island life is reminiscent of the power the Dutch colonialists had over the slaves. As a result, many Afro-Curacaoans are clashing with the island’s European demographic, and arguing for more freedom. The Salon focused on how this amendment will affect the social relationships in Curaçao.
As usual Janera opened the Salon by introducing herself and talking briefly about the topic. Indicating that she herself is living abroad, she requested the local experts to introduce themselves and to give their opinion on the identity of Curaçao. These experts consisted of a former prime-minister of the Netherlands Antilles, lawyers, accountants, artists, entrepreneurs, an internationally regarded medical doctor, writers, managing directors of private and public companies on Curaçao, ambassadors of the Dutch Kingdom in foreign countries, a chief editor of a well known local newspaper, a radio commentator. Though all were Curaçaoan, those living abroad called the United States, the Netherlands, Spain, Rwanda, and Paraguay home.
Everyone introduced him- or- her- self and gave their opinion, either in Dutch or Papiamentu. Greg Elias said he feels that Curaçao has lost the once-tolerant identity of its society, and he expressed his concerns about the latest demonstrations against the amendment and the violence involved. He said that he has been reading and studying about other nations who have faced similar problems, but he could not find a solution for Curaçao.
Another guest mentioned that outstanding leadership should bring back the confidence of the society and help Curaçao solve these problems. Following that, someone suggested that the people of the island should be global citizens, living by international norms and values. Curaçaoans should listen to their fellow islanders in order to find a solution to their mutual problems. Guests agreed that it is difficult to create an identity when people are living in poverty.
Several guests said that Curaçaoans are not well informed on the issues of the proposed constitutional changes, and feel that some political groups are using these changes and misinformation to divide the people, presumably to gain support. Some of the Salon guests expressed their willingness to collaborate in projects to better inform the people of Curaçao of the constitutional structure and also to combat the poverty on the island. Others talked about forming volunteer groups dedicated to informing their fellow islanders about the issues at hand. Ensuring all inhabitants have equal and accessible knowledge on the proposed changes would help to prevent extremism on Curaçao, guests agreed.
It was clear that everyone had one thing in common: All are very proud of Curaçao, regardless of where they live in the world. No matter where the Global Nomads from Curaçao reside, they will always support the island and will always consider Curaçao their home. Janera indicated that everyone, no matter where he or she lives, can and must, in one way or the other, contribute to the development of Curaçao and the identity of the “Yu di Korsou” – child of Curaçao. Curaçaoans must say no to intolerance and they must create a sincere dialogue between each other in order to keep and to strengthen the proud, tolerant and unified identity of “Yu di Korsou.”
Tags: Curacao, Dutch Colonial Past, Fundashon Bon Intenshon, Gregory Elias, Identity, Landhuis Bloemhof, Randolph Van Eps, United Trust Company, VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne, Yu di Korsou