WILLEMSTAD - In her Christmas message, Governor Lucille George-Wout indicated that the corona pandemic has, albeit in different ways, affected everyone badly this year. She says that unfortunately, many people paid a great price for that. Many entrepreneurs have a hard time, despite the support of the government, keeping their business running; Employees have often surrendered income to control the costs of government confined to their rooms. Health care is still under pressure, the governor said.
“Nevertheless, in the past year, which has kept us separated by the pandemic more than I would like, we have found new ways to come together. The love for family and friends can bridge every distance, and luckily the technology also helps with it. Together we have shown on our island; We can also deal with this. By watching over each other. Not only for each other's health but also for each other's safety and well-being. Let's cherish that on this Christmas day.
The challenges that Curaçao confronts are large; The poverty gap, uncertainty in the labor market, the lack of investment, shortage in social sectors, the removal of investment in the implementation of public services and the declining educational performance are worrying.
The cabinet which took office in June under the leadership of Prime Minister Pisas realizes that too. The cabinet has started working energetically with the execution of the agreements made with the Netherlands in the context of the country package. That may be seen and said, and that is something we should hold on to. The corona crisis has made visible how much we depend on each other. Not only as a population of Curaçao but also as countries within the Kingdom, and even worldwide. We have recognized that and are working hard on both sides of the ocean to combat the crisis through cooperation within the Kingdom and to strengthen the resilience of our island by developing and reforming. If we respect each other and give trust, that dependence becomes a power in which we can support. Within the kingdom, there is so much more that connects us than that separates us from each other.
In the past year, our island has shown generosity and solidarity. So many island mates have given of themselves for a good cause. We have been able to see beautiful examples of this during the recent royal visit of Princess Beatrix to Curaçao. Whether that was the brave action of the 10-year-old Oscar who spontaneously decided to help save a flamingo, who then became Oscars’ namesake, the continuous commitment of employees of organizations against domestic violence and child abuse or the initiative of residents who continue working together have built a food forest that now provides fresh fruit and vegetables daily. All these examples how large or small contribute to connection and hope where the Christmas story symbol is for. That makes me as your governor proud and this is something to cherish.
Forced, our individual freedom is still limited by the measures taken in the fight against the coronavirus and sometimes has serious consequences. All together, we can accept those restrictions, instead of opposing them. Freedom is only useful when we can experience and commit together for the well-being of others, and in particular of the entire Curaçao society. The day will come again in which we can deal with each other casually; grandparents can take their grandchildren on their lap; we can attend church, synagogue, mosque, and temple services without restrictions, enjoy a good performance, and celebrate in all freedom. This period requires a lot from everyone, but I ask you to endure. I hope to be allowed to count on you to reduce the virus in Curaçao. That is in the interest of everyone; Of people who are sick or vulnerable and of those who are worried about their loved ones.
We look forward to next year. A year in which we can fully embrace the future and hopefully each other!
My husband Herman and I wish you all, wherever you are also and how your personal circumstances are a blessed Christmas party.
You are on my mind."