ORANJESTAD – In a significant move to strengthen cultural and linguistic ties, representatives from Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao signed a cooperation agreement on Monday morning in Oranjestad, aimed at the joint development and promotion of the Papiamentu language. 

The agreement represents a major step toward pooling knowledge and resources in education, language development, and the professional training of teachers across the three Dutch Caribbean islands. 

Signing on behalf of Aruba was the Minister of Education, while Commissioner Nina den Heyer represented Bonaire and the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports signed on behalf of Curaçao. 

Despite variations in spelling and language use across the islands, all parties emphasized the importance of Papiamentu as a unifying cultural thread, deserving of continued investment and protection. 

Areas of Cooperation 

The agreement outlines collaboration in several key areas, including: 

Development of teaching materials 

Translation efforts 

Examination standards 

Training and education of language instructors 

A joint working group will be formed in the coming months to draft an actionable work program that will guide the implementation of these initiatives. 

Bonaire to Lead First Phase 

Bonaire will assume the first rotating chairmanship of the working group. The agreement has an initial three-year term, with the possibility of extension following a formal evaluation. 

The partnership signals a renewed commitment by all three islands to preserve, strengthen, and elevate Papiamentu as a central element of their shared identity. 

Photo: Nina den Heyer, Gerlien Croes en Sithree van Heydoorn