Government of Curaçao Recognizes Outstanding Journalistic Achievements
WILLEMSTAD - On October 10, 2023, the Government of Curaçao presented the prestigious Willem C.J. (Boeli) van Leeuwen Award to Mr. Orlando Cuales for his outstanding contributions in the field of journalism. The award was presented by Minister of Education, Science, Culture & Sports, Mr. Sithree van Heydoorn, and Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Charles Cooper, during an enjoyable evening at Brakkeput Mei-Mei.
Since 2019, the Curaçao Cultural Council has been entrusted with advising the Government of Curaçao on the individual or organization deserving of the award. The Curaçao Cultural Council nominated Mr. Orlando Cuales as the recipient of this year's award, a decision ratified by the Council of Ministers.
In 2009, the Government of Curaçao established the Boeli van Leeuwen Award, to be presented biennially to one or more individuals or organizations that have achieved intellectual excellence in the fields of culture, law, government, social work, or journalism. The recipient's performance must be exemplary, inspiring, and must broaden the community's perspective within the relevant field for the current year, surpassing the boundaries of Curaçao. This year, the focus was on the field of journalism.
Cuales has devoted almost half a century to the field of journalism, serving as an exemplar and an inspiration to numerous individuals in the realm of media, particularly in journalism. His unique approach to addressing topics of interest stands as an example. Moreover, he has displayed originality and creativity in this domain, attributes that distinguish his work from the various programs presented under his leadership at Z-86 radio station over the years. These programs expanded horizons and transcended the boundaries of our island. Z-86 became a recognized concept on other islands in the Dutch Caribbean, largely due to the collaboration with correspondents on different islands. Cuales has become an ambassador for high-quality journalism, both in Curaçao and abroad.
