WILLEMSTAD – More than seventy people gathered on Saturday at Parke Lucha pa Libertat in Curaçao to commemorate the Caquetío, the island’s first inhabitants, in a moving ceremony that combined ancestral tribute with a call for recognition, protection, and education. The gathering served as a counter-narrative to the commonly taught history that begins with the arrival of the Spanish in 1499.
Accompanied by ancestral drums, cultural advocates Marlon Regales, Richenel Anzano, Amy Victorina, and communication specialist Tico Vos addressed the legacy of the Caquetío during the seaside ceremony, which took place near a vibrant totem pole that symbolizes their enduring presence.
“We still carry their spirit. They have not disappeared; they live within us,” one speaker declared, setting the tone for a day of collective reflection.
A Deeper History and Call for Change
The speakers emphasized that there is extensive—and in some cases still unexamined—evidence pointing to the continued presence of the Caquetío on the island. The ceremony featured talks on culture, agriculture, spirituality, and the pre-colonial sovereignty that existed long before European contact.
Public engagement was high during the interactive segment, where several attendees questioned why Caquetío heritage has no formal place in the island’s education system, and why construction projects are not required to conduct heritage impact assessments. There was also a plea to protect archaeological sites that remain unexplored.
“Cement is Not Culture”
Communication specialist Tico Vos issued a warning about the direction of development on the island:
“Educated travelers come here seeking cultural depth—not cement. If we destroy our roots in the rush to modernize, we lose the very story that makes this island unique.”
Heritage as a Partner in Progress
Cultural advocate Amy Victorina highlighted the valuable role that institutions like the National Archaeological Anthropological Museum (NAAM) can play.
“NAAM has a treasure trove of knowledge, much of it accessible through its website. We have top professionals who can help developers create a real win-win: advancing their projects while protecting our cultural and historical legacy.”
She urged policymakers to view NAAM as a strategic partner in shaping the island’s future while preserving what is yet to be discovered.
Reclaiming Historical Truth
Closing the ceremony, Marlon Regales delivered a striking redefinition of colonial history:
“The Spaniards could not ‘discover’ or claim what was already inhabited, cherished, and named by the Caquetío. Today, we reclaim that truth—for ourselves and for future generations.”
The July 26 commemoration, traditionally associated with the 1499 arrival of Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda, thus became a moment of reframing history—asserting that the island was not discovered, but already known and beloved as Kurassau.
