Curaçao Medical Center Announces New General Director

WILLEMSTAD – The Supervisory Board of Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Johan de Graaf as the new General Director, effective April 1, 2025. This leadership transition comes as CMC continues to strengthen its commitment to providing high-quality healthcare to the people of Curaçao. 

Current General Director Mr. Gilbert Martina will step down on June 30, 2025, after reaching the maximum tenure of eight years. 

A Leadership Transition with Mixed Emotions 

As part of this transition, the Supervisory Board reflects on Mr. Martina’s contributions and the path forward under Mr. de Graaf’s leadership. 

“It is with mixed emotions that we announce this change. Saying goodbye to Mr. Gilbert Martina is not easy. He has led CMC for eight remarkable years, facing significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which coincided with the hospital’s early days. Under his inspirational leadership, CMC successfully navigated these crises while also dealing with ongoing financial difficulties. 

Today, Curaçao has a modern, state-of-the-art hospital, but it still operates under an outdated financial regulatory framework, creating tensions and limiting the country’s ambitions. Efforts are underway to modernize this system, and we are confident that the outcome will be beneficial for all—especially the people of Curaçao, whom we serve. 

Later this year, we will organize a public farewell to appropriately honor Mr. Martina’s contributions.” 

Welcoming Mr. Johan de Graaf 

Looking ahead, the Supervisory Board expresses confidence in Mr. Johan de Graaf as CMC’s new General Director. 

“We are delighted to have found a leader of Mr. de Graaf’s caliber. He will build upon the accomplishments of Mr. Martina and his management team, continuing their work while introducing innovations. 

One of Mr. de Graaf’s key priorities will be to share his extensive expertise in hospital management with the rising talent within CMC. As part of our long-term vision, we aim to ensure that future CEO vacancies attract qualified internal candidates, particularly from Curaçao. 

We warmly welcome Mr. de Graaf! 

A Proven Leader in Healthcare 

Mr. Johan de Graaf brings over 35 years of leadership experience in healthcare organizations, known for a management style based on integrity and collaboration. Throughout his career, he has been committed to improving healthcare, fostering innovation, and building strong team dynamics. 

His previous roles include serving on the Board of Directors of the ZorgSaam Healthcare Group and leading various healthcare projects in the defense sector. With his extensive experience and dedication, Mr. de Graaf is well-positioned to lead CMC into its next phase, strengthening local talent and ensuring a strong future for the hospital. 

A Tribute to Mr. Gilbert Martina 

The Supervisory Board and CMC express their deep gratitude to Mr. Gilbert Martina for his dedicated service as CEO. Under his leadership, CMC has achieved remarkable progress, becoming a leading healthcare facility in the Caribbean. His commitment and continuous contributions have been crucial to the hospital’s growth and stability. 

Reflecting on his tenure, Mr. Martina stated: 

“It has been a true honor to lead the formation and development of Curaçao’s new general hospital over the past eight years. CMC is a hospital that both its employees and the people of Curaçao can be proud of. 

Despite the many challenges—including securing an additional ANG 200 million in transitional funding, optimizing laboratory diagnostics after the hospital’s opening, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, operating with an insufficient healthcare budget averaging ANG 50 million, dealing with a shortage of healthcare professionals, and managing the impact of the new LNT law on medical specialist recruitment—CMC has continued to provide hospital care to all in need. 

A patient satisfaction score of 8.5 and a low mortality rate of 2.5% by the end of 2024 are key indicators of this exceptional collective achievement. 

We should all be proud of CMC. Curaçao and the Caribbean now have a hospital to be proud of! 

I pass the leadership to Johan with great confidence, knowing that he will continue the strategic path to making CMC the best hospital in the Caribbean—including achieving JCI accreditation, a prestigious international standard in healthcare. 

However, this cannot be accomplished alone. Success will require the support of all stakeholders, both internal and external. As the African proverb wisely states: 

‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ 

We must continue this journey together.” 

Looking Ahead with Confidence 

Mr. de Graaf has expressed his commitment to CMC’s future and emphasized the responsibility and values that will guide his leadership: 

“As I prepare for this honorable role, I have thoroughly familiarized myself with the challenges CMC has faced and continues to face daily.

I have immense admiration for the achievements of Curaçao Medical Center and the dedication of its employees, across all roles, who give their best every day to provide high-quality care to those who depend on it. 

The responsibility to collectively provide the best possible care to those who are vulnerable due to illness or injury has been the driving force of my career, and it will remain my focus as I join CMC. 

From my first experiences in the field, I have understood that this responsibility can be demanding and, at times, stressful. These experiences have strengthened my belief that trust, openness, and integrity are essential values for fostering strong collaboration. 

I recognize that Gilbert leaves behind a remarkable legacy, and I have big shoes to fill. The challenges ahead—ensuring the continuity of care in this vital hospital for Curaçao and the region—are significant. 

I am fully committed to using my experience and energy for the hospital and its people. This includes succession planning, education, and the development of local talent, ensuring that future leadership continues to be built from within. 

I look forward to meeting you all soon! 

A New Chapter for CMC 

This transition marks an exciting new chapter for CMC. As the hospital continues its mission to provide excellent healthcare to the community, the Supervisory Board and staff have full confidence in Mr. de Graaf’s leadership and vision. 

 

CMC remains committed to strengthening its position as a leading healthcare provider in the Caribbean, and the future looks bright under its new leadership.




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