WILLEMSTAD - On Friday, December 15, 2023 (Statute Day), during an impressive unveiling ceremony, the restored statue of Mr. Dr. Moises Frumencio da Costa Gomez was officially presented to the public at Gomezplein, Punda.
The unveiling program was rich with emotional and historical moments. From the unveiling ceremony to the floral tribute presentation, the entire event was dedicated to honoring and remembering this great individual.
In her speech, Dr. Maria Liberia-Peters, President of the Dr. M. F. da Costa Gomez Statue Foundation, emphasized the significance of Dr. Da Costa Gomez's role in our history and his dedication to the development of our community. As a special guest speaker, former Prime Minister of Aruba, Mr. Mike Eman, also shared his perspective on the significant impact of Dr. Da Costa Gomez and the common ground that existed between the two islands during those times.
Orion Engrave completed the restoration of Mr. Dr. M. F. da Costa Gomez's historic statue, creating a new sturdy pedestal covered with high-quality granite. The statue was then patinated.
In their effort to recognize and honor Dr. Da Costa Gomez, the Dr. M. F. Da Costa Gomez Statue Foundation submitted a petition to Minister Sithree van Heydoorn of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports. In the petition, they requested that on the date of December 15, 2023, the day of the statue's unveiling, Dr. Da Costa Gomez be officially proclaimed as the "Hero of Curaçao."
During his speech, Minister Sithree van Heydoorn announced that the Government of Curaçao honors the foundation's petition and officially declares Dr. Da Costa Gomez a local hero. As Minister Van Heydoorn highlighted, Dr. Da Costa Gomez tirelessly fought for the self-determination of the people of Curaçao. His dedication to social rights, social security, and state structure makes him deserving of being honored and celebrated by the entire community of Curaçao on every Statute Day from now on.
