WILLEMSTAD - During an official ceremony in Willemstad, Edson Hato was introduced yesterday as the new representative of the Netherlands for Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. In his inaugural speech, which bridged his personal background with his vision for the future, Hato emphasized the importance of connection and collaboration within the Kingdom.
Hato, born and raised in the Brievengat neighborhood, introduced himself by sharing his life story, highlighting his roots and the influence of his mixed religious upbringing. As a proud member of the LGBTQI+ community and someone with a strong connection to all six islands within the Kingdom, he underscored the value of diversity and inclusion.
"Freedom and equality are rights that belong to us all, regardless of our background," said Hato, referencing the heroic deeds of figures like George Maduro and Tula. These historical figures serve as inspiration for his role as a representative.
Hato spoke about the challenges of growing up without a thorough knowledge of one's own history and the importance of acknowledging and processing the colonial past. He emphasized the importance of working from strength and harnessing the creativity and resilience of the islands for a shared future.
As the new representative, Hato sees his role as that of a connector and a coach, focused on creating a new narrative within the Kingdom based on equality, respect, and partnership. He called for an open and honest relationship and emphasized the importance of collaboration to create 'magic' within the Kingdom.
Hato's speech concluded with a call for everyone present to work together towards a positive future. "Let's create a lot of magic together," Hato concluded, setting the tone for his term as the representative of the Netherlands in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.