WILLEMSTAD – The prestigious Cola Debrot Award has been presented to Mr. Gregory Elias in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field of music in service of Curaçao. The award was handed over by Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Sithree van Heydoorn, on behalf of the Government of Curaçao. The golden emblem of the award, shaped like a laraha (Curaçao’s native orange), was presented alongside the official certificate by the President of the Cultural Council of Curaçao, Mr. A. Pichardo. 

In a remarkable gesture of generosity, Mr. Elias requested that the monetary prize of 5,000 Antillean guilders be donated to the Virgen del Rosario Foundation to support their work with the elderly. 

The Cola Debrot Award, established in 1968, is Curaçao’s highest cultural honor, awarded annually to an individual or organization that has made outstanding contributions in one of the following areas: architecture, visual arts, dance, folklore, literature, music, theater, or science. This year’s focus was on music, and the jury—comprising Hershel Rosario, Kevin Carty, Pernell Saturnino, and Andre Picardo—selected Mr. Elias as the most deserving recipient. 

Mr. Elias was recognized not only as a businessman but also as a musician and music producer who has placed Curaçao on the international cultural map. Through his Fundashon Bon Intenshon, he has been instrumental in organizing globally acclaimed events such as the Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival and the Blue Seas Festival, as well as tribute concerts for local music legends including Macario Prudencia, Doble R, Rudy Plaate, Chin Behilia, and Mafalda Miguel. 

In addition, he has supported the development of a symphony orchestra featuring arrangements by local maestros such as Randall Corsen and Dennis Aalse, ensuring that Curaçao’s music reaches global audiences. 

For decades, Mr. Elias has quietly supported numerous musical initiatives and organizations, including Cultureel Centrum Curaçao and the Curaçao Youth Orchestra, often behind the scenes and without seeking recognition. Through his foundation, he continues to provide resources and personal support for projects that promote music, sports, and the arts, with a strong focus on youth development and social wellbeing in Curaçao. 

In his remarks, Minister Van Heydoorn expressed deep gratitude for Mr. Elias’ dedication to preserving and elevating Curaçao’s unique musical heritage in the Caribbean. He also thanked the Cultural Council and the expert jury for their careful selection and praised Elias for his invaluable cultural legacy.