BRUSSELS - Curaçao-born Kenville Kleinmoedig stands as the sole Dutch Caribbean candidate in today's European Parliament elections. With his campaign slogan, "Europe is for us too," he aims to highlight the interests of the Dutch Caribbean in both The Hague and Brussels. Voting takes place on Thursday, June 6, and Kleinmoedig hopes to gain preference votes.
Kleinmoedig's political journey began during his student days in Rotterdam, sparked by a personal experience on Curaçao. At the age of eleven, he regularly saw a woman sitting in Punda during his trips to the barber. He later learned that she had lost her partner and children in a car accident.
Deeply moved by her plight, he wrote to the government asking for help on her behalf. Soon after, she received assistance from an agency and was able to rebuild her life. "That was the moment I realized the government can truly make a difference," Kleinmoedig recalls.
This realization fueled his political ambition. During his studies in Rotterdam, he actively advocated for student interests and became the chair of the participation council at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences.
"During my studies, I learned that involvement and representation are essential," he explains. His political career further developed when he became a campaign leader for GroenLinks in Rotterdam, participating in various elections, including those for the Dutch House of Representatives, Provincial States, and municipal councils.
Interest in European Politics
Kleinmoedig's interest in European politics deepened during his master's studies in European Governance. "I realized that the decisions made in Brussels have a direct impact on our islands," he says.
This belief, combined with his experience and passion for representation, led him to run for the European Parliament. "Our voice needs to be heard at the highest level," he emphasizes.
According to Kleinmoedig, the Caribbean islands benefit in numerous ways from the EU, though residents may not always recognize the extent of the EU's influence on their daily lives. "We benefit from infrastructure projects and solar energy programs. Additionally, we received vaccines thanks to EU support," he highlights.
By Caribbean Network