WILLEMSTAD - On October 30, 2025, two maritime inspectors from the Maritime Authority of Curaçao (MAC) officially took their oath before Her Excellency, the Governor of Curaçao, in accordance with Article 10 of the Schepenwet (Shipping Act).

Because maritime affairs fall under the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the swearing-in ceremony was held before the Governor as the official representative of the King.

The two inspectors sworn in were Mr. Rugene Cardose and Ms. Suhaily Poppen-Espistola. Notably, Ms. Espistola is the first female maritime inspector in Curaçao’s history, marking a milestone for the island’s maritime sector.

In the official photo of the ceremony were Minister of Traffic, Transportation and Urban Planning Charles Cooper, Ms. Suhaily Poppen-Espistola, Acting Governor Michelle Capriles, and Mr. Rugene Cardose.

The Maritime Authority stated that this milestone reflects Curaçao’s ongoing efforts to strengthen professional capacity and gender inclusion within the maritime industry.