THE HAGUE – Curaçao's historic participation in the FIFA World Cup has transformed the island's national symbols into a powerful expression of identity and unity, according to Minister of Governance, Planning and Public Service Shalten Hato.
Speaking during the Flag and Anthem Day celebration in the Netherlands, Hato said this year's commemoration carried special significance because the World Cup reminded Curaçaoans around the world of who they are and where they come from.
Addressing members of the Curaçao community living in the Netherlands, the minister compared the annual celebration to a family birthday, emphasizing that no matter where Curaçaoans live, they remain one people.
"Even though an ocean separates us, we remain one," Hato said.
The minister noted that since 1984, Curaçao has celebrated its Flag and Anthem Day, but said this year's observance was unlike any before because the national football team's World Cup campaign gave new meaning to the island's flag and anthem.
According to Hato, the blue, white and yellow flag and the national anthem have become more than national symbols—they have become part of the identity of every Curaçaoan.
He said the tournament united people of all ages, whether living on the island or abroad, recalling the emotional scenes of Curaçaoans singing the anthem with tears in their eyes as they declared their love for their homeland.
"Our football team helped us realize that we are a great nation, even if our size suggests otherwise," he said.
Hato argued that the World Cup inspired Curaçaoans to rediscover values passed down by previous generations, including perseverance, self-confidence and pride in their country. Unlike many nations whose patriotism was forged through war, famine or other tragedies, Curaçao found unity through a positive achievement, he said.
He praised the national team's determination and urged Curaçaoans living abroad to follow the same example by staying focused on their goals while never losing sight of their roots.
Referring to goalkeeper Eloy Room as an example, Hato encouraged members of the diaspora to ignore negativity and criticism while continuing to work toward their ambitions until one day they return home.
The minister also reflected on the lyrics of Curaçao's national anthem, saying they emphasize faith, hard work and confidence in overcoming adversity.
He described the World Cup campaign as the beginning of a new chapter in the island's history, calling it the birth of the "Blue Nation"—a community of Curaçaoans united not by language, race or place of residence, but by a shared love for their country.
"If we take our national team as an example, there were no barriers of race, color or language," Hato said. "There was only one goal: to combine our talents and abilities to make our country proud."
Hato concluded by encouraging Curaçaoans everywhere to continue living the values that define the island, including resilience, kindness, faith, Caribbean warmth and solidarity.
He thanked members of the Curaçao diaspora for their contributions to the country and assured them that the Curaçao House in the Netherlands would continue to support them.
"Home will always have its doors open, waiting for your return," he said.
