WILLEMSTAD - PNP Member of Parliament Sheldry Osepa has asked the Minister of Traffic, Transportation and Urban Planning to examine whether the phrase “The Blue Wave” can be incorporated into the new license plates the government plans to introduce in 2027. His request follows Curaçao’s historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup, a milestone that has drawn unprecedented global attention to the island.
In his letter to the minister, Osepa writes that Curaçao is experiencing “an extraordinary moment in its history.” With only 156,000 inhabitants, Curaçao has become the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup. As a result, the island is being mentioned daily in the international press, on social media, and across global sports coverage.
A Historic Opportunity for Global Visibility
Osepa calls the newfound visibility a unique form of promotion that cannot be matched by any marketing campaign. He highlights how the new generation of Curaçaoans no longer speaks about waiting for recognition, but proudly proclaims:
“Mama, wak unda nos a yega!” — Mom, look where we’ve arrived!
A Milestone Worth Preserving
The MP argues that this moment should be permanently commemorated as a source of inspiration for future generations. He draws comparisons to Curaçaoan athletes who historically opened international doors—most notably baseball legend Hensley “Bam Bam” Meulens—and says football is now following the same path.
According to Osepa, making this achievement visible in everyday life would help cement national pride. License plates, he says, are a practical and symbolic medium for that purpose.
International Precedent
Osepa notes that many countries—such as the United Arab Emirates, China, Singapore, and the United States—use special or thematic license plates to commemorate major national events. In some places this is done through special coins, and in others through limited-edition or commemorative license plates.
Questions to the Minister
The MP has submitted a series of formal questions to the minister, seeking clarification on:
Whether the government believes the World Cup qualification deserves a lasting national symbol
Whether the design of the 2027 license plates can incorporate the motto “The Blue Wave”
How many license plates are currently in circulation
How many residents request customized plates and what those costs are
Whether a special commemorative edition can be issued for residents wanting to mark Curaçao’s historic World Cup qualification
Osepa’s proposal has already sparked public discussion, with many residents expressing support for embedding Curaçao’s football success into the island’s national identity.
The minister is expected to respond in the coming weeks.