WILLEMSTAD – Several concerned citizens are asking themselves why isn’t Curaçao member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Netherlands Antilles was a member of this organization but after it was dissolved on October 10, 2010, Curaçao also ceased to be a member.

In a letter dated August 23, 2010, the IOC explained to the then President of the Netherlands Antilles Olympic Committee, who happens to be the current President of Parliament, William Millerson, the reason why.

“According to the rules of the Olympic Charter currently in force, the IOC is not and will not be in a position to recognize any new NOC on the territory or part of the territory which currently form the Netherlands Antilles since none of the islands meets or will meet the status and the condition of an “independent State recognized by the international community” (as stated in the Olympic Charter currently in force).”

Curaçao and the other islands were given the option to remain member of the IOC under the NAOC name, but several politicians rejected this at that time saying that they will not continue under the flag of the former Netherlands Antilles.