WILLEMSTAD, PHILIPSBURG - On Thursday, November 13, the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) hosted the Adlith Brown Memorial Lecture, a highlight of the Annual Monetary Studies Conference (AMSC). This year’s keynote speaker was Jeanette Semeleer, President of the Centrale Bank van Aruba. In her address, titled “Aruba, From Isla Inutil to Isla Innovativo,” Mrs. Semeleer drew on Aruba’s experience with external shocks to emphasize that true economic resilience is not merely bouncing back, but also bouncing forward. 

Since 1985, the Adlith Brown Memorial Lecture has honored Dr. Adlith Brown, who served as Coordinator of the Regional Program of Monetary Studies from 1980 to 1984, recognizing her regional vision, intellectual leadership, and policy insight. 

Speaking on the AMSC conference theme “Resilience through Transformation,” Mrs. Semeleer outlined how Aruba is moving from “bouncing back” to “bouncing forward.” She highlighted diversification beyond tourism, investment in human capital, institutional capacity and independence, environmental stewardship, and the adoption of responsible tourism, green energy, the blue economy, and digital transformation. In addition, she underscored the value of prudent courage in crisis management, clear communication, and contingency planning to maintain confidence and stability. Mrs. Semeleer noted that global headwinds, notably geopolitics and climate change, make adaptation urgent, and argued that collaboration across public institutions and communities is essential to sustain innovation, build resilience, and secure long term, inclusive growth. 

Following a Q&A session with the audience, Richard Doornbosch, President of the CBCS, expressed his profound appreciation for Mrs. Semeleer’s collegiality and commitment, her years of dedicated service, and her balanced and forward-looking perspective. 

A video recording of the 2025 Adlith Brown Memorial Lecture is available on the CBCS YouTube and social media channels.