WILLEMSTAD – Following the government declaration of the Pisas III cabinet during the opening of the 2025–2026 parliamentary year on September 9, Governor Lucille George-Wout delivered a farewell address in the Parliament of Curaçao.

“Mr. Chairman, if you allow me, I would like to take this opportunity to also address a few personal words to you and to your Parliament.

This was not only my twelfth opening of a parliamentary year of the States, but also my last. As is known, my term of office as Governor ends in November. I cannot think of a more honorable moment to say farewell than here, in the heart of our democracy, among those who represent our people.

It was also here, in the middle of your Parliament, that on November 8, 2013, during a solemn session, I accepted the office of Governor.

It has been, for me as a proud Curaçaoan Dutch national, a special privilege to serve our beloved Curaçao as your Governor,” George-Wout said.

As is customary, after the parliamentary opening in Curaçao, the Governor will travel to the Netherlands to attend Prinsjesdag on the third Tuesday of September, when the King delivers the annual Speech from the Throne. During this visit, she will also formally bid farewell to her colleagues—Governor Alfonso Boekhoudt of Aruba, Governor Ajamu Baly of Sint Maarten—as well as to State Secretary for Kingdom Relations, Van Marum.

The Governor will also make her final audience with King Willem-Alexander to take leave.

Upon her return to Curaçao, George-Wout will only handle current affairs. Thereafter, Acting Governor Michele Russel-Capriles will assume responsibilities until the new Governor, Mauritsz de Kort, officially takes office.