WILLEMSTAD - In her 12th and final Christmas address as Governor of Curaçao, Lucille George-Wout shared a heartfelt message of faith, hope, and love, urging unity and resilience within the community. The Governor reflected on the past year and encouraged Curaçaoans to find strength in their shared values while looking optimistically toward the future. 

Governor Lucille George-Wout

Faith in Curaçao’s Potential 

The Governor began by emphasizing the importance of faith, urging citizens to trust in a higher power, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the Curaçaoan community. Highlighting the achievements of Caribbean athletes at the Paris Summer Olympics, including a gold medal win, she stressed the value of believing in one’s talents and potential even in the face of adversity. 

“Our community is vibrant and diverse, and this diversity should be celebrated and protected,” she said, encouraging Curaçaoans to develop their talents and persevere, especially during challenging times. 

Hope as a Driving Force 

Governor George-Wout connected hope to optimism and resilience, recognizing the struggles of a world fraught with conflict and uncertainty. Despite global challenges, she drew inspiration from the younger generation of Curaçaoans, particularly students from the Joseph Civilis School in Barber, who she said were working diligently to build a brighter future for themselves and the island. 

“Our diversity as a community is bound by the Biblical message of hope and its liberating power,” she stated, urging everyone to maintain connections with one another, especially in times of personal loss or hardship. 

The Power of Love 

Quoting 1 Corinthians 13:13, the Governor declared love to be the greatest of all virtues. She expressed her deep affection for the Curaçaoan people, describing their passion, warmth, and openness as the island’s most remarkable qualities. 

Recalling a 1955 poem by Dutch poet Van Duinkerken, she highlighted the beauty of Curaçao’s people—their language, demeanor, and spirit—as the island’s greatest treasures. 

“As your Governor, I have always been guided by my love for Curaçao and its people,” she said. “Let Curaçao be a place where everyone feels at home, free, and loved.” 

A Message of Unity and Strength 

Joined by her husband Herman, Governor George-Wout concluded her address by wishing all Curaçaoans a hopeful, loving Christmas and a new year filled with faith and confidence. 

This Christmas speech serves as a powerful reminder of the values that bind Curaçao’s community together and offers a hopeful vision for the island’s future as it enters 2025.