WILLEMSTAD – The Government of Curaçao is calling on the public to nominate candidates for the 2026 edition of the Order of Merit, known locally as the Kruis van Verdienste. The awards ceremony will take place on July 2 at Brion Square, where individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society will be honored.
This year marks the 23rd presentation of the national distinction. The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to Curaçao and its community.
Residents of Curaçao who are 18 years or older and hold Dutch nationality may nominate a candidate through the official website of the Order of Merit. To submit a nomination, applicants must complete the official registration form and provide personal details along with comprehensive information about the individual they are proposing. The information describing the candidate and their contributions must be submitted in typed form.
Nominations can be submitted online by visiting www.krusdimerito.com. Applicants must select the option “proponé un kandidato” to review the criteria and then click “postulá bo kandidato” to complete the process and upload the required documents.
The nomination form is also available in person at the Sector for Culture and Sports, located at the Bon Bini Business Center on Schottegatweg Oost #10.
The submission period runs from March 10 through March 31, 2026. For additional information, the public can contact the Sector for Culture and Sports by email at krusdimerito@owcs.gov.cw or by telephone at 529-7369.
Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Sithree van Heydoorn emphasized the importance of recognizing the achievements of members of the community.
“Appreciating our own people is an essential contribution to our patriotism and to building the society we all strive for,” the minister stated.