October 10, 2026. Today marks 16 years since Curaçao became an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It was a historic moment that marked the end of the Netherlands Antilles and the beginning of a new chapter, one in which we assumed greater responsibility for our own affairs.
But after 16 years, we must have the courage to ask a fundamental question: What do we really have to celebrate?
We gained our own Parliament and Government and greater autonomy to make decisions on our internal affairs. That is a historic achievement that deserves recognition. We were given a greater opportunity to determine our own future.
But autonomy is not an end in itself. It is a tool that should be used to improve the lives of our people.
And that is precisely where the question becomes more painful.
How is it possible that, after 16 years, so many families are still struggling to make ends meet? Why are our young people still looking outside Curaçao for opportunities? Why do the quality of education, access to healthcare, the cost of living and social inequality continue to give us so much reason for concern?
Our economy has experienced periods of growth, driven in part by tourism. But economic growth does not automatically translate into social progress. If the benefits of that growth do not reach a larger share of our population, we must ask ourselves: Who are we growing for?
We cannot ignore the impact of external crises, the pandemic or the limitations that come with our position within the Kingdom. But neither can we continue to use the Netherlands, our colonial past or previous governments as permanent excuses for our own shortcomings.
Autonomy demands responsibility. Responsibility demands leadership. And leadership demands results.
The issue is not only how much power Curaçao has, but how we use that power. Transparency, integrity, policy continuity, good governance and accountability cannot remain merely words in political party programs.
Nor should we confuse political autonomy with economic independence. A country that remains heavily dependent on imports, foreign capital and decisions made elsewhere must continue strengthening its own capacity and resilience.
Still, we have reasons to be proud. Our identity, our Papiamentu, our culture, our creativity, our talent and our ability to overcome adversity demonstrate the strength that exists within Curaçao.
But pride alone does not pay the bills. A flag alone does not create jobs. And constitutional status alone does not guarantee a dignified future.
In the years ahead, we must measure progress not only through economic figures, but also through lower poverty, better education, more decent jobs, improved healthcare, affordable housing and greater confidence in our institutions.
To achieve this, Curaçao needs a national vision that extends beyond party interests and electoral cycles.
10-10-10 gave us the opportunity to govern ourselves. But history will judge us not by the status we obtained, but by what we did with it.
So today, we can celebrate our autonomy, but we must do so with maturity, humility and a profound sense of responsibility.
Because the true celebration of 10-10-10 will come when we can say that autonomy did not simply give Curaçao its own Government, but also delivered a better life for its people.
A country does not become great simply because it has the right to govern itself, but through its ability to live up to the hopes of its people.
Drs. Luigi A. Faneyte MSc. CFE CICA CCS
Proud to Be a Son of Curaçao