Five Curaçao Residents Nominated to Receive the 2026 Order of Merit
WILLEMSTAD – The five individuals nominated to receive the 2026 Order of Merit have officially accepted their nominations, following an invitation from the Minister responsible for Culture, Sithree van Heydoorn.
The Culture and Sports sector, which forms an integral part of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports (ESKD), organized the official acceptance ceremony, where the nominees attended together with their families. The reception took place at the Renaissance Wind Creek Resort in the presence of Minister Van Heydoorn, dignitaries, and invited guests, in an inspiring and festive atmosphere.
The acceptance reception is an important step in the Order of Merit process, as all nominees must formally accept their nomination before they can be awarded the distinction.
The Order of Merit is an official honor bestowed by the Government of Curaçao upon citizens who have made exceptional contributions to the community and whose efforts have had a positive impact on the development of Curaçao and its people.
The awards will be formally presented by the Government of Curaçao during the official Flag Day ceremony on July 2 at Brion Square.
The nominees for the 2026 Order of Merit are:
· Ida Antonia Maria Witteveen, for her meritorious contributions in the field of community and social development;
· Ludmilla North van Eps, for her outstanding contributions in the areas of social services and healthcare;
· Hubert Marcolino Kirindongo, for his distinguished achievements in the arts;
· Cedric Cornelio Dandaré, for his meritorious contributions to music;
· Franklin Eusebio Clemencia, for his exceptional service in the religious and community sectors.
A detailed profile of each nominee will be published at a later date.
On behalf of the Government of Curaçao, Minister Sithree van Heydoorn congratulated the five nominees and expressed his gratitude for their valuable contributions to the community and to the development of Curaçao.
