WILLEMSTAD – Fourteen Curaçao citizens were formally awarded Royal Decorations on Friday morning during an official ceremony at Fort Amsterdam, where Governor Mauritsz de Kort presented the honors on behalf of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander.
The annual ceremony recognized individuals for what the Governor described as exemplary service and long-standing dedication to the Curaçao community across sectors such as healthcare, youth welfare, sports, culture, social work, education and media.
The highest distinction awarded this year was the title of Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau, granted to Willem Frederik Winkel for his longstanding contributions to healthcare on the island. Winkel, a respected neurosurgeon, was recognized for his role in strengthening Curaçao’s medical sector through years of professional service.
Six individuals were appointed Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau. Among them was Daniel Sickman Corsen for his work in youth welfare and Urny Lupo Florán for his contributions to the development of baseball on the island.
Mental healthcare also featured prominently among this year’s honorees, with psychiatrists Franciscus Georgina Maria Heijtel and Glenn Egbert Matroos both receiving knighthood for their work in the field of mental health, an area that has gained increasing attention in Curaçao’s healthcare landscape.
Alton Candido Paas was recognized for his advocacy on behalf of patients, people with disabilities and inclusion initiatives, while Stella Maria Pieters Kwiers was honored for her contribution to Curaçao’s social and cultural development.
Seven more citizens were named Members in the Order of Orange-Nassau, highlighting a broad range of community work.
Leonilda Sofia Curie was recognized for her dedication to youth welfare and support for detainees. Mercée Marie Thérèse Doran received recognition for her work in music and youth development, while Ingrid Melania Haile-Hato was honored for her combined contributions to education, youth welfare and music.
Liesbeth Agnes Luis-Calister was decorated for her work in social assistance and volleyball, while Roland Fridolino Antonio Rooi was recognized for his contributions in youth welfare, religious life and social support.
Karin Antonia Aurora Soleana received recognition for her work in foster care and general welfare, and Glenn Teófilo Thomas was honored for his role in media and youth welfare.
The annual royal honors ceremony is traditionally held ahead of King’s Day and serves to recognize citizens who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to society.
Governor De Kort praised the recipients for their dedication and the impact of their work, emphasizing that their efforts have earned the respect and appreciation of the wider Curaçao community.