WILLEMSTAD – In his first King’s Day address as Governor of Curaçao, Mauritsz de Kort focused on hope, community engagement and the importance of listening to the people of Curaçao.
Addressing guests at the annual King’s Day reception, De Kort reflected on his first months in office and described how meetings with citizens, organizations and public officials have given him a deeper understanding of the island and its people.
The governor said one of his priorities has been making the Governor’s Palace more accessible to the public, transforming it from solely an official residence into a place where the wider community feels welcome.
According to De Kort, the palace has welcomed many visitors since he took office, allowing him to reconnect with the island in a meaningful way and hear directly from people about their concerns, hopes and ideas.
He said these encounters have left him inspired by the commitment and dedication shown by Curaçaoans working to improve their communities.
The governor praised the many social organizations and individuals who are actively contributing to the island’s development, describing their efforts as a source of hope and energy.
At the same time, he acknowledged that many citizens are worried about both local and global developments, including social issues affecting families and broader international uncertainties.
Rather than viewing these concerns negatively, De Kort said they demonstrate a strong sense of involvement and responsibility among the population.
He stressed that solving Curaçao’s challenges requires shared responsibility and collective effort, noting that no single institution or person can carry that burden alone.
The speech set a tone of optimism and unity, with the governor emphasizing that despite the island’s challenges, Curaçao remains rich in commitment, resilience and social solidarity.
King’s Day, celebrated across the Kingdom of the Netherlands, marks the birthday of Willem-Alexander and serves as an annual moment of national reflection and celebration.