WILLEMSTAD – Melanie Sue Ann Rog has been sworn in as a certified Papiamentu translator by the Joint Court of Justice, enabling her to provide officially recognized written translations bearing her stamp, signature, and sworn declaration.
The oath was administered last Friday, expanding Rog’s existing credentials as a certified English translator, a qualification she obtained in 2025. With her new authorization, she is now qualified to produce official translations to and from Papiamentu for use in legal proceedings, government matters, notarial transactions, and other official purposes.
Photo credit: Court of Justice
The appointment marks another step in strengthening the use of Papiamentu within the judicial system. Papiamentu is already recognized as an official language within the Joint Court of Justice and the Courts of First Instance. In addition to Dutch, parties involved in legal proceedings may speak Papiamentu and submit documents in the language.
Court rulings, however, continue to be issued in Dutch. This is largely because legislation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands is primarily drafted in Dutch and because court decisions can be appealed to the Supreme Court of the Netherlands in the Netherlands.
A sworn translator’s role focuses on written documents. By affixing a signature, official stamp, and sworn declaration, the translator certifies that the translation accurately reflects the original text. This differs from the work of an interpreter, who provides oral translation during court hearings, police interrogations, or meetings with government agencies.
The swearing-in does not mean that Rog has been appointed as a permanent translator or interpreter for the Court. Rather, it grants her the legal authority to provide certified translations of official documents involving Papiamentu.
The development is expected to improve access to certified translation services for individuals and organizations that require official documentation in one of Curaçao’s most widely spoken languages.