WILLEMSTAD – Minister of Economic Development Roderick Middelhof met with Curaçao’s newly appointed Minister Plenipotentiary in the Netherlands, Sidney “Bicho” Justiana, to discuss economic opportunities, strengthening relations with the Netherlands, and expanding Curaçao’s international network.
The meeting marked one of Justiana’s first official engagements after arriving in the Netherlands, where he immediately began his work representing Curaçao’s interests.
During the discussions, both ministers exchanged views on several challenges facing Curaçao, including the political relationship between Curaçao and the Netherlands, opportunities to further strengthen cooperation within the Kingdom, and the role the Curaçao Cabinet in The Hague can play in creating new opportunities for the island.
A major focus of the meeting was economic development, particularly tourism and investment. The ministers discussed ways to strengthen Curaçao’s position in the Dutch market, attract more investors, and continue creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
They also addressed the future pillars of Curaçao’s economy and the importance of further diversification to reduce dependence on traditional sectors and create new opportunities.
According to Middelhof, the arrival of Justiana as Minister Plenipotentiary brings “a new breeze” to the Curaçao House in The Hague. He noted that this comes at a strategic moment, as the Netherlands also has a relatively new government that has expressed willingness to strengthen cooperation with the Caribbean countries within the Kingdom.
During the meeting, Justiana shared his ambition to organize the first meeting of all Latin American consuls accredited in the Netherlands at the Curaçao House. The initiative aims to strengthen diplomatic ties with the region, expand Curaçao’s network, and create new opportunities in trade, investment, tourism and cooperation.
The two ministers also discussed Curaçao’s efforts to remove the visa requirement for residents of the Dominican Republic who wish to visit the island. Justiana expressed his full support for the initiative, stating that simplifying travel procedures could contribute to increased tourism, more economic activity and stronger relations between Curaçao and the Dominican Republic.
Middelhof said he has confidence that the renewed energy at the Curaçao House, combined with Justiana’s enthusiasm and commitment, will contribute to stronger representation of Curaçao in the Netherlands.
“Minister Justiana’s enthusiasm is contagious and will help create a positive atmosphere at the Curaçao House. I also have great confidence that the new Dutch government will be an important partner in promoting new opportunities for Curaçao,” Middelhof said.
He added that close coordination between Willemstad and The Hague will be essential to achieve concrete results in investment, trade, tourism and economic development.
“Curaçao can be confident that our interests are in good hands. With Sidney ‘Bicho’ Justiana as Minister Plenipotentiary, we have a strong representative in the Netherlands who is committed to the development of our country,” Middelhof stated.
The minister concluded by emphasizing that the challenges ahead are significant, but the opportunities are even greater if all stakeholders work in the same direction.
“This is not about one ministry or one person. This is about our country. Together, with Curaçao’s interests always at the center of our decisions, we will continue working toward a stronger, more prosperous and more promising future for everyone who calls Curaçao home,” Middelhof said.