THE HAGUE, WILLEMSTAD – Sidney Justiana, Curaçao's newly appointed Minister Plenipotentiary in the Netherlands, says strengthening support for Curaçao students studying abroad will be one of his top priorities as he assumes office this week.
The 63-year-old succeeds Carlson Manuel, who stepped down in January 2026 after the Curaçao Parliament unanimously requested that the General Audit Chamber investigate the operations of the Curaçaohuis in The Hague and the allocation of certain expenses. The request followed complaints involving alleged intimidation, personnel issues and possible financial mismanagement. Manuel denied the allegations, describing them as slander and stating that he resigned to allow the investigation to proceed without interference. No criminal conviction has been issued against him, and Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas previously stated that no formal criminal complaint had been filed with the Public Prosecution Service.
Students a Top Priority
Justiana, who previously served as director of the Curaçao Student Finance Foundation (SSC), believes support for students should extend well beyond financial assistance.
"We should not only determine what we think students need," he said. "We must also listen to what students themselves say they need."
Drawing on his experience at SSC, Justiana said he intends to strengthen cooperation between the Curaçaohuis, SSC, the Dutch Ministry of Education and Dutch municipalities to improve guidance for students.
He pointed to challenges such as housing, language proficiency and adapting to life in the Netherlands as areas requiring continued attention. He also emphasized the importance of pre-departure programs that prepare students before they leave Curaçao.
Rather than waiting for students to seek help, Justiana believes government institutions should take a more proactive approach.
"We need to go to the students instead of waiting for them to come to us," he said, calling for closer cooperation between the Curaçaohuis and SSC Netherlands so that students can receive assistance more quickly when problems arise.
Housing Remains the Biggest Challenge
One of the main issues facing Curaçao students continues to be the shortage of affordable housing in the Netherlands.
Justiana said one of his first priorities will be to meet with officials in the five Dutch cities where most Curaçao students study. He plans to consult with mayors, education officials and housing authorities to explore ways of addressing accommodation shortages.
At the same time, he acknowledged that the Curaçaohuis cannot solve the housing crisis on its own.
"I see my role primarily as bringing the relevant parties together," he said.
Fewer Students Leaving for the Netherlands
As Justiana prepares to begin his new role, SSC is completing preparations for this year's departing scholarship students.
According to acting SSC Director Gerinaldo Job, 143 students will travel to the Netherlands under the foundation's guidance this year, down from 162 in 2025. Ten students will depart earlier because of personal circumstances or vacation plans, while the remaining 133 are scheduled to leave on July 26.
Most students will pursue higher education in The Hague, Eindhoven, Utrecht and Rotterdam.
SSC has secured temporary housing for nearly all first-year students. However, the greatest challenge remains finding long-term accommodation after the first year, when students must leave SSC-arranged housing to make room for the next group.
Approximately half of last year's students have already found alternative accommodation, while the remainder are still searching.
Job said affordable studio apartments remain in particularly short supply and encouraged future students to register with Dutch housing providers while still attending secondary school in Curaçao.
Expanded Preparation Program
SSC has also expanded its pre-departure program in cooperation with several Dutch universities of applied sciences.
The program emphasizes the importance of seeking assistance early when problems arise.
"Educational institutions in the Netherlands are willing to provide support," Job said. "But students need to ask for help."
SSC is also developing a tracking system to better monitor how many graduates return to Curaçao after completing their studies.
According to Job, many graduates choose to remain in the Netherlands because of better employment opportunities, easier access to affordable housing and financing, including loans for purchasing a car. Staff shortages in several sectors also make graduates attractive candidates for Dutch employers offering competitive employment conditions.
In addition to fewer students heading to the Netherlands, SSC expects approximately 20 students to pursue higher education elsewhere in the Caribbean this year, compared with 28 last year.