WILLEMSTAD – Sidney "Bicho" Justiana was officially sworn in Tuesday morning as Curaçao's new Minister Plenipotentiary in the Netherlands during a ceremony before Acting Governor Ruthsella Jansen.
Justiana will represent Curaçao in The Hague, serving as the island's official representative within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and acting as a liaison between the Curaçao government and Dutch authorities.
The position had been temporarily filled by Errold Bishop following the resignation of Carlson Manuel, who stepped down while the subject of an ongoing investigation.
Justiana was nominated by the ruling Movementu Futuro Kòrsou (MFK) party.
He brings extensive experience in education and public administration to the role. During his career, he served as president of the SITEK teachers' union and later as director of the Curaçao Student Finance Foundation (SSC).
As Minister Plenipotentiary, Justiana will represent Curaçao's interests in the Kingdom Council of Ministers, advise the Curaçao government on Kingdom affairs and strengthen cooperation with the Dutch government on matters affecting the island.
His appointment comes as Curaçao continues to work closely with the Netherlands on issues including economic development, public administration, healthcare, education and Kingdom relations.