2024 on Curaçao: Recovery, Resilience, and the Cost of Leadership
November 30, 2024
As I sip my morning coffee and scroll through the news—thanks to my elusive newspaper delivery—I’m struck by how much 2024 has shaped the story of Curaçao. This year has been a whirlwind of recovery and resilience, but also of challenges that remind us of the steep cost of leadership during turbulent times.
A few headlines stand out: Korpodeko’s CEO winning his court battle against his employer. The Minister of Finance taking discipli-nary action against the landsvordering (tax collector). And, most strikingly, the Dutch government’s representative stepping down after just one year in office. These stories, though distinct, share a common thread—leadership is often a lonely, high-pressure role.
The timing couldn’t be better for our upcoming December 10th webinar, where we’ll discuss the book Eenzaam aan de top (It is Lone-ly at the Top). This conversation feels tailor-made for leaders grap-pling with the demands of recovery, reform, and public scrutiny. Leadership on Curaçao in 2024, and the past decades, has been noth-ing short of a balancing act, requiring resolve, adaptability, and the ability to stay grounded amidst relentless pressure.
But what does all this mean for the people of Curaçao? Economic recovery has brought glimmers of hope, but governance challenges remind us that true progress requires not just strong leadership but trust, collaboration, and accountability at every level.
2024 will be remembered as a year of pivotal moments—some triumphant, others sobering. As we prepare to close this chapter, it’s worth pausing to reflect: What lessons can we take in 2025? How can we support those at the helm while holding them accountable to the people they serve?
Join us for the webinar as we unpack these themes and look back on the year that was. Together, we’ll reflect on Curaçao’s challenges and celebrate its resilience, finding meaning in the stories that shaped 2024.
Miguel Goede
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