A Vicious Cycle: Leadership Crisis and the Future of Our Nation
February 8, 2025
Last week, after eight years, the new hospital appointed a new CEO. The most notable detail seems to be that this new leader is a European Dutch national. As expected, this has stirred debate.
Since gaining autonomous status in 2010, an increasing number of top positions have been filled by non-locals—at the central bank, the university, and now the hospital. This isn’t a coincidence. The reality is that local candidates are simply no longer applying. Why? Because we have all witnessed how local professionals in leadership roles have been torn down by their own people.
This toxic pattern is deeply rooted in historical trauma. For years, the scars of slavery were a widely discussed issue, leading up to the long-awaited apologies from The Hague. But when those apologies finally came, the conversation abruptly stopped. Meanwhile, a more practical issue remains: a small island like ours struggles to produce enough high-level talent to fill critical leadership positions. Only 3% of the population holds an academic degree, and those who do are often mistreated. Worse yet, integrity, vision, and strategic insight are frequently lacking within that small group. Many simply do not grasp the complexity of today’s challenges or what it takes to lead an organization—or an entire society—into the future.
While populism thrives, the country is run by people who seem to have no vision beyond their own self-interest. This is a dangerous situation. Recent reports on the state of education paint a grim picture of what lies ahead. We can complain about all we want, but if we are not willing to educate and empower our own people, then this is our reality. The downward spiral will continue.
Breaking this vicious cycle will not be easy. Those currently in power—despite their lack of competence—will not voluntarily step aside. Meanwhile, our brightest young minds are leaving, seeking opportunities abroad where they can truly thrive.
If this trend continues, what future do we have left?
Miguel Goede
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