The First Traditional New Year’s Address by the Governor of Curaçao

The First Traditional New Year’s Address by the Governor of Curaçao

8 January 2026

This marked the first traditional New Year’s address by the Governor of Curaçao, delivered at Fort Amsterdam, and it was clearly intended as a moment of reflection and direction (Antilliaans Dagblad, 2026; NU.cw, 2026; Gouverneur Curaçao, 2026). The speech was balanced and measured, and there is little to fault in it substantively. It conveyed calm, responsibility, and a sense of connectedness. That said, feedback is how we improve. And I would not be Miguel if I did not add a few critical notes. It should also be acknowledged that the office of governor is, by definition, an institutional straitjacket.

Given the current geopolitical reality, references to regional tensions and security were inevitable. That context legitimized the emphasis on stability and the Kingdom framework, particularly in light of recent developments in the region (NU.cw, 2026).

First, the issue of apologies and forgiveness. It is right that the speech reflects on the history of slavery and on the meaning of “the comma, not the full stop.” Recognition is necessary and meaningful. Yet it is unfortunate that the next step is not taken explicitly: the act of forgiveness. Not as a demand, not as a moral obligation, but as an invitation. Suriname did take this step in December 2025, and precisely that gesture helps clear the path toward a genuinely shared future. Without forgiveness, we risk remaining bound to the past, no matter how carefully it is acknowledged.

Second, there is the continued reliance on traditional economic growth thinking, even though the governor rightly emphasized balance, inclusion, and sustainability (NU.cw, 2026). Globally, there is growing recognition that endless growth on a finite planet is neither realistic nor desirable. Concepts such as zero growth, post-growth, and broad prosperity are gaining traction. Against that backdrop, treating growth as an end in itself feels increasingly outdated.

What is also missing is a more explicit addressing of the economic and social elite and their often extractive behavior. Notably, it is precisely this elite that is invited to raise a glass in formal attire — and, as the saying goes, they made a splash and everything stayed the same. Too often, profits are privatized and exported, while the social and ecological costs are borne locally by society at large.

Finally, the speech lacks a clear reference to good governance, integrity, and the fight against corruption. These are not peripheral issues. Across the world, institutions are losing legitimacy precisely because of internal misconduct. Without good governance, even the most well-intentioned words remain fragile. If we are serious about building a sustainable and just future, we must not only phrase our challenges carefully but also dare to name them explicitly.

Balance is important, but honesty is essential. This reflection is therefore not an indictment of the governor, but a mirror held up to ourselves as a society. Only by confronting what is uncomfortable can we create space for genuine progress.

Miguel Goede