Coalition partners signed an agreement on Wednesday finally giving Curacao a new government
WILLEMSTAD, Curacao -- Some eight weeks after Curacao voters went to the polls in October, party leaders Helmin Wiels (PS), Alex Rosaria (PAIS), Humphrey Davelaar (PNP) and independent member of parliament Glenn Sulvaran signed a coalition agreement on Wednesday.
The signing was accompanied by singing, dancing and white doves representing peace for the future of the island.
The political leaders and the official responsible for overseeing the formation of the new government, Glenn Camelia, were all present during the signing of the agreement, which was entirely in a Curacao style ceremony. After a song and dance performed by a gospel group, it was time to sing the national anthem.
Former prime minister of the Netherlands Antilles Maria Liberia then gave a speech in which she thanked Camelia and the political leaders for their efforts. She also spoke of the importance of a strong and reliable government. As an example, she took the former president of the United States John F. Kennedy, who she sees as a man of the people. Liberia has been closely involved in forming the coalition.
The signing of the agreement was marked by reconciliation and this was symbolically represented by the release of white doves after the leaders had signed the documents.
“We will win back public confidence,” promised PAIS leader Rosaria during his speech after the signing.
Wiels, winner of the elections in October, went even further: “We will not fail! With the help of Jehovah, this government will not fail!”
Republished with permission of the Curacao Chronicle