Curaçao Precious issue 3

Raymi Sambo First of all I’m a famous Curaçaoan actor

David Paulus I just want to make people happy with my creations

Eugènie Herlaar Curaçao always feels like coming home

Tamara Nivillac I don’t like to dwell on matters like popularity, I’m too down-to-earth for that

Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao Volume 1 - Issue 3 - December 2014

GAYLE SULVARAN MISS WORLD CURAÇAO 2014

Curaçao Precious

Content:Colophon:

Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of CuraçaoWagenaarweg 132597 LM The Hague+31 (0)70 [email protected]

Editorial: Communication and Information Department | Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao

Design & Production: Ben Coëlho www.bemaco.nl

Photography: Achim Dekkers Paco Núñez Caïnva Isenia Thareyck Martina Selwyn de Wind

Picture cover: Achim Dekkers

Raymi Sambo First of all I’m a famous Curaçaoan actor 4

Eugènie Herlaar Curaçao always feels like coming home 6

David Paulus I just want to make people happy with my creations 8

Gayle Sulvaran There is nothing impossible in this world if you have faith and confidence in God and in yourself 10

Angelo Hooker The key to success is receiving support in the voyage of discovery of one’s talents and skills 16

Tamara Nivillac I don’t like to dwell on matters like popularity, I’m too down-to-earth for that 18

Anton de Bies I hope to once be the recipient of a Golden Calf award 20

Collin Edson Our island is in need of daredevils in order to overcome dogma’s and taboos 22

All rights reserved. The magazine may not be published, broadcasted etc.,in whole or part, without the express written consent of the Cabinet of theMinister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao.

3 Curaçao Precious

Blue Sapphires

There are multiple reasons why the sapphire has been chosen as the gem to embody the preciousness, the uniqueness and the invaluable personification of our cherished island nation. Although there are many colour variations of this gemstone, the most valued and best-known hue of the sapphire is blue. It is an acknowledged fact that the sapphire has become synonymous with the colour blue.Throughout the ages the characteristics of this coveted gem have been both recognized and admired. The sapphire is rare, indescribably beautiful and more expensive than the clear diamond and the other big two coloured gemstones, the ruby and the emerald. This could explain why the sapphire reigns supreme. The colour blue is also omnipresent in the clear daytime sky of Curaçao and the Caribbean. The different variations of blue that characterize the azure and pristine water of our sea are legendary since they provide a colourful background for photographs and movie clips by both amateurs and professionals. In addition, blue is also the principal colour in the flag of Curaçao, a blue, much like the vibrant and lively blue of a fine sapphire. By the way, the other two colours featured in the flag of Curaçao are yellow and white – the flag was officially introduced on July 2nd 1984.Considering the abovementioned, it is easy to conclude why sapphires were selected to exemplify Curaçao Precious...

A WORD FROM THE MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year”. Like in many nations worldwide, this 1963 song

by Andy Williams truly epitomizes Christmas and New Year in Curaçao as well.

On our island Christmas is a period of celebra-tion, family, contemplation and traditional

delicacies. How to resist the delicious ayaka (filled and wrapped cornmeal dough), pekelé (salted

herring), sùlt (pickled brawn) and ham di pasku (roasted ham)?

On 24 December a great deal of the Curaçaoan population attend High Mass to warmly

welcome Christmas. During the remaining days of the year several fiesta di pagara (firework

shows) constitute the scene in order to culminate an eventful year.

The government of Curaçao looks back to a constructive year. A balanced state budget regarding 2015 act as our point of departure.

The fact that Curaçao is now an associated member of the Caribbean Development &

Cooperation Committee and the establishment of joint chambers of commerce with Colombia

and Brazil are examples of the hard work put in place by our government in order to foster and strengthen the island’s position

in Latin America and the Caribbean.The fact that China, one of largest economies in the world, has just opened an consulate general

in Curaçao will only work to the advantage of the island.

We are thrilled to have you in our team. May this Christmas be a good one for all of us and may the new year bring us the best!

Bon Pasku i Felis Aña 2015! Merry Christmas and a Happy 2015!

Marvelyne WielsMinister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao

to the Netherlands

4Curaçao PreciousPicture: Caïnva Isenia

“First of all I’m a famous Curaçaoan actor”

Raymi Mariano Sambo (*1971) is one of the

leading black actors on television and

in theatre in the Netherlands. Born

and raised in the Curaçaoan village

of Suffisant, he originates from a

large family, consisting of 3 brothers

and 4 sisters that immigrated to the

Netherlands in the early 80s. Besides

acting and producing, Raymi also has

his own theatre company for well over

a decade and is also a notable

filmmaker.

5 Curaçao Precious

“I’m not really fond of celebrating Christmas. I’m in close contact with my family – we don’t necessarily need Christmas in order to have this feeling

of unity. Either way, Christmas in the Netherlands cannot be compared to Christmas in Curaçao. In Curaçao one is able to smell Christmas by the scent

of Christmas trees – in the Netherlands that’s not the case”.

It goes without saying that one’s childhood has a key role in one’s development. The same applies to Raymi who spent 12 years in Curaçao. “I would describe my childhood in Curaçao as ‘vibrant’. I had many friends and I played a lot outdoors in absolute freedom and safety. My parents did not have a solid marriage but given the fact that I spent my

youth in complete freedom this never really affected me”.

In his teens - in the meantime he had moved with his mother and brother to the Netherlands - Raymi thought for a short period of time he would become a journalist – to be more precise his sister was of the opinion that this course would have suited him well. “Since my early childhood I was reasonably good at writing stories, that’s why I found the field of journalism quite exiting”. However, after seeing the musical ‘Hair’ on TV, Raymi knew for sure that he had found his calling. “One week after there happened to be an advertisement in the weekly magazine ‘Echo’ in which they were looking for youngsters to become part of a musical. I applied and was hired almost immediately. From that

moment on I never let go of it, or rather, it never let go of me”.Thereafter, and almost automatically, Raymi decided to enroll himself in the dramatic arts course at the Utrecht School of the Arts – a period of time that he describes as anything but easy. “Previously I had followed a transition course where I was expected to work really hard. As a result, once I was enrolled in the dramatic arts school, I had difficulties with the attitude of some classmate that wanted to go for coffee or a cigarette after every scene – I wanted to proceed…”. Raymi considers his drive and iron discipline as reasons for him becoming an outsider to his fellow students. “We were forbidden to do other theatric projects next to our education – I disregarded this rule as I had too much energy. Nowadays I still possess a very a strict sense of discipline”.Nowadays an established actor, presenter, producer and director, Raymi says that Curaçao is one of his biggest sources of inspiration especially when it comes to his theatrical plays. “Every year when I visit Curaçao I discover things that I wasn’t conscious of when growing up on the island. I consequently start exploring and deepen these things and eventually I end up making plays out of them”.

According to Raymi his play HUID! in which he tackled discrimination between people of color, came into existence in a similar way. “In the afro community we tend to think highly of white people and to treat our black counterparts in the opposite way – this is the legacy of slavery. Consider for example the expressions ‘good hair’ and ‘bad hair’....” When it comes to highlights in his career, Raymi mentions popular television productions such as Domburg, All Stars, Zoop, Willem Wever and Spangas. But most of all he puts emphasis on his own theater company V.I.G. Raymi established this theatre company in 2003 in the light of the social tensions and growing intolerance in the Dutch

society. “The fact that several black actors were struggling with their authenticity and the expectations imposed on them puzzled me. In V.I.G. I work solely with black actors in order to show that we are really talented in this area”. In addition to television and theatre, Raymi does also make short films. His first short film Premier was very successful and was the recipient of the 48 Hour Film Project. Subsequently he made Vriend Vader Vijand which is currently being shown at several film festivals worldwide. Presently he is finalizing The Neighborhood in which he plays the leading role together with Dutch actors Daniël Boissevain and Peggy Vrijens.In the context of what he considers himself to be, Raymi points out that whenever a Curaçaoan person happens to become popular he or she is bombarded as being European. “I think I’m a famous Curaçaoan Dutchman as I spent the greatest part of my life in the Netherlands, but first of all I’m a famous Curaçaoan actor”.

“Every year when I visit Curaçao I discover things that I wasn’t conscious of when growing up on the island”

6Curaçao Precious

The first woman to have served as a news anchor on Dutch television. Undoubtedly a pioneering fact, not in the least as the same woman also happened to be the first black news presenter on Dutch television. Personally, Eugènie Hendrika Cornelia Herlaar (*1939) never expected to be a ‘breakthrough woman’ as she is

known nowadays. Her family moved to the Netherlands when she was 8 years old, but this never influenced her deep interconnectedness with her native Curaçao.

Regardless of being born out of wedlock, Eugènie claims never to have suffered from this fact and to have had a magnificent childhood. “I always say that I was born out of love and accepted in love”. With regard to the ‘acceptance’ part, Eugènie refers to her non-biological father. “I never doubted that he was my father as his love for me was unconditional. I only learned that he wasn’t my biological dad when I was 18”. Eugènie explains that her non-biological father initially feared that the truth would have affected her feelings towards him

but this wasn’t the case by any means. Her biological father, a member of the National People’s Party on the island, passed away in a car accident in the late 60s. “Nevertheless, I’m still in contact with my half-siblings who reside in the Netherlands and my family on the father’s side who live in Curaçao”.In 1947, at the age of 8, Eugènie’s father retired from Royal Dutch Shell and the family moved to Netherlands. Eugènie explains that she was well-prepared for this journey by her mother, who had already moved to the Netherlands beforehand due to health reasons. “When you are 8 years old

“Curaçao always feels like coming home”

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7 Curaçao Precious

you are inquisitive and that’s why this new step never affected me”. The family ended up in a forested area in the city of Ede where they owned 5 hectares of forest and meadow. Eugènie claims that she had the most wonderful time in Ede regardless of the discrimination she sometimes had to endure in school. “I was brought up in a ‘no-nonsense’ and ‘can-do’ environment and it is this that has helped me to overcome these less pleasant experiences”, she says.On completion of her primary schooling Eugènie’s parents took out a loan for her to attend Higher Civic School. “My father’s pension wasn’t generous – we rented out cottages and we had a chicken farm to generate extra income, but this wasn’t enough. 5 years later she achieved her diploma and applied for a post of seismic arithmetician at the then Batavian Oil Company. “If I’d had the opportunity to go to college I would have studied geology, but unfortunately there was no money to do so”. In her job Eugènie (as the only woman in her department) examined and assessed the reports of the several seismologists that were employed by the Batavian Oil Company worldwide.

At a certain moment, Eugènie was longing for creativity. “I decided to apply for a position at Philips Records in Baarn. In this job I was responsible for the manufacturing of the covers of several records”. In the meanwhile she also started doing radio again as a hobby. “I actually started in children’s programs on the radio in Curaçao when I was 4 years old”, she explains.

In 1963 she dared to take the plunge and applied for a job at Radio Netherlands Worldwide – some months before she was rejected at the Dutch Christian Radio Association for being only 23. “After a vocal test and an intensive three-month program with a speech therapist I was able to start!

One of the most interesting tasks I had was dubbing the news for the Dutchman living all over the world”. Whilst working for the Radio Netherlands Worldwide, Eugènie did also have a part-time job at the former Netherlands Television Foundation. As it was the first time that a woman’s voice was heard on the news, this lead to consternation and Eugènie was called to account by the Board of Directors of Radio Netherlands Worldwide. “As a result I decided to switch permanently to the Netherlands Television Foundation in 1965 and became the first female editor and reporter – some months after, I also started appearing on screen”. Eugènie emphasizes that in the mid-60s the ´issues´ in television did not revolve so much around skin color as such but mostly around gender. Having said this the Netherlands Television Foundation gave Eugènie the opportunity to be on screen as long as the public responded positively – and it just so happened that both public and press were ecstatic. “I

constantly received poems, marriage proposals and chocolates. The presents became less once it became generally known that I got engaged”, she laughs.Based on the values of those days Eugènie was made redundant in 1969 as she got married. “A pregnant news anchor was not acceptable on television in those days”, she grins.

In 1975 she was asked to come back for a duo presentation of the news, a position she held for a year. In the late 70s she occasionally appeared on the news as a substitute – her last television job was in 1983. “All in all I have to say that I had a blast whilst working on television but I had no clue I was going to become a pioneer”, she says. Subsequently she got a degree in speech therapy, ran a successful practice and started a communication agency with her late second husband. After his death in 1999 she completed all remaining assignments and decided to close down the respective agency.“I started deepening my painting skills. In my paintings I’m profoundly inspired by Curaçao”, she utters. Eugènie also speaks endlessly about her occasional job as a tour guide for cultural-historic journeys in Curaçao. “I would not want to live permanently in Curaçao anymore as it is too small as opposed to my broad interests. However Curaçao always feels like coming home”!

“I was brought up in a ‘no-nonsense’ and ‘can-do’ environment and it is this that has helped me to

overcome less pleasant experiences”

“Christmas to me is a period of time to be more conscious and to think about the meaning of the term ‘well-being’. To me well-being stands for friendship, involvement, happiness, health and optimism”.

8Curaçao Precious

The first Curaçaoan designer to have shown his creations during the Paris Fashion Week. This is perhaps the best statement to describe David Gregory Rignaldo Paulus (*1986), one of Curaçao’s most promising fashion designers. Born and raised in the village of St. Rosa, he started giving fashion shows at a very young age for his

grandmother by dressing his cousins up in plastic bags whilst creating accessories with pieces of fabrics and leaves.

In many societies creativity has a cost and David did also experience this in his youth on the island. “I had a happy childhood, but simultaneously it wasn´t always easy”. According to David his direct family and friends had difficulties in understanding and accepting the fact that he is a creative person which resulted in several clashes with his family over the course of time. “I spent a great deal of my childhood in my own world of creations and fantasies – I was also a very adventurous little boy”.

Craving after freedom and more space, David decided to move to the Netherlands on completion of his

secondary school and at the tender age of 17. Here he completed several vocational trainings in the field of dance and drama, health and welfare and retail. “To the extent that I was growing up and in the Netherlands, I tried to suppress my love for fashion. However after having bumped into the sewing machine of an 80-year-old friend my passion for fashion was ‘refueled’ again”.

David decided to enroll himself in the fashion and design course at the Arnhem Regional Training Center and thereafter his career started growing leaps and bounds. After an internship at the studio of Chinese born designer

“I just want to make people happy with my creations”

Picture: Paco Núñez

9 Curaçao Precious

“I just want to make people happy with my creations”

Sheguang Hu, David participated in the Amsterdam Fashion Week Downtown and the first edition of the International Fashion Week in Curaçao. “I absorbed everything that came on my path, I was hungry for more knowledge and ecstatic to finally be able to express myself”.One of the highlights in his fledgling career was receiving a personal invitation to participate in the Paris Fashion Week in September 2104 – the first Curaçaoan to have this honor bestowed upon them. “I’m truly honored and extremely proud”, David says, “and one opportunity always leads to

more opportunities, as whilst in Paris I was also invited to take part in the World Fashion Week Paris Exhibition”!David points out that even though he doesn’t have specific goals for the future, he definitely wants to stay in touch with the public. “Be it through fashion shows, selling clothes and photo shoots, I just want to make people happy with my creations”.

Curaçao does certainly still play an important role in his life and is absolutely not a country he has turned his back on. “Curaçao means a lot to me for this is the country where I came into the world. I’m proud of our rich cultural heritage. I will surely be settling in Curaçao in the future even though I still haven´t sorted out in which form this will be”.

“I spent a great deal of my childhood in my own world of creations

and fantasies”


“Even though I do not really celebrate Christmas, I always go for dinner with family and friends. What I do like at Christmas time is to watch old films – just lovely”!

10Curaçao PreciousPicture: Achim Dekkers

11 Curaçao Precious

Gayle Thalisja Sulvaran (*1995) – many beautiful names to describe Curaçao’s official representative at the 64th edition of the Miss World pageant to be held in London, England on December 14, 2014. Several years ago, she found a box containing pictures of her mother as a contestant in the Miss Curaçao

pageant back in the early 80s – at that moment she knew that she wanted to follow in her role model’s footsteps. At the time of writing, this senior general secondary student was very involved with two beauty with a purpose projects focused on blood donorship and dental hygiene.

Gayle explains first of all that her family is her backbone and just very important to her. “My family is where life begins and love never ends. “My family is everything to me, I couldn’t imagine a life without them”. The beauty queen indicates that she dedicates the successes she has booked so far in her young life to her loving parents. “Because of their love and support I have gained the strength to become the young and successful person I am today”.

Born and raised in Curaçao - the eldest daughter in a family of two children- Gayle claims that as a child she always looked up to her mother and that she feels extremely blessed to follow in the tradition of such a beautiful and strong woman. “At age 11, I discovered a box containing several pictures of my mom as a contender in the Miss Curaçao Pageant of 1981. It was then that I realized for the first time that I wanted to follow in my mother’s footsteps when it comes to beauty pageants”.

Gayle did not let go of this dream and 8 years later, on 31st of May 2014, she took part in the Miss World Curaçao pageant and fulfilled her dream. “That last decisive moment on stage, somewhat after midnight, my heart was beating very hard and then I finally heard my name as the winner... It was a wonderful feeling of gratitude and overwhelming joy and the confirmation of my life slogan that there is nothing impossible in this world if you have faith and confidence in God and in yourself”.Gayle speaks devotedly about her participation in the upcoming Miss World Pageant, but mostly about the beauty with a purpose element of the pageant, being very close to her heart. The Beauty with a Purpose Organization is a charity and non-profit organization associated with

the Miss World Pageant with the aim to raise money for the aid of disadvantaged children worldwide.“My project is called ‘Operation save a life’. I teach and

encourage youngsters on the island to make a difference by becoming blood donors at a young age. By doing this, I’m also automatically promoting a healthy lifestyle through these youngsters – that is no drug abuse, no excessive use of alcohol and no risky sexual lives. Gayle’s second project is named ‘Operation brighter smiles’, a project she is carrying out with the children of the ‘Soeur Hedwig School’ a special school for physically disabled children in Curaçao. Says Gayle: “Smiling is a reflection of happiness and through this project I always make an attempt to brighten these children’s smiles by promoting dental hygiene”.

When it comes to her expectations with regard to the pageant, Gayle points out that even though she is confident that by possibly becoming Curaçao’s first Miss World, she could definitely do justice to the title, she doesn’t derive energy solely by projecting herself as the winner of the pageant. “My expectation is to make a positive contribution to the development of my island partly by means of my two beauty with a purpose projects. At the end of that night, I would like to look back and to say to myself on behalf of the entire Curaçaoan population: “Job well done, Gayle”!

“There is nothing impossible in this world if you have faith and confidence in God and in yourself”

“My expectation is to make a positive contribution to the development of my

island partly by means of my two beauty with a purpose projects”

“To me Christmas is that part of the year that bonds family and friends together. It’s that special time to spend with my loved ones in warmth, peace and goodwill”.

Curaçao Precious

Picture: Curaçao Tourist Board

Picture: Curaçao Tourist Board


The holiday destination Curaçao is doing very well. According to Edward Suares, Director of the Curaçao Tourism Bureau Europe, Curaçao is currently one of the few destinations with a growing number of visitors. Suares is of the opinion that when things are going well, this need to be shown. “One has to make use of the moment and we do so – in this case by being the host country during the Travel Fair”. The Travel Fair (‘Vakantiebeurs’) takes places between 14 and 18 of January 2015 in the Jaarbeurs in the city of Utrecht.

“Especially the additional flights by several airlines offering direct flight to Curaçao ensure the arrival of more tourist to the island. More flights stand for extra capacity. We have noticed an increase in the amount of European tourists and hence also Dutchmen flying to Curaçao”, says Suares.

Recognizable and familiarThe vast majority of all visitors to the is-land are from the Netherlands which is still the island’s most important market. Curaçao is recognizable and familiar for the Dutch because of the language and the joint past. The connection clearly exists and the island benefits from it. In contrast to the Netherlands, the island displays wonderful weather, waters and beach-es. “Holidaymakers travel specifically to Curaçao to ‘recharge their batteries’, escape their daily busy lives, receive solar exposure and hence also vitamin D. This together with thehospitality and warmth of the localpopulation and the delicious andvaried Curaçaoan cuisine, result intoa fabulous holiday”, Suares explains.

Undiscovered activitiesExcept sun, sea and beach the island also strives to bring other activities worth experiencing to the attention of the traveler. Some examples include paddling: (standing on a board andpaddling with an oar) through the man-groves of the Spanish Waters. Aquafari: a journey under the sea on a scooter and yoga on water. There are plenty of undiscovered activities that are very interesting for anyone visiting the island. This year, for example, the first Curaçao Marathon took place on November 30 – the course included the island’s famous Pontoon Bridge and Juliana Bridge.

Says Edward Suares: “One of the target groups the island is currently aiming at is families with children. Research has shown that particularly the group of second earners with children is

getting larger – this group is willing to travel more than in the past. Curaçao is distinguishable in this respect as the island offers family friendly accom-modations. In recent years there has been an increase in the construction of apartments and small-scale bungalow parks. In addition to this many hotels have constructed special family rooms”.

Soothing the senses“During the holiday fair we attempt to sooth the senses of the visitors by bringing a piece of Curaçao to them. We do this by giving them the oppor-tunity to taste, hear, feel, smell and experience what the real Curaçao has in store for them”, Suares tells.Examples include cookery work-shops with authentic Curaçaoan tasting sessions where authentic ingredients are used, dance work-shops, music and entertainment.In all activities interaction is the leitmotif – that is: no static sessionsbut gatherings where thepublic is engaged in the activities.

For more information please visit www.curacao.com

Guaranteed sunny island – host country of the Travel Fair

Curaçao soothes the senses

“I hereby cordially invite one and all to visit the Holiday Fair to experience the real dushi Curaçao

together with us”

Edward Suares, Director Curaçao Tourism Board Europe

Pictures: Selwyn de Wind

Farridah & Raily MuzoOwners Banda Bou Catering

Traditional Antillean Cuisine

When visiting any Curaçaoan household around Christmas time, you are most likely to be served an ayaka. In Venezuela, an hallaca typically involves a mixture of beef, pork, chicken, raisins, capers, and olives wrapped in cornmeal dough, folded within plantain leaves, tied with strings, and boiled or steamed afterwards. In the Dominican Republic it is known as guanimos, in Puerto Rico it is known as pasteles and in Trinidad and Tobago, hallaca is known as pastelle but often confused with empanadas. In Curaçao the delicacy is known as ayaka!

Traditionally ayaka is made by extending a plantain leaf, greasing it with a spoonful of cooking oil and spreading on it a round portion of corn dough (roughly 30 cm), which is then sprinkled with various fillings. The most common fillings include a mix of stewed (or rare) meats (pork, poultry, beef, lard, crisp or pork rind), raisins and pitted green olives.

The filled dough is then skillfully wrapped in an oblong fashion and tied with string in a typical square mesh before its cooking in boiling water. Afterwards, it is picked from the pail with a fork, unwrapped and served on its own plantain leaves with pekelé (salted herring), sùlt (pickled brawn), ham di pasku (roasted ham) and plain bread.

The ideal ayaka has a silky golden-reddish glow. In taste, it aims to balance the saltiness of the meats and olives with the sweetness of the raisins and of the dough itself.

SPECIFIC INGREDIENTSServings: 6 to 8 persons• Plantain leaves

Ingredients for the dough:• 1½ cup of milk• 1½ cup of water• 2 teaspoons of salt• 1 teaspoon of cumin• 1 spoon of sugar• 7 spoons of grated cheese• 4 spoons of chicken gravy• 3 cups of boiled corn flower

Ingredients for the filling:• 3 lb. of chicken breast• 1 lb. of pig meat • 2 spoons of tomato paste• 3 spoons of butter• 3 spoons of oil• 1 large chicken bouillon cube• Garlic powder, chicken consommé, oregano, chili peppers, complete

seasoning

More informationwww.bandabou.nl

AYAKA!

16Curaçao Precious

“The key to success is receiving support in the voyage of discovery of one’s talents and skills”

On 4 October 1992, the young Angelo B. Hooker (*1975) closely witnessed the aviation disaster with the El Al

Flight 1862 in the borough of Amsterdam-Southeast. At that specific moment he knew for sure that he once

would become a medical doctor. His family immigrated to the Netherlands back in the late 80s, a transition

that wasn’t easy for the young Angelo. He attributes his achievements in life to his inner strength and hopes to serve as

an example to young Curaçaoans.

Born in Curaçao to teenage parents, Angelo was raised by

several people besides his own parents. “I spent a great part

youth at the sister of my grandfather. I was very well taken care

of – this was a very harmonious family in which love, care and

respect were the general principle. We literally took care of

each other. Additionally this was also a setting where studying

and working were highly encouraged”. Angelo claims to have

very good memories of his childhood. “Looking back I can

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“The key to success is receiving support in the voyage of discovery of one’s talents and skills”

Picture: Caïnva Isenia

conclude that I have had a protected childhood without the

outside world being portrayed as an unsafe or cruel world.

I have had enough opportunities to develop myself and was

always supported in this”. In the same spirit it was made clear

to Angelo and his two sisters that they actually had a

privileged position in society and that this was everything

but self-evident. “My parents, and especially my father, had to

work themselves through the fleet to achieve everything

they have accomplished. Hard work is a quality that has been

instilled in me at a very early age”.

At the tender age of 12, Angelo’s family moved to the

Netherlands, as his mother wanted to reshape her career

path. The immigration to Europe was challenging for Angelo.

“We are talking about a new environment, different customs

and practices and a different language – this requires a lot

from the adaptability of a child”. Angelo was placed in an

intermediate general secondary school. On completion he

proceeded to senior general secondary education and

thanks to good school achievements he advanced to

pre-university education. Says Angelo:

“It was a difficult time. You could wonder why I was initially

given the advice to start at an intermediate level. Looking

back I suppose that, given my cultural background, it was

assumed that through this path I would have acquired a

diploma, no matter the level. There has been no scrutiny as to

what my talents and skills were”. Angelo stresses that his

experiences in secon dary school have taught him to priori tize,

and to be perseve and not to be deterred by setbacks. “Most

of all I have developed internal strength”, he says.

October 4th 1992, turned out to be a decisively important

day that marked the life of the young Angelo forever: the

aviation disaster with the El Al Flight 1862 in Amsterdam. “I

was staying with my aunt in the borough of Amsterdam-

Southeast at the time. We literally saw the plane hit the

ground. I ran down stairs to offer help. I was literally walking

between pieces of wreckage”. Angelo claims that his life was

greatly impacted by the willingness to help but not knowing

how to do so. Immediately after he acquired a first aid

diploma and joined the Red Cross. Later on he also joined

the SIGMA (‘rapidly deployable medical support group’). “This

aviation disaster formed the basis to become a medical

doctor”, Angelo assures.

In pursuit of his vocation Angelo got into medical school at

the University of Amsterdam in 1996. “During my year in

college, black students could be counted on the fingers of

one hand. Nevertheless I have always felt at home at this

university”. During his clinical training, however, Angelo was

confronted with prejudice for the first time. “It remains

difficult to deal with similar situations. It’s never pleasant to

be rejected based on who you are”. Angelo explains that

when confronted with discrimination nowadays in

professional life he always indicates to the person in

question, in an airy and humorous way, that a boundary has

been crossed. “I always say to similar patients that the only

way for me to provide care is if we can treat each other with

respect”.

Currently a gynecologist associated with the Zaans Medical

Centre, Angelo is thankful for the person he is and still tries to

get the best out of himself. Witness the award given to him

in September 2013 by the Dutch Society for Obstetrics and

Gynecology (NVOG) for his publication entitled: ‘Systematic

review and meta-analysis of intrauterine adhesions after

miscarriage: prevalence risk factors and long-term

reproductive outcome’. He states that he feels truly blessed

and hopes to serve as an example for other Curaçaoan

youngsters. “Doing your best means to make the best use of

your talents and skills. These talents and skills may differ per

person but the key to success is receiving support in the

voyage of discovery of one’s talents and skills”.

“It’s never pleasant to be rejected based on who you are”

“Christmas to me means, besides the Nativity of Jesus, a moment of tranquility and reflection. To be able to put emphasis on those things that really matter in life, to take time for oneself, one’s family and friends and to enjoy each other’s company”.

In pursuit of a MSc in Finance & Investment from the Erasmus University Rotterdam, Tamara

Alejandra Nivillac (*1984) surprised friends and foes by taking the step to go into the music industry. The truth is that this Curaçao-born vocalist has been instilled with music from a very young age. Currently breaking through in the Netherlands, she underlines that her music is an ode to her native island.

Tamara was born and raised in Curaçao.

She points out that she originates from

a small, close-knit and loving family

consisting of a father and mother and

one sister. Music did always represent an

important element in the Nivillac family.

“My mom was a singer, my sister followed

in her footsteps and my father was a big

fan of Doble-R. All in all, it was never quiet

at home”, she laughs. Tamara explains

that her parents always attempted to

create a sound emotional and financial

environment for their children in which

they were able to endure and thrive.

“We were always supported. I remember

“I don’t like to dwell on matters like popularity,

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to this day, the several anecdotes of my father about life,

norms and values and the importance of respect and self-

development. These wise words are engraved deep in my

heart and have surely contributed to the way I think of life”.

At age 18, Tamara completed her pre-university education

in Curaçao and subsequently enrolled at the former

University of the Netherlands Antilles. Here she acquired

a BBA in General Management and also obtained a

teaching certificate at the same time. In search of even

more educational challenge, she moved in 2008 to the

Netherlands to pursue a MSc in Finance & Investment at

the Erasmus University Rotterdam. “In the Netherlands I

continued doing music as a hobby next to my studies. I

had to start from scratch as I didn’t know many people

on the Dutch scene but things started moving quickly”.

Public reaction was overwhelming and as a result Tamara

decided to put her studies on hold and to realize her

dream to become a full time singer. “This is my profession

right now. I feel blessed to being able to this and to go

for it all the way. My passion has become my job”!

The shift to the music industry came as a surprise for many

people in Tamara’s close circles. However this transition

was not really an inconsistent step in the life of the young

financial specialist to be. “My sister has actually always been

the singer amongst the two of us. She took voice and singing

lessons and participated in several talents shows, which

she rarely lost. In my turn I have always danced – primarily

salsa, modern and folkloric dances”. Tamara explains that

her sister was indeed her biggest source of inspiration. “I

was stirred by my sister’s passion and motivation to sing.

This made me curious as to my own singing abilities. I got

curious and participated for the first time in a song festival

when I was 13. I came second – the rest is history…”.

Tamara personally describes her music style as acoustic

soul with Afro-Caribbean influences. “I strive for high-level

music with a message. I’m making a contribution in my own

way to the continuity of my culture, language and music”.

The latter explains Tamara’s choice to sing in Papiamentu.

“My Papiamentu music is an ode to my island”, she utters.

Currently, Tamara is working hard to consolidate her music

in the Netherlands and abroad. She has already released two

singles as a soloist and hopes to launch an album in the near

future. “I hope to tour with my own band both nationally and

internationally. I would also like to perform more often in

theatres and other intimate locations where aficionados can

take note of my music and listen to the message it carries”.

Even though she is settled in the Netherlands at this

stage, Tamara has certainly not denied her roots. She

claims to have an emotional bond with the island

and to have several ideas she would like to put into

effect in Curaçao. “In the future I would like to share my

experiences with youngsters on the island and coach

them in their musical careers. I have this urge to make a

contribution for the island and to do something in return

– my feelings regarding my island go as deep as that”.

Tamara explains that even though she secretly enjoys

the way she is approached by prominent people in the

musical and political scene, she has not taken on starlike

airs. “I don’t like to dwell on matters like popularity,

I’m too down-to-earth for this. Everything in life is

temporary and everything in life comes and goes”.

“I don’t like to dwell on matters like popularity, I’m too down-to-earth for that”

“I have this urge to make a contribution for the island and to do

something in return”

“To me Christmas is the time of the year to be in the good company of friends and family but also a time of self-reflection. It’s a moment to carry out a reality check and evaluation. Where do I stand in life, who am I as a person, what is my contribution to life, to society and to my fellowman and how could I improve this”?

20Curaçao Precious Picture: Paco Núñez

“I hope to once be the recipient of a Golden Calf award”

After his performance in the film ‘Mi Kulpa’ from the Venezuelan-Dutch film director Shariff Korver, there has

been widespread agreement that Stephan Anton de Bies (*1991) is an up-and-coming actor. Born and raised

in Curaçao, the youngest of four sons, he dreamed of becoming an actor since his childhood. The first

Curaçaoan to be admitted to the acting programme at the Maastricht Academy of Dramatic Arts, he has one ultimate

goal: becoming a film star.

Anton claims to always have been very interested in acting. As a child he always looked up to Will Smith and still sees this American actor as a role model. “I respect the way he has managed his life and truly see him as a mentor”. In 2008 Anton decided to do something with his growing desire to act and enrolled himself at the school of performing arts ‘Curaçao Talent & Showbizz College’. “Since then, things started moving. I definitely learned the basics at this school and participated in more than 18 plays. In

2009, I was even given the opportunity to tour 5 theaters in the Netherlands with a stand-up comedy night show”.In 2010 Anton immigrated all by himself to the Netherlands in order to pursue his dream of becoming an actor – he had been admitted to their preparatory programme of the theater group ‘De Nieuw Amsterdam - DNA’. “After one year I auditioned at two dramatic arts academies, one in Amsterdam and another in Maastricht. Unfortunately I was not admitted at that stage”. Anton did not give up

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and enrolled himself at the secondary vocational theater training in Rotterdam. On completion of the accelerated programme of this training - thanks to his outstanding performance - he auditioned again after 3 years. This time he was successfully admitted to the Maastricht Academy of Dramatic Arts. Says Anton: “It’s definitely not an easy road – every year approximately 500 to 600 potential students audition at this academy. I’m incredibly proud to be one of the few students that were admitted to the foundation year, all the more so because I’m the first Curaçaoan to whom this opportunity has been given”.In 2013 during a break from his side job at McDonald’s in the city of Spijkenisse, Anton noticed three missed calls on

his mobile. It happened to be the Venezuelan-Dutch film director Shariff Korver (Infiltrant-2014, No Way Back-2011). “Sharif had heard about me from hearsay. He told me that he was looking for someone to play the leading role in his new film ‘Mi Kulpa’. I did an audition and shortly after was given the role”. Prior to his departure to Curaçao, where the film was shot, Anton received a thorough preparation for Shariff Korver in the Netherlands. According to Anton the following months were hard. “Long hours and hard work – I was thrown in at the deep end even though I didn’t have much experience in front of the camera back then”. The script of the film was written completely in Dutch, but whilst shooting Shariff Korver came to the conclusion that it would be more appropriate to shoot the film in Papiamentu – as a result he gave Anton the task to do the respective translation. “He didn’t speak the language but entrusted me with the job on condition that the essence of the script was not altered”. Anton stresses he learned an awful lot from Shariff Korver and the rest of

the crew. “Working with actors that are willing to immerse themselves in a role and a good atmosphere on the set are prerequisites for a successful movie”, he explains.

The young actor has one ultimate goal: becoming a film star. “I’m attending one of the best acting schools in the Netherlands and this inspires me to get the best out of myself. I hope to be the recipient of a Golden Calf award”.His native island still occupies a big place in his heart. “I will use my talent to stimulate, motivate and inspire youngsters in Curaçao in order to prevent them from going into the wrong direction. I just love my island!”


“I hope to once be the recipient of a Golden Calf award”

“Working with actors that are willing to immerse themselves in a role and a

good atmosphere on the set are prerequisites for a successful movie”

“To me Christmas stands for eating, drinking, dancing and singing. It’s the only time of the year where, despite all problems, it is possible to share peace and love with others”.


22Curaçao PreciousPicture: Paco Núñez


Collin Edson (*1970) has been paving his road to becoming a theater performer and cabaret artist in

the Netherlands over the past year. Born Collin Edson Schorea in Curaçao, he finished his A Levels

and moved over two decades ago to the city of Groningen to study medicine. 13 years ago he

decided to leave his studies and accepted a job as a ground steward at the KLM which he still very much

enjoys today. In addition to the arts, Collin is also known as an important advocate for the rights of the

Caribbean LGBT community in the Netherlands as discrimination deeply saddens him.

In general Collin believes that his upbringing served as

a solid base which in turn has led to him becoming an

assertive and ingenious person. “I had a pleasant

childhood and grew up in a loving environment.

Everything went smoothly and I have never missed

anything. At the same time I also had a very straight-

lined infancy with very serious and consequent parents.

In this light I was usually considered a rebellious child

for my congenital sense of humor”.

As a black homosexual man Collin is of the opinion that

gay emancipation and tolerance has been threatened

in the last 3 years in the Netherlands. He attributes this

to worldwide economic recession that in turn leads to

many social tensions. “While this does not affect me as

such but it is still clearly visible in minor details, such as

the avoidance of eye-contact during service delivery in

my job in the airline business. It can also be perceived in

statements of politicians that lump all nations together

as if they were the same”.

In addition to this, Collin also believes that the need for

significant cuts in public spending in the Netherlands

has had a negative affect on the arts. “There are less

resources available and artists are forced to be creative

– it’s a make-or-break situation…”

In the long run Collin hopes to break through as an

artist. He even dreams of once bringing his theatre

plays to his native island. “In my plays I try to address

the island’s view on sexuality in a comic and subtle

way. I actually believe that Curaçao is ready for my plays

– it will surely be somewhat controversial but our island

is in need of daredevils in order to overcome dogma’s

and taboos”.

“Our island is in need of daredevils in order to overcome

dogma’s and taboos”

“Christmas is a time of celebration. In Curaçao this period of time stands for cosines, family, harmony and togetherness”.

“There are less resources available and artists are forced to be creative - it’s a

make-or-break situation”

Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao

Wagenaarweg 13 • 2597 LM The Hague • Tel. +31 (0)70 3066111 • [email protected]

Season’s Greetings from thestaff of the Cabinet of the

Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao

Documents

Curaçao Precious issue 3