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Volume 4 - Issue 8 June 2016 CARIBBEAN Recipes Delicious for this summer GoodToKnow Why do people migrate to Curaçao? VANESSA VAN DIJSSELDONK Representing the interest of Curaçao Spotlight interviews The coastguard is seeking for new employees

Curaçao Precious issue 8

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Page 1: Curaçao Precious issue 8

Volume 4 - Issue 8 June 2016

CARIBBEAN RecipesDelicious for this summer

GoodToKnow

Why do people migrate to Curaçao?

VANESSA VAN DIJSSELDONK

Representing the interest of Curaçao

Spotlight interviews

The coastguard is seeking for

new employees

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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 na apphire 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.

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEWS

VANESSA VAN DIJSSELDONK 4 Representing the interest of Curaçao

HANS SCHREUDER 6 A job offer for a deputy director within the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard drew my attention

SENNON KASTANEER 12 A true go- getter!

GOODTOKNOW

WHY DO PEOPLE MIGRATE TO CURAÇAO? 13

TIPS & TRICKS 16

EMIGRATION EXPO 2016 17

CURAÇAO: A NATURAL CENTER FOR BUSINESS & TRADE 18

CARIBBEAN RECIPES

LIME LEMONADE 19 Fantastic summery cool refreshing drink

CONTENT

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COLOPHON

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

Design & Production:• Ben Coelho / www.bemaco.nl

Photography: • Caïnva Isenia

On our coverVanessa van DijsseldonkPhotography by Caïnva Isenia

Dear readers,For this eighth edition of the Curaçao Precious

we will expand on an important subject: Migration

According to the Dutch Central Statistics Bureau, in 2015, approximately 66.637 Dutch Caribbean were living in the Netherlands. Each year, a large number of citizens from Curaçao move from Curaçao to the Netherlands for study or another personal reason. Some of them leave the Netherlands after completing their studies and move back to Curaçao and

some will build a life here.There are many reasons which will result in people dreaming of relocating to a foreign country. Living abroad can give you the competitive edge in a tough job market. You will learn new ways of doing things and understand how a different historical background has predefined the current attitudes. You can also immerse yourself in the local language not just to improve your communication skills, but to build a better picture for yourself of cultural norms and expectations. Even though this experience is a great step for the future you

should never forget that your country needs you.I hope you enjoy reading this issue of the Curaçao Precious. If you’re planning to move back to Curaçao this issue will be

of significant value to you.

All rights reserved. The magazine

may not be published, broad-

casted etc., in whole or part,

without the express written consent

of the Cabinet of the Minister

Plenipotentiary of Curaçao.

A word from the Minister Plenipotentiary

Marvelyne Wiels

Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao to the Netherlands

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Pictures: Alex Rodriguez

Curaçao Precious4

Vanessa van Dijsseldonk

Representing the interest of CuraçaoVanessa van Dijsseldonk is a 26 years old young professional who has lived and study for the past

years in the Netherlands. After working for the Directorate of Foreign Relation Curaçao in the Netherlands, she is all set to move back to Curaçao.

Picture: Caïnva Isenia

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEWS

“This past year has been

a baptism of fire for me”

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Curaçao Precious 5

After living for years in the Netherlands you are going to move back to Curaçao. Which factors have played an important role in taking your decision? The most important reason was my job, as I am currently working for the Directorate of Foreign Relations in Curaçao. I chose this job because I wanted to work in foreign affairs. It has always been a dream of mine to work in the field and I was extremely excited when the opportunity arose to work for the government in this capacity. When I was hired, I was presented with the possibility of working a year in The Hague and Brussels on the EU/OCT file, and I gladly accepted this offer. The year is now up and I was asked to join the team in Curaçao and of course I happily started to prepare for the move back home.

In January 2015 you joined the Directorate of Foreign Relations Curaçao as a policy advisor. What challenges do you expect in this role? The greatest challenge will definitely be the size of the organization. In the Netherlands there is an entire Ministry dedicated to foreign affairs and we in Curaçao have a relatively small directorate. This means that as policy officer I will most likely have to tackle several files and problems at once. Nevertheless, this is a challenge that I believe we thrive in. We are by nature a small island and we have learned to do a lot with the little resources we have available.

The last year and until last month you’ve been involved with EU / OCT operations for particularly the OCTA pres-idency. How did you experience the involvement in this process? This past year has been a baptism of fire for me. In the beginning it was quite overwhelming to be honest. I had followed some courses on the European Union and European law, so I had some theoretical knowledge on the matter. Nonetheless, this knowledge was theoretical and I did not have much knowledge on the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) a group of islands that have links to Member States of the European Union and therefore in turn a relationship to the EU itself. The inhabited OCTs have organized themselves in Brussels, and are called the Overseas Countries and Territories Association or OCTA for short. This year Curaçao has held the presidency of the organization and I was thus given the task of aiding the Prime Minister and the representative in various tasks in Brussels. Most notably I had to aid in organizing the Ministerial Conference and EU. It was an amazing year for me and I have learned so much about not only the EU, but also about the field of work. This year was really a challenge, but at the same time it confirmed to me that this is indeed the area I would like to develop my career in.

How did your study at the University College of Maastricht and your participation in the diplomatic class of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs helped you in your daily work? My studies at the University College Maastricht have prepared me to tackle a heavy workload dealing with them in

a multidisciplinary way. Every 8 weeks I had at least 3 courses and I have followed a wide range of courses during the 3 years of my study. I have studied history courses, economics, sustainable development, politics and international law.

The latter course is what I decided to focus and manage to get a Master’s of Law at the Law Faculty of Maastricht University. The diplomatic class I followed last year together with various newly appointed policy officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, helped develop my contacts and general information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and various other Ministries in the Netherlands. In addition this course has also helped me develop me as a young professional giving me certain skills, such as the ability to write speeches or to be able to present, as well as providing technical content to various issues in the world today such as the conflict in Syria and the migrant crisis.

Each year a large number of young people leave Curaçao to study in the Netherlands. What do you recommend to these students? There are so many things I can recommend, that I could write a book about it. Before you leave try to prepare as much as you can and start early, which to me means: start as soon as you can. Do as much research as you possibly can about the possible study you want to follow and the city you would like to do it in. And try to find someone who has done the study or has a career you would want. You would be surprised how many people are willing to talk and help out. The most important pieces of advice I could give once you are there is firstly to stay true to yourself and to enjoy the experience as much as you can. Try to have as much fun as you can. Fun is a relative word, some like to go out, some like sports and some like to read. But at the same time do not forget why you went, which is to study. I would also highly recommend taking up extracurricular activities to beef up your CV. You should also try to get to know other people. Yes, it is important to stay in touch with the friends you travelled with from Curaçao, but there is so much you can learn from other people and experiences. And finally stay true to yourself, do what you want to do. This will be a period of time where you will learn so much about yourself and witness how you change and evolve. Enjoy it!

Would you ever think or consider moving to another country again? Yes of course. Seeing that my career is in foreign affairs, it would not surprise me if I would need to move again. Moving to other places is a part of my job, which I wholeheartedly accept. It also gives me a chance to see the world and experience different cultures, while representing the interest of Curaçao.

"Stay true to yourself, do what you want to do"

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“A job offer for a deputy director within the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard drew my attention”

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For this edition of Curaçao Precious we had the chance to meet drs. Hans Schreuder, deputy director of the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard, to share the ways they are contributing to the

security of Curaçao. Schreuder is a Dutchman who has chosen for a job based at Curaçao and has never regret that choice.

The Dutch Caribbean Coastguard is a unique organization within the Dutch Kingdom arising from a unique cooperation. Nearly twenty departments from four different countries are represented in one organization where civilians (85%) and military personnel (15%) work

together towards the same objective: to deliver a maritime contribution in order to prevent, determine or act against unwanted and criminal behavior.

And also to search and rescue in emergency situations.

Hans SchreuderPicture: The Dutch Caribbean Coastguard

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With state of the art flying and maritime assets, almost 250 Coastguard professionals carry out the following tasks: - General police tasks: to counter drugs and weapons

trafficking; - Border patrol: to prevent illegal immigration; - Customs supervision: to ensure legal commercial

activities; - Safeguarding the environment: by determining the

size and origin of an oil pollution; - Supervision on (illegal) fishing; - Inspection of shipping, mostly within the territorial

waters of Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Saint Martin, Saba and Saint Eustatius;

- The Search and Rescue task: to save human lives at sea is being carried out in an area of responsibility with a surface of approximately 2.300.000 km2

In the beginning of March, a large drug shipment was intercepted outside the territorial waters of Aruba. What was the role of the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard and especially Curaçao in this? On the 8th of March the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard received information from our US law enforcement partners via the Dutch Defence organization on Curaçao that a specific vessel was probably involved in a drug case. Due to our unique organization, as I stated before, we were able to task the Coastguard Cutter from Curaçao to act within the waters of Aruba. In addition the Dash8, a Dutch Caribbean Coastguard maritime patrol aircraft based at Curaçao, was also tasked. And last but not least, the Coastguard professionals working within our Rescue and Coordination Centre at Curaçao were responsible for the coordination of this counter drugs operation. So the contribution of our Coastguard professionals based at Curaçao was indispensable.

How is the collaboration between Curaçao and other countries when it comes to this kind of operations since the San Jose Treaty entered into force? Where criminals know no boundaries, no boundaries should be raised within our Kingdom or between other Caribbean countries. So mutual cooperation and information sharing should not be an issue.The vessel that was suspected of smuggling drugs was

supposed to sail to Aruba. In this case the Coastguard Cutter Jaguar would be able to board the vessel within the waters of Aruba. But surprisingly, the vessel avoided the waters of Aruba and sailed towards the High Seas in the direction of the Dominican Republic. Normally we would have to abandon such a case or hand it over to another nation. The San Jose Treaty however enables us to act on high seas on a vessel belonging to a Member State of the San Jose Treaty. This vessel has been flagged in Honduras and the country had signed the San Jose Treaty. We got permission from their point of contact and decided to board the vessel at first daylight. A boarding in the middle of the night was considered to be too dangerous. So early in the morning we surprised the crew. At first they were not willing to stop the vessel and started to drop large bags containing drugs in sea. But after firing a flare and a couple of warning shots they were convinced we were serious. We apprehended the crew of seven and seized 1200 kilos of cocaine. Due to the Treaty this form of effective cooperation between Curaçao, the US, Honduras, Aruba and the Netherlands was possible.

A lot of students and graduates would like to return to Curaçao. What are the career opportunities for newly graduates in the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard? After graduating an approved two years police education, young sailors will get a five year contract. At the end of the contract, if the Coastguard has available jobs, young sailors are able to apply for a permanent position. Having a permanent position within the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard, it depends on your prior education and the education you received from us, what ranks can be achieved. For example we have

7

Picture: The Dutch Caribbean Coastguard

Page 8: Curaçao Precious issue 8

“With the right skills, education and experience

it should be possible to achieve my job”

Picture: The Dutch Caribbean Coastguard

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Curaçao Precious 9

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colleagues who made a career within the Coastguard from sailor to head of one of our maritime sub stations or became captain of one of our large vessels. With the right skills, education and experience it should even be possible to achieve my job, deputy director of the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard.

Given the subject of this issue: migration. What were your reasons for moving to Curaçao?As a commissioner within the Dutch Police force and fighting organized crime within the National Crime Squad, I was involved in several international projects. Within that appointment I became more and more internationally orientated and interested in working abroad, preferably within law enforcement. A job advertisement for a deputy director within the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard, based at Curaçao, drew my attention. Curaçao is part of our Kingdom but

has a totally different culture and is more South and North America orientated. For me a great opportunity to explore a “new world”, so I took the challenge and applied. Within a month I got the job. To be honest I never regret that action. The job itself, my colleagues, the Caribbean people, the way of living, the political context, being able to achieve things that really matter and much more has made this job an unforgettable experience for me. Unfortunately the maximum term for this job has been set on ten years. So the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard is now looking for a successor for this amazing job and I am orientating for a new one. Of course within the Caribbean area! For whom this position is interesting please see the job description/requirement on the next page.

Curaçao Precious10

Picture: The Dutch Caribbean Coastguard

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The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard is the maritime, aeronautical, police, civilian organization responsible for maritime law enforcement and service tasks. Its principal task is counter drugs operations and Search and Rescue. The DCCG is a partnership between all the countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it is characterized by the large number of departments involved, the intertwining of different legal positions and the cooperation between military and civilian personnel. Most of the DCCG staff is executive (operational) and responsible for the implementation of maritime monitoring and service tasks. The staff of the DCCG is distributed over the Coastguard Centre in Curaçao, the three nautical substations in Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten and the aeronautical substation in Hato Curaçao. The DCCG is administered by the Minister of Defense. The Commander of the Naval Forces in the Caribbean carries out this task and as such has the directorship of the DCCG as a secondary function. The duties of the Chief Coastguard Staff are carried out at the Coastguard Centre.

General Job description:responsible for the execution of the Coast Guard tasks by daily management of the DCCG;control and evaluate the duties assigned to the DCCG and prepare the documents for the annual reports;advises on new developments and makes strategic decisions about new policies;gives content to all the duties and responsibilities mandated by the Director to his Deputy.

General Job requirements: the ease to move within a complex political-administrative environment; excellent spoken and written skills;excellent command of English and Dutch;knowledge of Papiamentu and Spanish is recommended;

General Knowledge and skills:a completed academic degree;broad international experience in investigation; knowledge and experience in managing diversity issues at a strategic and tactical level;at least five (5) years of experience in a senior management position;extensive experience in directing larger organizations and/or units.

For more information about Kustwacht please visit our website: www.kustwacht.orgFor inquiries concerning the content of this position, please contact the Deputy Director, Drs. J. Schreuder, by phone: +(599-9) 463-7701 or via e-mail: [email protected].

The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG) is seeking for a:

Chief Coastguard Staff / Deputy Director DCCG

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Curaçao Precious12

A true go-getter!

One of the advantages of being part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is the opportunity to have access to a wide variety of educational courses. A large number of students use this opportunity to study abroad. Most youngsters of Curaçao move to the Netherlands to complete their secondary school education. One of those students is Sennon Kastaneer.

Sennon Kastaneer was born in Den Helder and moved to Curaçao with her parents and brother when she was 8 years old. After finishing the secondary school, Sennon moved back to the Netherlands to study Social Work with a specialization in education (Pedagogy). After this study, Sennon earned her coaching degree. In 2011 Sennon moved back to Curaçao and realized she wanted to do something else, so she specialized in Human Resources. Currently working as a Human Resource Manager at P.S.I.- Skuchami (a mental health organization), Sennon can be described as a true go- getter. Sennon never loses sight of her goals and dreams, but also knows that you’ll have to get up and go for it to make it happen.

In 2003 you moved to the Netherlands and in 2011 you moved back to Curaçao. What were your reasons for moving to the Netherlands? I wanted to continue my study in the Netherlands because I knew that there were more opportunities there. I love my island, but I knew that in the Netherlands I would have more opportunities and more possibilities for my further education.

How do you think your experience in the Netherlands has influenced you to become the woman you are today? When you choose to study abroad you experience different things than when you stay close to home. You learn to make your own decisions without depending on relatives. I’ve become to know myself better and I’ve learned how to use my strengths in different situations even in the difficult ones. And this knowledge I’m currently using in my day to day life.

Why did you decide to move back to Curaçao and have you ever regretted this decision? I was just ready to come back and do something for my ‘Dushi Kòrsou’. Since I moved back, I never regretted my decision. Not even when time get tough.

What would you recommend to someone that is considering moving to the Netherlands in the near future? To be good informed before you go, to know why you are going and to go for it. When you are in the Netherlands, choose your friends wisely. Be with people who can help you and support you because even the best coaches always have a coach themselves. And know that no matter what, no matter the situation it’s not about the situation, but about the way you handle it. And see a problem as an opportunity to grow and to move forward.

Sennon Kastaneer

“I never lose sight of my goals, my dreams, but I also know that you’ll have to get up

and go for it to make it happen”

Picture: Caïnva Isenia

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Curaçao Precious 13

Why do people migrate to Curaçao?

Worldwide, migration is an important topic in socio economic development. With migration you can decrease the risk of poverty and increase and spread the chances of survival of families. Remittances are

today worldwide the highest investment in developing countries.

Small Developing States are often heavily characterized by migration. Curaçao is a classic example with a history of centuries of migration,

from forced migration by slavery onwards to many different economic migration flows to the metropole or to countries in the region in the last decades. Between 1860 and the 1920’s there was mostly

emigration from Curaçao to the region, after 1920 a huge immigration to Curaçao started.

13Curaçao Precious

GOODTOKNOW

Picture: Curaçao Tourist Board

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Curaçao is an attractive destination because it is situated in the South Caribbean Sea about 65 kilometers of the Venezuelan coast beneath the hurricane belt, guaranteeing year-around sunshine. Our rich city center Willemstad - divided in two parts Punda and Otrobanda by our natural deep and wide harbor- welcomes year around a variety of cruise ships and industrial ships. Due to the islands history the majority of the islands natives are multilingual and come from numerous ethnic backgrounds. About 160 different nationalities are found on the island of Curaçao. The official languages are Dutch, Papiamentu and English yet due to the islands Latin American influence Spanish is also widely spoken.

In the previous decades, thousands of migrants came to the island. Migration has been changing the island of Curaçao continuously mostly over the last 100 years. Each migrant group has its own migration history and migration pattern, but in general migrants

on Curaçao, like most migrants in the world, search primarily for a better life and more opportunities whether poor or rich, Jewish, Arab, Jamaican, Colombian, man or woman.In the early 20th century many migrants with a Dutch, Portuguese, Surinamese, Jewish or Lebanese background arrived on the island to work for the Shell refinery on Curaçao. In the next decades also migrants from Indian and Chinese heritage came to the island to start their own businesses. In recent years, most of the migrants arrive from countries in the Caribbean region.

Being centrally located between North and South America and outside the hurricane belt led Curaçao to become an ideal center for international exchange, logistics, dry dock services, enterprise, international financial services, oil refining and tourism. Consequently resulting in a diversified and open economy. Thanks to the US Caribbean Basin Initiative and the European

Picture: Curaçao Tourist Board

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Union-Overseas Countries and Territories Agreement, Curaçao has privileged entrance to the USA and EU markets. A Tax Information Exchange Agreement has also been established between Curaçao and the US Government.

Since attaining autonomous status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands on 10th of October 2010, the government has strived to create platforms for domestic and international entrepreneurship and investors. Such as, providing assistance and immunities for businesses working in certain sectors, establishing duty-free economic zones, providing export-oriented corporations appealing tax incentives and creating special resident permits for foreigners looking to invest in Curaçao. Subsequently leading to an increase of migration from North America, South America, Canada, Asia and Europe.Currently, the island has about 150,000 inhabitants over

an area of 444 square kilometers and is divided into various neighborhoods.

The impact of migration is often positive for most of the involved. On the other hand there can be imbalanced impact on institutional burdens and on the community as a whole. Integration and participation are important for the newborn country of Curaçao, but also for migrants when they need to build a new life as citizens in a new country. Integration and participation are analyzed by the social capital theory which argue that the quantity and quality of social capital is the main factor for a successful integration and participation, measured by participation in society, activities, social ties and networks. Migration is part of the history and of the future of Curaçao.

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Curaçao Precious16 Curaçao Precious

Moving to a new country is exciting: new people, new places, new opportunities and new laws. Unfortunately, all this novelty can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to immigration law. If you are emigrating to another country or if you are emigrating to Curaçao you will need to use all your project management skills.

We have listed some tips and tricks below to help you when you decide to move to a new country.

Ask yourself why do you want to emigrateBefore using your management skills you have to ask yourself: why you want to emigrate? Are you planning to emigrate for a better lifestyle? Better weather? Or to give your kids a better education? To escape the routine you are in? Or for study opportunities? Always be honest about why you are considering emigrating. If the reason is something that will travel with you, the stress of emigrating could make things worse. If it is to improve your lifestyle, ensure your new situation will actually provide the desired change.

Work out when it is the best time to emigrateIt’s good to know what is the perfect time to emigrate. Should you go before the kids begin school? Or will you wait until you get that promotion at work? Actually the answer to this question is not the same for everyone. Simply consider the factors in your and your family’s life, then go for it.

Do research about the work and business opportunities you seekIf you are planning to emigrate you have to be sure you move somewhere that will provide the job opportunities you desire.

Do you want to start or buy a business, just be realistic about competition and future growth.

Organize accommodationThe first days of your move, you most likely will need a temporary accommodation before you settle in your own place. Try to stay close to whether you plan on living permanently. Living temporary in the neighborhood of your choice you will get a feel for the place before you commit to a long term rental or property purchase.

Line your paperworkPaperwork may not be the most exciting thing ever, but they are essential for your emigration. Close bank accounts, obtain references, medical and vaccination records and collect professional and personal contact details.

Organize shippingShipping in general works very well for a long distance move. But make sure you ask for a quote from different known suppliers to be able to make a choice.

The most important: Stay in touch!There are more ways than ever to stay in touch with long-distance friends. If you have not, consider joining social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram etc. And of course you can always use skype to see each other from a distance.

TIPS & TRICKS

Picture: Orion Katerina

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The government of Curaçao is trying to encourage economic

growth to attract foreign entrepreneurs and investors to the island.

That is why the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao

participated on this year’s Emigration Expo in Houten. The stand of

the Curaçao House was visited by many interested guests who have

affinity with Curaçao and who are planning to move to Curaçao for

business or living.

“Through this fair we are able to reach our key target groups:

Curaçaoans who wants to remigrate to the island and investors/

entrepreneurs who intend to start a business or office on the island”,

says the minister plenipotentiary of Curaçao.

The Emigration Expo is Europe’s largest event for anyone who

is looking to live abroad. Emigrants, expatriates, students,

entrepreneurs and job seekers came to this event to see all the

possibilities.

The employees of the Curaçao House were eager to answer

questions of the different visitors regarding the possibilities at

Curaçao. There was a lot of interest in Curaçao, especially regarding

work opportunities, pension arrangements and investments.

Guest speaker Violet Nichols of the consulting Document Agency

Curaçao gave a presentation about moving to Curaçao and

specifically about investment opportunities in Curaçao.

This presentation was well visited.

“There is a need for information among potential entrepreneurs and

investors in the Netherlands”, says Violet Nicholas. “They are missing

the know-how. There are also many new tax breaks. It may seem a

paper store, but it certainly pays to delve into it”, she resumes.

The Curaçao House is looking forward to take part in the Emigration

Expo of next year. If there are any questions regarding emigration,

you can always contact the Curaçao House via 070 - 3066 101.

EMIGRATION EXPO 2016

Pict

ures

: Cur

açao

Hou

se

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Curaçao’s economy is diversified and open. Trade and shipping, logistics and dry dock services, international financial services, oil refining, and tourism are the most vital pillars of the local economy.

The Government welcomes foreign investments and provides a range of incentives aimed at developing the island. Foreigners who choose to invest in Curacao are granted

a special residence permit, so that they can set up their business. Companies operating in certain sectors may qualify for various benefits and exemptions. Attractive tax incentives are also available for manufacturing companies that operate in export-oriented industries. Curaçao also has various duty-free economic zones.

The financial services industry in Curaçao has recently come to the forefront of the financial world again, as the STEP conference was hosted here in 2015. Curaçao is a mid-shore country: one which fulfills necessary requirements to ensure international compliance, and allows investors to be certain that their capital is safe and protected.

Curaçao also operates as a regional hub and center for trade. Its natural deep and wide harbors and its location outside the hurricane belt have allowed it to become an ideal trading port. Aside from the two well-equipped natural harbors, the island is equipped with a recently renovated and expanding airport (1.6 million passenger capacity), a highly developed telecommuncation infrastructure for both landlines and cellular services, and the 54th fastest broadband internet connection in the world (the 3rd fastest in the Caribbean).

The most important investment sectors are:

TourismThis sector is identified as the number one sector with significant growth potential. Curaçao is an excellent destination for all types of tourists.

Trade and distributionThis sector benefits from the strategic location of Curaçao at the crossroad of important trade routes and close proximity to attractive markets. Curaçao is an ideal hub location for warehousing and/or distribution center of goods and services due to its strategic location.

Oil, refinery and renewable energyThe Government of Curaçao is devoted to clean energy and is dedicated to becoming the Caribbean leader in wind energy. At this time Curaçao has already two wind parks.

Foreign investorsForeigners who invest in Curaçao can get a special residence permit to set up their business. There are also different kinds of tax incentives and investment benefits for foreign investors. The tax incentives and/ or investment benefits depends of the type of business.

Investors can contact Curaçao Investment & Export Promotion Agency, CINEX (www.curinvest.com) and the Curaçao Chamber of Commerce & Industry (www.curacao-chamber.cw) for more information about the types of business structures, tax incentives and investment benefits.

For more information feel free to contact CINEX or the Curaçao Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

CuraçaoA natural center for business & trade

Picture: Daily Curaçao

Pictures: Isla Oil Rafinery

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CARIBBEAN RECIPES

Making a lemonade seems easy: basically you need to stir sugar, water and lime juice. But, if you just stir all the ingredients, the sugar will sink to the bottom. The best way to prevent this, is to heat water and sugar together until the sugar is completely dissolved to make a simple syrup.

INGREDIENTS1 cup white, granulated sugar 1 cup water (for the simple syrup)1 cup lime juice2 to 3 cups cold water (to dilute)

PREPARATIONYou can vary the proportions depending on how strong and sweet you want your lemonade, and how sour your limes are. Combine the simple syrup with the lime juice and add more water to dilute the lemonade to your taste. Add some mint leaves to your lime juice for an extra fresh taste. Refrigerate 30-40 minutes and serve your lime lemonade with a sliced lemon.

Lime LemonadeFantastic summery cool refreshing drink

Picture: Crystal Cartier

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The most precious jewels

are not made of stone,

but of flesh.(Robert Ludlum)

Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao

Prinsegracht 63-65 • 2512 EX Den Haag • Tel. +31 (0)70 3066111 • [email protected]