Discussion on "Yiu di Korsou" definition

November 30, 2010 3:49 AM

THE HAGUE--The definition of who is a Curaçaolean, a Yiu di Kòrsou, as outlined in the governing accord of Curaçao's Government was the topic of a major discussion during a gathering at the Curaçao House Friday evening.

Curaçao Minister Plenipotentiary Sheldry Osepa, main speaker at an information session organised by the Antillean Network Association VAN, touched on the definition in his speech. Former Chairman of the Antillean organisation MAAPP Ruben Severina asked for a clarification and a precise reading of the definition.

According to the governing accord, a Yiu di Kòrsou is "someone who lives in Curaçao, or resides off-island, who commands Papiamentu and is willing to work for the progress of Curaçao." A Yiu di Kòrsou is "someone who can tell people that he or she accepts his or her history and culture without any shame, who accepts and lives up to Curaçao's multi-cultural situation and cultural diversity."

A Yiu di Kòrsou further accepts that "Afro-Curaçao elements dominate the majority of the Curaçao culture." The definition dates back to 2002 since the days of the PAR party. But this government goes a step further by using the definition as a selection norm, by for example forcing companies to employ at least 80 per cent of persons who comply with the criteria of a Yiu di Kòrsou.

Several persons present at Friday night's event at the Curaçao House objected to the definition. They considered the definition discriminatory and said it excluded people who in some way felt connected to the island or who were born on the island and left for the Netherlands at a very young age.

Osepa didn't agree that the definition was discriminatory. He said the use of words like Afro-Curaçao, multi-cultural and diversity didn't refer to specific persons, but were used in a more general context.

The discussion prompted Severina to propose organising a specific forum on the issue to discuss the definition and how it related to the Curaçaoleans living in the Netherlands. The VAN board considered this a good idea and pledged to do so.

Osepa also touched on the issue of high-risk youngsters from Curaçao in the Netherlands. He said it was "unacceptable" to the Schotte cabinet that youngsters with lower or no education were put on a plane as happened 15 years ago under a previous government. "We want to do as much as we can in Curaçao. We want a policy that is aimed at keeping these youngsters at home and helping them there," he said.

Osepa further said that his government aimed to stimulate students to study in the region instead of in the Netherlands. "Experience has shown that students studying in the region are more likely to return home, while those in the Netherlands tend to stay there. We want to prevent brain-drain," he said.

The Minister Plenipotentiary admitted that the Curaçao people were "great divided" and said that his government was committed to create more cohesion. Under the motto "Closer to you," members of the cabinet were visiting community centres to speak with people.

Osepa gave an overview of the nine ministries of Country Curaçao and their main tasks. He said that this government would treat its civil servants and their legal position with respect. Good governance, improvement of the administration, less red tape, better service to the community and a higher standard of living for the people are key aspects.

The Minister Plenipotentiary announced the visit of Prime Minister Gerrit Schotte to the Netherlands this week. Minister of Justice Elmer "Kadè" Wilsoe will be in The Hague the week after.

27 November 2010