Recently in a historical powerful and emotional address to the United Nations, Joseline Thielman, a founding member of Muhernan Fuerte (Strong Women Chapter of Pueblo Progresivo Uni) and a veteran police officer with over 30 years of service on the island of Bonaire, delivered a groundbreaking speech exposing the harsh realities facing children of African descent under Dutch colonial rule.
Speaking on behalf of the Bonaire Human Rights Organization, Thielman addressed the United Nations in New York, not only as a law enforcement professional but as a mother. Her plea focused on the psychological and cultural damage inflicted upon Bonairean youth through systemic discrimination in the education system and wider society.
“Despite my years of experience and unwavering commitment, I stand here today feeling profoundly powerless,” Thielman told the international assembly. “I can no longer stand idly by as Bonairean children, including my own daughter, are subjected to systematic discrimination, harassment, and psychological harm.”
Thielman detailed how children of African descent in Bonaire are being stripped of their cultural identity, denied the right to speak their native language, and wrongly labeled as intellectually inferior due to a lack of fluency in Dutch – a legacy of the colonial education model imposed after the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles.
“This is not a matter of individual shortcomings,” she stressed. “It is the consequence of an entrenched discriminatory educational and societal structure.”
The result, she warned, is a mental health crisis among vulnerable youth, marked by increased incidents of trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and involvement in criminal activity – all rooted in the frustrations of systemic marginalization.
In her speech, Thielman also revealed the personal risks faced by those who speak out, noting that she herself has experienced intimidation and silencing in her efforts to advocate for her child and others rights.
Her message was clear and urgent: “The children of Bonaire, particularly those of African descent, are in dire need of your intervention. We urgently require your assistance in addressing this profound human rights crisis.”
This historic address marks a watershed moment in the international recognition of human rights violations occurring in Bonaire, and adds pressure on the Dutch government to address the systemic injustices and colonial remnants impacting its Caribbean territories.
Bonaire Human Rights Organization
Kralendijk, Bonaire
Dear Editor,
Many years ago when the Sheriff Security company started its operation on St. Maarten, I, being aware that a sheriff is a recognized law enforcement officer, at that time brought this to the attention of the authorities and those concerned in order to avoid visitors to the island from being confused – or even being neglected. There was not even a reaction and it went so far as to accept another security company, this one with the name First Responders – another slap in the face of the police and other first responders.
Over the years I have mentioned this to several government officials but nothing changed. So why am I writing about this now? Simply because the observation was made about the different kinds of uniforms worn on such a small island, and “Maybe I can come down here and apply for a job as a firefighter.”
Russell Simmons
Dear Editor,
There is never a dull moment in Sunshine City. Wednesday, May 14, 2025, riot at the Point Blanche prison illuminated this fact. The daring incident was another experiment, orchestrated to erode and expose the weaknesses of the justice system. Furthermore, the situation has also tested the integrity, tolerance and resilience of Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling.
Thanks to the collaborated effort of the minister, fire fighters, marines, police force, ambulance personnel, VKS and national detectives, for bringing this threat of security under control. Despite the cry for lack of capacity, each member of the team came together and exercised their individual skills – competencies that intertwined with versatility and care for the community.
There were declarations of heroism of an inmate, but that is yet to be determined. Since the facts are unclear at this point, it is best that I restrain my thoughts. My only remark is: It is very strange that the individual who is rumored as being heroic is part of the group who want early release. Until I know who is the mastermind and collaborators behind this horrible incident, for me, the real heroes are those mentioned in the second paragraph.
Minister Tackling, it seems as though that there is a deliberate effort to keep you off balanced. Every time you try to solve one problem, another one springs up to delay ongoing matters that demand your full attention. However, don’t be discouraged by these unforeseen challenges. Embrace them, because they are a confirmation that you need to broaden your vision on the hindrances that can disrupt the operation of each section of your ministry.
This is why having a competent staff is such a critical component, and definitely, the backbone of the ministry. If I’m reading you correctly, it appears as if you are doing the bulk of the work, which will affect you mentally and physically, in the long run, if this burden is not being shared more evenly.
Minister, you need an independent team to apply the SWOT Analysis technique in all areas of your ministry. This constant vigilance will keep you closely connected to the various departments. As a result, this approach helps to foster a more harmonious relationship between you and the justice personnel, which will eventually reduce the risk of unnecessary discontent.
Finally, as challenging as the situation may be, try your utmost to remain calm and do not blame anyone nor make any hasty decisions. Your task is to collaborate with your investigative team to establish the origin of the disturbance, and when due diligence is reached, then you can make your decisions – resolves, that are based on facts and in accordance with the rule of law.
Joslyn Morton
The week of May 12-16 witnessed the opening of Curaçao Export Week, and I participated in it on the first day. I should say I couldn’t agree more with the themes and points in the speeches by Mme. Vanessa Tore, Ministry of Economic Development of Curaçao, the representative of Mr. Charles Cooper, and some presentations by the local and regional elites from different sectors. I also enjoyed interesting discussions with some local businessmen.
By Alex Rosaria
On some political lists – though not all – that participated in the (pre)elections, there were new and promising candidates who, however, did not receive the necessary support from the electorate. What is also notable is that many of them appeared on the list without the necessary knowledge of our governance structure, political history, laws, principles of debate, oral skills, and even familiarity with our national anthem.
Those who know understand that finding quality candidates (excluding those who are opportunistic) is a difficult task.
It is unfortunate when these promising individuals get lost in the political maze. Many times, parties have little “support structures” to stimulate and encourage candidates with potential to improve themselves after the elections, which results in them simply becoming political contenders. Next time, parties rush to find new people instead of retaining their promising candidates.
It would be beneficial to work on a structure to educate and upgrade promising candidates – not only on legal and governmental aspects but also on political history, ideology, and oral and debate skills.
I quote Jossy Henriquez, President of the Colonial Council before the Estates convened in 1938: … realizing that the quality of the people who must manage the structure is the most important aspect of our democracy. After 90 years, we still have not realized this.
~ Alex David Rosaria (53) is a freelance consultant active in Asia & the Pacific. He is a former Member of Parliament, Minister of Economic Affairs, State Secretary of Finance and UN Implementation Officer in Africa and Central America. He is from Curaçao and has an MBA from University of Iowa (USA). ~
