By Alex Rosaria
Civil society organizations play a crucial role in promoting, defending, and highlighting human rights. Today, I focus once again on one of the organizations dedicated to protecting these rights in Curaçao. Previously, I discussed the Committee for Human Rights for Curaçao, and now I want to address another key player: Komité Amistat i Solidaridat ku Pueblonan (KASP).
KASP was established in June 1981 with a clear mission: to defend and promote human rights in Curaçao, within the Netherlands Antilles, the Caribbean, and Latin America. This mission aligned with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The team behind KASP included dedicated members such as Amanda Arends, Melene Kook, Ange Godfried, Sergio Olaria, Ranulfo Betrian, Humphrey Paulina, Eugene Godfried, and Eus Anthony.
One of KASP’s early initiatives was a nearly three-week trip to Grenada in July 1981. This would be the first of many trips, earning the organization the derisive label of a “socialist travel agency”.
In the first edition of their monthly magazine “Sentebibu”, Grenada, led by the Marxist-Leninist Maurice Bishop, was praised as a paradise on earth. This led to critical questions from the local press, highlighting that Bishop had come to power through a coup, suspended the constitution, imprisoned political opponents, and restricted press freedom.
KASP did not shy away from confronting local authorities. In August 1981, the organization criticized Governor Ornelio Martina for banning a performance by Cuban artists in Curaçao. KASP also organized a protest march against what they called “terror and intolerance towards anyone who thinks differently in Curaçao,” clearly advocating for inclusion.
While KASP initially focused on human rights, its focus gradually shifted towards political activities. The organization openly criticized certain local political parties, praised leftist parties, and even provided voting advice. In their view, capitalist countries were the root of all the world’s problems, and KASP admired socialist or Marxist regimes in the region, such as those in Nicaragua, Grenada, and Cuba.
A notable incident occurred during a trip by Eugene Godfried to Cuba, where he delivered a speech on behalf of the Antilles. He criticized the US, using language that was considered offensive by the people of Aruba. This led to sharp criticism from the Aruban newspaper “Diario”, which emphasized that Curaçao should not interfere in Aruban affairs.
The contrast between KASP and the Committee for Human Rights of Curaçao is clear. While the Committee has consistently focused on human rights, KASP gradually shifted its focus to political activism.
Despite these differences, I am grateful for the work of both organizations. Each, in its own way, has contributed to the struggle for human rights. Although their methods may not align with today’s reality, one thing is certain: the need to stand up for human rights is as important today as it was then.
~ Alex David Rosaria (53) is a freelance consultant active in Asia and 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). ~
Dear Editor,
Really and truly these radio station deejays on both sides of the Island are sickening. They don't play enough reggae music for the tourists and for the people here.
Many times we have to put our radio on a foreign radio station to get some reggae music. And by doing so we even hear St. Maarten reggae artistes’ music on foreign radio stations.
Lady Grace should be playing more local music than giving us foreign artiste histories.
In these times people are almost giving up on these politicians. We need more reggae music to be played.
And play the local reggae artistes’ music to give the people hope and confidence in this time.
Cuthbert Bannis
Dear Editor,
I’ve watched and listened to many elections results, but none has ever captured my attention like the recently held elections of Monday, August 19, 2024. Previously, I focused mostly on which parties acquired enough votes to come into consideration for serious negotiations, the allocation of seats, and which candidates were selected to become part of the legislature.
But when Chairlady Nathalie Tackling of the Main Voting Bureau announced the preliminary findings in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, and indicated that objections could be made on the following Monday, I was curious to see which party would challenge the outcome.
Monday, August 26, arrived and MPs Omar Ottley (UP), Silveria Jacobs (NA) and candidate Chris Weaver (URSM), took the opportunity to express their observations at several polling districts and then asked that these stations be looked into, to clarify any misconceptions.
Knowing this, I was extremely grateful that these requests were made and granted, because I learnt a great deal about the mechanisms of the Main Voting Bureau, through this recounting process. I had no interest in this process before, until the Chairlady explained some of the procedures, and at the same time, she connected the laws that reinforced the process, which ultimately uphold the integrity of the Bureau.
Even though in the initial stage there were just a few polling stations slated to be recounted, eventually this initiative was changed to the recounting of all 20 polling stations. This was done primarily to maintain the practices of transparency and integrity. I deeply appreciated this persistence to validate any error and to have everything squared off, in order to present a more accurate result in the end.
Throughout the three long days, I enjoyed the non-stop humor and the camaraderie amongst the group, which exhibited the leadership skills of Chairlady Nathalie Tackling. But her subordinates were very attentive. When an error was made, due to the tedious procedure, they assisted quickly to avoid any misconceptions and kept the process moving.
As the hours seemed to crawl, what a brilliant shift by Chairlady Nathalie Tackling to speed up the counting process, by involving the entire group to open all the packets of a specific polling station at once, rather than having one member assigned to that specific task.
Despite the many teaching moments that occurred throughout the recounting of the ballots across all polling districts, the highlight of this entire exercise was when I watched all of the members sit on the floor opening the packets like little children. This was the icing on the cake!
When I saw this, I rolled several times on my bed and laughed out loud and said to myself, “I’ve never seen this before. This is not happening for real, on live television.” You all really made my day, just to watch that unusual display. Even now writing this article, I’m dying with laughter. It was so funny! It’s a sight that I will never forget.
All jokes aside. But on the flipside of this interesting task, it has really underscored the leadership skills of Chairlady Nathalie Tackling. If her face wasn’t familiar to the viewing public, it was difficult to identify who was in charge, because every member was working together as a unit, and the Chairlady did not display any form of seniority. This is an image that will stay with me for a lifetime.
Regarding the bet as to what time the final count would have been, I was on target with the approximate time of 11:45pm. So, Madam Chairlady, you owe me some snacks! In the meantime, continue to educate and always preserve the principles of transparency and integrity.
Joslyn Morton
Dear Editor,
I am usually awakened out of a sound sleep with my heart pounding which always results into a bursting headache (Advil is my new norm of life which with long usage can damage to the kidneys) by the sound of loud music penetrating my bedroom. This loud music comes from 721 on the airport road (the place that burnt down a few months ago and was recently rebuilt).
There is no consideration or respect for the neighbors, the elderly, the sick, the school-age children or the working class.
How can anyone function when they lack or is deprived of sleep not of their own accord but due to the self-interest of others.
Whenever 721 is operating I end up having to pace for hours in my home and I am unable to fall asleep again. Many times I have called the police station after 2:00am pleading for help. The dispatchers are always extremely sympathetic to my plea.
I applaud the ministry of TEATT [Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication – Ed.] for taking up the cause; this has become unbearable for us the seniors living in the surrounding area.
Andrew Dick, please take note that Cappucino restaurant does not cause (us) the nearby residents sleepless nights; if they do play music it is at a level whereby it is only heard inside their establishment.
I do not understand for the love of me how 721 could re-open under the same conditions with endless complaints from the surrounding neighbors. The fact that previous ongoing complaints and signatures have been filed with ALL relevant authorities and again we are faced with this.
I am pleading to the authorities to intervene on our behalf, the sick, the elderly, the school-going children and the working class. Lack of a good night sleep is detrimental to our health, our ability to function and concentrate properly (think of the school-going children).
Deprived of my right to a good night’s rest.
J. Christian
Initial used at author’s request.
Dear Editor,
Not every single candidate could have captured the hearts of the electorate. But some were predicted to do well, and missed the mark. Realizing this reality, what really went on in the minds of the voters to reject certain candidates, who have contributed significantly to the community? Is it that they were unaware of their work in and out of Parliament, or these contestants just did not appeal to them?
Many may disagree with my choice to highlight two such candidates, who do not get the recognition that is due to them. But a good way to start is to evaluate what they have done to improve the lives of others within the society, prior to postulating themselves. However, the election results on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, painted a completely different picture – a view that warrants analytical revision.
Case in point: I was stunned by the small number of votes that former MP Claudius Buncamper received. Several questions flooded my mind as I tried to substantiate this shortfall, but nothing concrete came to mind. Flashing back: When the MP was elected to Parliament back in 2020, he was a formidable force to tussle with, as he held every minister accountable, whenever they were summoned to Parliament to report to the people.
I would dare say that during his tenure, every minister wished that he was absent that day, because he was well-prepared and ready to challenge any discrepancies regarding their presentations. His counterpunches were well-researched and delivered with a force. Even when the ministers tried to wiggle their way out of some embarrassing situations, he backed up his responses with facts, and their only recourse was to submit to his blunt deliveries.
Unfortunately, half way through his term, he was dismissed, pending the outcome of his court case. But this dilemma did not stop him. He continued his trend of researching and presenting as if he were still an MP. Sadly, the electorate did not consider his efforts to re-elect him to Parliament. On Election Day, a friend called to ask who she should vote for, and he was one of the names that I recommended from a pool of three candidates.
Even though I am not a part of his social media following, his podcasts always pop up on my phone. He detailed each subject with advanced knowledge, passion, confidence, and vigour. Then, he challenged anyone to prove him wrong. These elements kept the viewers engaged, from the beginning to the end, because the information received is like attending a workshop, filled with interesting statistics.
His willingness to share has gained the respect of many, particularly his ex-colleagues at Public Works, who treasure his expertise and do not hesitate to seek his assistance, when needed. It takes a professional to make himself available to members of a team, from which he was discharged.
Another candidate who has been overlooked is MP Hyacinth Richardson, because of his passive mannerism in Parliament. However, there are times when an MP performs poorly in Parliament, but within his community, he demonstrates a completely different persona. It is true that former MP Hyacinth Richardson, sat in Parliament and said nothing for most of the deliberations.
From my observation, he appears to be an extremely shy individual, who has not worked on this weakness that has plagued him over the years. This limitation has suppressed his ability to communicate effectively with his colleagues and the general public, during the parliamentary meetings.
But, on the flip side of his shortcoming, for years, he has committed himself to visit with the constituents on a regular basis and has contributed financially and otherwise, where necessary. It doesn’t matter if it’s weekdays or weekends, his dedication remains the same. Despite the defeat, there aren’t many persons within the community, who can match his kind and compassionate heart.
To both of you: Not every loss is a failure. This bleak circumstance is teaching you to take a diagnostic view of the situation, which will allow you the opportunity to extract the obstacles, and then come back with a transformed mentality.
Joslyn Morton
