Where oh Where Wednesday: Curaçao

Many people have a certain picture in their mind when they think of a Caribbean island. Palm trees blowing softly in a warm wind as the seas gently roll in onto the sandy beaches which invite you to sit with a drink in your hand enjoying the sun. And some islands in the Caribbean probably fit this description. But I was surprised by the description of Curaçao given by inhabitants. 

Curaçao is one of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) which are part of the kingdom of the Netherlands but lie just off the coast of Venezuela. Curaçao may have gotten its name early in its colonization in the 16th century because sailors who were left there with scurvy recovered after eating vitamin C rich fruit om the island. The island was then the island of healing. Another reason given for the name of the island is that this was the name of the indigenous people who lived there. 

During the 80 years war with the Spanish in the 17th century, the mighty Dutch navy took the islands from the Spanish. From that point forward the Dutch East India Company (the VOC) started colonizing the island. The capital, Willemstad, was established and settled. The city, and the island, were perfect for commerce of all types, including piracy. And of course the slave trade was well represented. 

The city of Willemstad is now a world heritage site and tourist destination. Its colorful houses show up in many pictures or movies about the Caribbean. The population of about 150,000 are from ethnicities. The slave trade, trade with South American countries, indigenous populations and all sorts of European peoples make as colorful a mix as the buildings along the blue seas. 

What surprised me the most was hearing that most of the country is quite desolate and dry. In the 20th century when Venezuela found oil, Shell set up a refinery on the island. But there is also a salt winning further inland. The coast looks like an ideal tourist destination, but driving into the middle of the island brings you to dry areas with cactus and stone. 

Many inhabitants of Curaçao come to the Netherlands to study or further their economic situation. The island inhabitants were first part of the Netherlands Antilles, but are now simply part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Although the Antilles guilder is used as currency, everyone is familiar with the euro. In the city and on the island people speak Papiemento and English, although many will also be able to speak or understand Dutch. 

The link between Curaçao and Maastricht is personal for us. Although a disgraced governor of Curaçao found a job in Maastricht back in the 19th century, we made a link when we helped a young family move to Maastricht from The Hague at the beginning of the 21st century. We also have worked together with a sister in the church in Eindhoven who is originally from Curaçao. Through her we also have contact with brothers and sisters in Alabama who have good contact with the church in Willemstad. You can find more information about the church in Willemstad at this link .