29 juli 2006: Short address by the Acting Governor of the Netherlands Antilles Adèle P. van der Pluijm-Vrede at the Charity Gala in celebration of the opening of the new airport terminal

Ladies and gentlemen,

First of all I would like to express that I am honored to be present at this memorable evening. The invitation I received of Curaçao Airport Partners N.V. mentioned (and I quote):

“July 31st will be an important day in the aviation history of the Island of Curaçao when the newest and best airport terminal in the Caribbean opens for passenger handling and flight operations.” 

It is possible that the Princess Juliana International Airport at Sint Maarten, which is also building a new terminal, would like to compete for the title of best airport terminal in the Caribbean, but I am very impressed by what I have seen and heard so far.

I confess that at arrival by plane on the island, I will miss the warm welcome of family and friends right after disembarking the airplane, but apart from these nostalgic thoughts, I endorse that this terminal has all it takes to become one of the very best in the region.

Ladies and gentlemen, we all know that since its discovery by the Spanish conquerors – over 500 years ago – Curaçao has been a vital trading post in the Caribbean.

Nowadays we are proud that Curaçao is one of the leading hubs for trade between the Caribbean and practically the rest of the world.

No doubt, this new airport terminal will support Curacao’s efforts to remain at that enviable high position and will contribute that Curaçao becomes and stays thé-leading hub. The new airport terminal also offers an optimum infrastructure, which will contribute to sustainable economic development of not just Curaçao, but the Netherlands Antilles at large.

This new airport terminal could not have been realized without the joint efforts of so many. Although Mr. Abernathy will address you in more detail later, I too would like to extend a word of gratitude to those who contributed at the development of this beautiful building.

You have recognized the importance of international partnership and long-term commitment. You designed, developed and constructed a terminal that is ready for the future and is worthy of its name “Curaçao International Airport”. In other words: you gave Curaçao an airport to be truly proud of. I thank you for that.

Before I come to the conclusion of my speech, I congratulate Mr. Abernathy – as representative of Curaçao Airport Partners N.V. – ánd the deputy Lieutenant Governor, mr. Rudolph Eleonora – as representative of the Curaçao community – on this impressive new airport terminal.

I express the profound wish that it will exceed our expectations in proving to be a valuable asset towards wider economic development of both Curaçao and the Netherlands Antilles.

Thank you for your kind attention.