On the 22nd of April 1944, during World War II, the Consulaire Corps Curaçao was born. The 75th anniversary of the Corps was celebrated with a reception on 23 May 2019. The Governor of Curaçao, the Prime Minister, members of the Corps and many other dignitaries were present. Speeches were given by Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath and by the Dean of the Corps, Karel Frielink.
The fact that there is a Corps Consulaire in which more than 30 countries are represented, shows that Curacao, although a small island, is part of a large and important network. And fortunately, this network is being used more and more. For Curacao, it is important to export, and so good international relations, including trade relations, are of great importance.
As far as individual consuls are concerned, they are a friendly face in an unfamiliar place. Quite frequently, they are dealing with citizens from the country they represent who have found themselves in unfortunate situations on the island, a lost or stolen passport, victims of a robbery or hospitalization. Assisting them and connecting them to the right people can matter so much, and may help to ensure that, despite their negative experiences, they eventually have a positive feeling about their visit.
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Photo credit: Charlotte Van Belleghem
