Willemstad – The debate "10•10•10 … i despues?", held on Friday the 8th of October concerning the opening of the new Caribbean editing department of Radio Nederland Wereldomroep on Curaçao, was a grand success.
Gerrit Schotte – then still – aspiring Prime Minister of Curaçao, gave act of presence and launched the website www.aworaki.nl. According to Jan Hoek, general director of Radio Netherlands Worldwide, there were three themes that stood out the most during the debate: education, combating crime and media. Mister Hoek offered mister Schotte a proposition to help the new Land with one of these three topics, stating: "RNW and our partners will help with media, will you do the other two?" "Agreed", sounded resolute out of the mouth of Gerrit Schotte, when after that the agreement was sealed with a firm hand press.
Debate
The debate dealt with the discussion about the changes in political structure which will take place on the 10th of October 2010. The participants were excited and dynamic. The tableau vivants (living paintings) were very creative and hilarious: the islands were clearly recognizable through their expressions. Statia whom still is sad and finds that there has been decided for them, while in Curaçao its opinion the others shouldn’t be complaining and Holland which firmly states: "Wie betaalt, bepaalt!" (Whom pays, decides!).
Also the other presentations during the program were worth it. Merietza Haakmat gave a surprising presentation of her version of the song "Plegaria" (Supplication), composed by mister Oswin (Chin) Behilia. She was accompanied by guitarist Jean Jacques Royer and saxophonist Dean McCarty. The video clip by Izaline Calister with a message about and to her land with in the background the song "Mi Pais" (My Land) playing, which was originally composed for her daughter Victoria, was heart robbing and moved the crowd. This video clip was made especially for this occasion.
And the aspiring Prime Minister of Curaçao, Gerricht Schotte, recognized that the same topics for politics as well as for the inhabitants – also youth – will continue playing a role.
Website
The new website of Radio Netherlands Worldwide www.aworaki.nl is now in the air and is filled with news of the 6 islands, namely: Curaçao , Sint Maarten, Aruba and the BES-islands. The information on the website consists not only from text but also audiovisuals and animated images. During the celebration that followed the invited guests massively enjoyed the music from Juni Julliet and DJ. The snacks and drinks also fitted in the whole team of the debate; they characterized the entities within the Dutch Kingdom.