Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, attended the presentation of the book Nieuw Nederland, e bario serka Avila Beach Hotel, fundá riba honor i humiltat hosted by the OCAN Foundation on Friday, August 14, at the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao in The Hague.
Published in 2023, the book’s author Rensley Victoria, was born and raised in the
neighbourhood Nieuw Nederland, Curaçao. The publication makes an important
contribution to the oral history of Curaçao by documenting the memories, experiences and
people who were shaped by the neighbourhood they grew up in.
For the book, 12 people from the area were interviewed, including individuals who had a
positive influence on Victoria and his family. Among those featured are prominent persons
connected to Nieuw Nederland, including former Prime Minister Maria Liberia-
Peters, alongside residents whose personal stories form part of the neighborhood’s
collective memory.
The book is presented in Papiamentu, Dutch and English, making the history of Nieuw
Nederland accessible to a wider audience and helping preserve these stories for future
generations.
For Minister Arrindell, who herself grew up in Nieuw Nederland, the presentation held
special personal significance. She also highlighted the longstanding ties between the
neighborhood and Sint Maarten, noting that persons and families of Sint Maarten descent
have lived, and continue to live, in the area.
“Nieuw Nederland also forms part of my family’s history who hail from Sint Maarten. It is
meaningful to see the voices and experiences of its people documented and preserved.
This publication also reminds us of the strong family and historical connections between
Curaçao and Sint Maarten and of the importance of passing these stories on to future
generations,” Minister Arrindell stated.
Minister Arrindell was presented a copy of the book by Victoria, congratulated Rensley
Victoria on his valuable contribution to preserving Curaçao’s oral history and commended
the initiative for ensuring that the stories, people and community spirit of Nieuw Nederland
are not forgotten.