Curaçao summit brings regional leaders together on cooperation and growth

Curaçao hosted the Caribbean United in Excellence Summit on Friday 9 October, bringing together leaders from Jamaica, Aruba and Suriname for talks on regional cooperation, economic development, investment and connectivity. Curaçao’s Government said a joint declaration by the participating leaders was scheduled for Saturday 10 October.

Curaçao Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas led the summit. Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Aruba Prime Minister Mike Eman and Suriname Vice President Gregory Rusland attended, with Rusland representing Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons. Curaçao Minister of Economic Development Roderick Middelhof welcomed visiting delegations.

The Curaçao Government said the meeting included political representatives, experts and young people. Discussions covered sustainable economic development, investment, tourism, digital connectivity and knowledge-sharing.

During his address, Eman said Aruba’s gross domestic product had risen from about Afl. 4 billion to more than Afl. 7 billion over 15 years. He said growth figures should be measured alongside living costs and the effect on workers and families, and referred to his government’s efforts to raise Aruba’s minimum wage toward a level that meets basic living costs.

The summit formed part of activities marking 16 years since Curaçao became an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands on 10 October 2010.