Curaçao’s history is rich with visionary leaders who fought for freedom, justice, and the betterment of our society. Heroes like Manuel Carlos Piar and Luis Brión, whose names are etched in the annals of liberation history, alongside the fighters of the 1795 slave revolt, remind us of the courage and determination it takes to stand against oppression.
Mr. Dr. Moises Frumencio da Costa Gomez, a modern political emancipator, continued this legacy into the 20th century. Yet, as we look around today, we see a disconnect between this glorious past and the actions of our present leaders. We must ask: Where is the spirit of these and many other Curaçao heroes in today’s leadership?
This article will illuminate the actual modern-day fighters and reformers in Curaçao who embody the same visionary spirit of our forgotten heroes. These individuals are not just making speeches or paying lip service to our challenges. They lead by example, showing us that dedication and hard work can pave the way for a brighter future. In their footsteps, we see a clear path to a Curaçao that lives up to its potential.
Honoring the Fighters and Reformers of Today
Dr. Richenel Anzano, a distinguished researcher and anthropologist, tirelessly motivates, revives, and promotes our cultural and historical heritage throughout Curaçao and the Caribbean. His work with organizations like UNESCO demonstrates his unwavering commitment to preserving and celebrating our people’s rich history and ensuring it is not forgotten.
Drs. Lionel Janga, a top professional in urban planning, has made significant contributions to both the academic and cultural spheres of Curaçao. He is a researcher and writer, promoting our past, and a practical visionary who educates the public by financing and installing remembrance plaques with inscriptions honoring key Curaçaoan figures.
His “Hasi, Do it” philosophy embodies a pragmatic approach to action, emphasizing that real change requires tangible efforts. Through his work, he reinforces the importance of understanding and honoring our history while making the necessary changes to ensure that Curaçao’s cultural and historical legacy is preserved and celebrated.
These names are only a few examples of the many modern reformers whose labor and production provide a roadmap for what Curaçao can achieve if we dare to dream and work as our ancestors did.
The Legacy of Wilson “Papa” Godett
One of the most notable fighters for workers’ rights in Curaçao’s history is Wilson “Papa” Godett. Raised in the Otrabanda district, Godett, a former boxer who earned the nickname “Papa Zwarte Diamant,” transitioned into a role as a prominent labor leader. In the 1960s, he became president of the Algemene Haven Unie (A.H.U.), the main union representing harbor workers in Curaçao.
Godett led his workers in the famous May 30, 1969, uprising, where cries of “Pan I respet” (Bread and Respect) echoed through the streets as dockworkers and Shell laborers marched toward Fort Amsterdam. Although he was shot in the back by police during the unrest, this event led to significant political and social change, culminating in the resignation of the Antillean government.
Following the uprising, Godett co-founded the political party Frente Obrero i Liberashon 30 di Mei, which won a major victory in the September elections. He served as a Curaçaoan Staten (Parliament) member and held ministerial positions, advocating for labor rights throughout his political career.
His contributions earned him recognition, including Venezuela’s Order of Francisco de Miranda and the naming of Kaya Wilson Godett in his honor in Pietermaai, Willemstad. In 1999, the Netherlands Antilles issued a commemorative stamp bearing his portrait, preserving his legacy.
Breaking the Cycle of Inaction
Unfortunately, we often see a reluctance among our leaders to take action today. Too many are content to repeat the same tired rhetoric without following through on promises. The lack of visionary policy, the failure to invest in genuine nation-building efforts, and the reluctance to tap into the deep well of cultural and historical knowledge at our disposal are a disservice to the community they are meant to protect and serve.
Honoring the modern-day fighters and reformers reminds us that more can be achieved. More than just talking, these individuals act, and their work proves that the betterment of Curaçao is not a distant dream but an achievable reality.
The Importance of Remembering Our Visionaries
As we march forward, we must continue to document and celebrate the work of these modern visionaries. Though perhaps not fully recognized in their time, their contributions will serve as valuable archives for future generations.
Names like Anzano, Janga, Godett, and other prominent writers and activists, must be honored, and their efforts kept alive in our collective memory.
Though we may not have all their works in chronological order, what matters is that we remember them with deep appreciation. Their contributions will ensure that the legacy of Curaçao’s freedom fighters is not lost to time but rather carried forward for generations to come.
A Call for Leadership to Bridge the Gap
It’s time to end the lip service of today’s leaders who fear stepping up to their historical and cultural responsibilities. Only by filling this gap, through real visionary action and policies, can they hope to serve the community as they are sworn to. The road ahead is not easy, but as the stories of our past and present fighters show us, it is one worth walking.
Our generation, and the generations to come, deserve nothing less. Let us continue the march for justice, freedom, and a better Curaçao, inspired by the heroes of our past and the fighters of today.
Tico Vos is a professional photographer, producer, and tourism specialist. He has been documenting the History, Culture, and News of Curaçao. This site is a documentation of the history of Manuel Carlos Piar.
