WILLEMSTAD--Emotions ran high a few times in Curaçao during the public Island Council meeting to swear in new members and bid farewell to those departing.

NPA's Nelson Pierre was conspicuous by his absence and has been staying abroad for months now. The party founder and former leader was a member of the outgoing Island Council and still occupies a seat in the Antillean Parliament as well.

He has been abroad since a few months ago, according to reports in Colombia, and therefore has missed numerous meetings of both political bodies. Pierre was not present on Saturday either, something fellow NPA faction member Farley Hernandez deeply regretted.

NPA, now led by Carlos Monk, did not win any seats in the new Island Council. In his farewell statement, Hernandez said Pierre had always had something noteworthy to contribute on such occasions and was missed.

Several council members took the opportunity to say a parting word. Outgoing PNP Commissioner Humphrey Davelaar (Public Health and Energy) referred to what he had accomplished as member of the Executive Council during the past three years.

"When I joined in 2007, there were 2,500 homes without electricity. This has now been reduced to 800 and only for a period of three months. The leakage loss decreased from 34 to 22 per cent.

"We no longer have to worry about the preferential shares of Marubeni in utility company Aqualectra. We expanded the capacity of alternative (wind) energy with 30 megawatts. The water and electricity supply has improved, while Aqualectra will have five instead of three directors in 2011."

Dennis Jackson (PAR) dwelled on the importance of both a strong opposition and coalition in the Island Council. He further pointed out that the draft constitution had to be approved by the incoming council – which also occurred later in the day – to guarantee that Curaçao acquires its new status per 10-10-10.

Gregory Damoen (FK) experienced his last day as active politician, as he resigned as member of both the Island Council and of the Antillean Parliament. He urged his successors to be critical and keep in mind the principles of transparency, legal security, fair play and accountability, which he called of paramount importance.

Like Damoen, Renfred Royer (FOL) also did not return in the new Island Council. He spoke of the honour of having been able to serve the people of Curaçao. "I am proud of what we accomplished. We were not able to achieve everything for the full 100 per cent, but this is the consequence of working in a coalition; one must know how to reach a consensus. I wish my successors much wisdom. We are now laying the basis for an independent Curaçao. There is a time for everything," Royer stated.

Charles Cooper (MAN) is Commissioner of Infrastructure in the new MFK/PS/MAN Executive Council, which can no longer be combined with being an Island Council member. He said he was pleased with the debates that had been held in the Island Council during his years.

Outgoing General Affairs Commissioner Zita Jesus-Leito (PAR) in turn emphasised the fact that the PAR/PNP/FOL Executive Council had done everything to realise the people's wish for an autonomous country status. She mentioned the sound financial starting position, numerous projects within the framework of the Social Economic Initiative (SEI) and the basis that had been laid for a new government apparatus.

"We experienced many adversities, but we had one target in mind. I am happy to have been able to contribute towards such."

Her colleague, outgoing Education Commissioner Marilyn Alcalá-Wallé (PAR) also dwelled on the responsibility she had carried during the past years. She thanked everyone for his or her support and help.

After five years, a (temporary) end has also come to the active political career of Gimena van der Gen (PNP). In total, she was a commissioner for two years and a member of the Island Council for three.

She lamented some of the fierce criticism she and other members of the coalition parties had received during the past years. "It was claimed we were not good Curaçao citizens, that we were traitors and that we were prepared to sell the island. Such statements feel like a stab in the heart. We must learn to respect each other's opinions."

According to Helmin Wiels (PS), a new cycle has started with the new Island Council. This new period should lead to Curaçao eventually becoming free.