Day 8 - Willemstad, Curacao

After almost two hundred and fifty years of independence, it is easily taken for granted in the States. For the island nation of Curacao, independence is still young often requiring frequent adjustments to address its new responsibilities.

Curacao's history is not that different from other European colonies in the Americas. The Spanish came looking for gold, found none, but discovered natives with knowledge of local water sources. With the introduction of livestock, the island soon became an important restocking waypoint for sailing vessels.

Over the years, the balance of power changed in Europe and Curacao fell under Dutch control. Requiring a new source of salt, the Dutch turned to Curacao and a new industry and economy was established in Curacao.

Slave trade was underway and resourceful business men saw another opportunity. With Curacao, already established as a restocking waypoint for ships, plantations were built, food was produced, ships stopped to resupply and feed slaves on the way from Africa to market. One such plantation is pictured above.

Another economical boom occurred in Curacao when Shell, a Dutch based oil company build a refinery fed by Venezuelan oil. It quickly became Curacao's primary economic engine. All was good until Shell pulled out in 1984.

Being located a few short miles off the coast of Venezuela, Curacao's economy became closely coupled to that of Venezuela. In 2017 Venezuela's economy collapsed taking Curacao's with it.

Time after time it became obvious to Curacao it needed multiple economic sources not tied to a single entity. On October 10, 2010 Curacao gained independence as an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Netherlands.

The above history is a bit abbreviated, but the point is Curacao has taken control of their future and is establishing the necessary government, infrastructure and people resources to enter the tourism industry.

Citizens of the USA should take note what happens when control originates from self centered individuals without regard of the populous. As demonstrated by Curacao, independence is not easily obtained. Let's not show the world how easy it is to lose.