MPs praise Curaçao’s football journey, MP Doran stress investing in own talent

GREAT BAY--Members of Parliament used their notification time during Friday's public meeting to recognize Curaçao’s football journey and the pride it has generated across the Dutch Caribbean and wider Kingdom.

The comments came as MPs reflected on Curaçao’s performance, its presence on the international football stage and the inspiration its journey has created for young athletes from small island communities.

MP Sjamira Roseburg congratulated Curaçao on what she described as a remarkable World Cup journey. Although the campaign came to an end, she said Curaçao’s achievement planted an important seed for future generations.

Roseburg said the moment should serve as a message to children across the Kingdom that the size of their island should never determine the size of their dreams. She said Curaçao’s performance should also remind communities to come together in support of local talent, attend sporting events, encourage young people and continue investing in their development.

According to Roseburg, today’s encouragement can become tomorrow’s success story if young athletes are given the support, guidance and confidence needed to pursue their dreams.

MP Franklin Meyers also congratulated Curaçao and the Blue Wave, noting that while the team did not secure the ultimate victory, its journey represented a significant achievement. The MP said Curaçao’s performance showed that progress often begins with a seed that may spend time in difficult conditions before growing into something stronger.

MP Meyers expressed confidence that Curaçao’s football program can continue to develop and one day emerge as a regional and international powerhouse. He compared Curaçao’s football journey to the way small islands have previously made their mark in major sporting competitions, including Little League baseball.

MP Egbert Doran said he watched the game and admitted feeling disappointed by the result, but remained proud that a small island like Curaçao had reached that level of international competition. He noted that Curaçao’s presence on the world stage was a source of pride not only for the people of Curaçao, but also for brothers and sisters across the Kingdom.

The MP said Curaçao’s achievement demonstrated that small islands can make a major impact when there is dedication, preparation and investment behind their athletes. He said the moment should be celebrated, but also used as a lesson for St. Maarten.

MP Doran pointed to the need for St. Maarten to strengthen its own sporting infrastructure and development programs, specifically referencing the football field in Belvedere. He said he had previously started the process to have the field transferred to the football federation, but that the matter had faced several bottlenecks.

The MP urged government, specifically the Minister of VROMI, to finalize that process. He said it is not enough to congratulate other islands on their success if St. Maarten does not also invest in its own roots and create the conditions for local athletes to grow.

“We can all sit here and congratulate Curaçao, but if we do not invest in our own roots, we will never make it to that platform,” the MP said.

The overall message from MPs was one of pride, encouragement and reflection. Curaçao’s football journey was described not only as a sporting achievement, but as a reminder of what is possible for small island communities when talent is supported by structure, belief and opportunity.

MPs said Curaçao’s journey should inspire St. Maarten and other small territories to take youth sports development seriously, invest in facilities and create stronger pathways for young athletes to compete at higher levels.

They emphasized that the Blue Wave’s performance has already inspired young people across the region and that the legacy of the journey should be measured not only by the final score, but by the dreams it has awakened in the next generation.

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