By Alex Rosaria
Civil society organizations play a crucial role in promoting, defending, and highlighting human rights. Today, I focus once again on one of the organizations dedicated to protecting these rights in Curaçao. Previously, I discussed the Committee for Human Rights for Curaçao, and now I want to address another key player: Komité Amistat i Solidaridat ku Pueblonan (KASP).
KASP was established in June 1981 with a clear mission: to defend and promote human rights in Curaçao, within the Netherlands Antilles, the Caribbean, and Latin America. This mission aligned with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The team behind KASP included dedicated members such as Amanda Arends, Melene Kook, Ange Godfried, Sergio Olaria, Ranulfo Betrian, Humphrey Paulina, Eugene Godfried, and Eus Anthony.
One of KASP’s early initiatives was a nearly three-week trip to Grenada in July 1981. This would be the first of many trips, earning the organization the derisive label of a “socialist travel agency”.
In the first edition of their monthly magazine “Sentebibu”, Grenada, led by the Marxist-Leninist Maurice Bishop, was praised as a paradise on earth. This led to critical questions from the local press, highlighting that Bishop had come to power through a coup, suspended the constitution, imprisoned political opponents, and restricted press freedom.
KASP did not shy away from confronting local authorities. In August 1981, the organization criticized Governor Ornelio Martina for banning a performance by Cuban artists in Curaçao. KASP also organized a protest march against what they called “terror and intolerance towards anyone who thinks differently in Curaçao,” clearly advocating for inclusion.
While KASP initially focused on human rights, its focus gradually shifted towards political activities. The organization openly criticized certain local political parties, praised leftist parties, and even provided voting advice. In their view, capitalist countries were the root of all the world’s problems, and KASP admired socialist or Marxist regimes in the region, such as those in Nicaragua, Grenada, and Cuba.
A notable incident occurred during a trip by Eugene Godfried to Cuba, where he delivered a speech on behalf of the Antilles. He criticized the US, using language that was considered offensive by the people of Aruba. This led to sharp criticism from the Aruban newspaper “Diario”, which emphasized that Curaçao should not interfere in Aruban affairs.
The contrast between KASP and the Committee for Human Rights of Curaçao is clear. While the Committee has consistently focused on human rights, KASP gradually shifted its focus to political activism.
Despite these differences, I am grateful for the work of both organizations. Each, in its own way, has contributed to the struggle for human rights. Although their methods may not align with today’s reality, one thing is certain: the need to stand up for human rights is as important today as it was then.
~ Alex David Rosaria (53) is a freelance consultant active in Asia and the Pacific. He is a former Member of Parliament, Minister of Economic Affairs, State Secretary of Finance and UN Implementation Officer in Africa and Central America. He is from Curaçao and has an MBA from University of Iowa (USA). ~
