It has been a struggle of years, and one that still continues to this day.
Last week, FLP (Fundacion Lanta Papiamento) held a unique and extensive celebration at Arubiana-Caribiana on Bachstraat, titled “Papiamento den Hofi” (Papiamento in the Garden). This unique evening was filled with various artists performing poetry, dance, and lectures. It also featured new books and their authors, photography, history, and everything that benefits the official celebration of our language. The MCs were FLP members Shahayra and Carlos Croes. The presence of Rubia Bernabela from the Fundacion Corector di Papiamento (Papiamento Proofreaders Foundation) was also noted.
It was back in 2003 that Papiamento became an official language through the Parliament of Aruba.
The evening was divided into two parts. I chose the one inside the hall, where Dr. Joyce Pereira presented a spectacular, tip-of-the-hat lecture. It covered the history and origin of Papiamento, alongside questions and discussions from the audience, accompanied by video clips that FLP created in the past. Among others, Ramon Todd Dandare and Joyce Pereira could be seen in AlCaso, as well as Elliënne Riatiga, Evelyn Ruiz-Croes, and Lyonel Dirksz in the clips.
Despite the fact that our colonizers tried in every way to force our people of the past to speak Dutch on the islands, Papiamento still managed to survive. Thank you, FLP, for the invitation to celebrate this important date, and congratulations on the outcome. Continue this important work, which surely has a great impact on our island. Someday, the dream of having Papiamento officially 100% in our education system will be a reality. It is so unique that it deserves to be defended. Thanks to Arubiana-Caribiana for the invitation, and to DCA with Jhon-Freddy Montoya for some of the photos and the flyer containing affectionate phrases for our language. For more information, you can visit the Facebook page of Fundacion Lanta Papiamento.
Text: Addonsito J. Croes
