News item | 8/25/2023 | 2:45 pm
On the recommendation of State Secretary Van Huffelen of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK), the Council of Ministers has approved the appointment of Mr Edson Hato as the new Representative of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. Mr Hato will start his duties on September 7, 2023.
Edson Hato (53) has extensive experience in managing change processes and leadership development at large multinationals, tech scale-ups and social enterprises. Hato has advised and worked for Carlsberg Group, SAP, ABN AMRO Bank, ING Group and AstraZeneca, among others. Since 2017, Hato is the founder and owner of LikeMinds BV, a consultancy for executive coaching, organizational development and business transformation. He grew up in Curaçao and has knowledge of the language and culture in the Caribbean.
The position of Representative is crucial for a good relationship between the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. State Secretary Van Huffelen is pleased with the appointment: “Edson Hato is an enthusiastic professional who brings a wealth of international experience. I expect that with his vision of cooperation he will become an important bridge builder that can bridge geographical and cultural differences. We value good cooperation with Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten. I am pleased that we have found a candidate for this post who knows both sides of the ocean well.”
‘Equality, ownership and commonality’
Edson Hato goes for sustainable results and sees an important role for himself when it comes to future-proof cooperation in the Kingdom: “I am proud that as a Dutch representative I can further the relationship between Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands strengthen. I fully recognize myself in the principles on which this collaboration is based: ownership, equality and community. As far as I am concerned, these are also the guiding principles for change. To know where you want to go, it is important to be aware of where you come from. Because of my background and experience, I know that we must use the power of differences to strengthen each other in the Kingdom. This is the only way to arrive at new, inspiring solutions that people want to continue to work for.”
Representation of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten (VNACS)
The VNACS acts as the Dutch representative and contributes to a good relationship between the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten (the countries). The Representation, with offices in Willemstad (VNW), Oranjestad (VNO) and Philipsburg (VNP), is working on the development of Dutch policy for the Countries. The VNACS also explains the policy, informs stakeholders and contributes to its implementation. The VNACS also provides aid and assistance to Dutch people in need and coordinates the management of aid from the Netherlands in the event of major crises. The Representation carries out its tasks in close cooperation with all four countries in the Kingdom.