Every black and white Dutch person I spoke to this week was proud to tell me about the rich mix of the peoples of Cura ao. So I asked myself whether Bob Ayling's words had any application for Cura ao. I posed this only as a challenge. Perhaps, the one burning issue I shall take away from this conference is the argument made so eloquently and forcefully by your International Program Committee President, Mr. Jacques Veeris for the recognition of Papiamentu in the education system. I cannot begin to assess the psychological damage and the long term damage of such a system on such a young child.
Education is one of the touchstones for economic success.
I know of no other skill and competence that will facilitate social mobility greater than a sound education. Smart organizations, including governments, will have to take more account of family issues, individual lifestyles and, in particular, cultural sensitivities. Diversity will continue to grow as an important factor, in both the availability of labor, as well as the employment of this labor with more coming from ethnic minorities, women, and the disabled. As we approach the year 2,000, I believe that skilled minorities throughout the world are no longer seeking special initiatives or are in need of a boarding pass. What they seek is a career upgrade and advancement appropriate to their competence.