Miguel Pourier was of great significance for our Country

WILLEMSTAD - With a deep feelings of sadness, the Government of Curacao has learned of the passing away  of former Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles, Miguel Arcangel Pourier.

Prime Minister Daniel Hodge, on behalf of the Government and the Curaçao population, contacted the Pourier family on Sunday morning and conveyed condolences to them and offered support.

Miguel Pourier was born on 29 September 1938 in Rincon (Bonaire). In 1973 he became politically active and was appointed as the Minister for Development Cooperation in the Cabinet Evertz on behalf of Bonaire. He was also Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs for about  6 months. Pourier was Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles for three terms. He was interim Prime Minister during the period July to December 1979. From 1994 to 1998 he was Prime Minister on behalf of the Partido Antia Restruktura (PAR) after the people overwhelmingly had indicated their wish to keep the Antillean constellation in a referendum. From 1999 to 2002 he was again Prime Minister. After that reign he left active politics.

Miguel Pourier is widely remembered as an honest and friendly man with a warm personality and has led the Netherlands Antilles during one of the most difficult periods in its history. Miguel Pourier is of great importance for our country thanks to his tireless efforts. We are deeply grateful to him and will miss his warmth and wisdom.

The Government of Curaçao wish the Pourier family much strength.