Monument by Yubi Kirindongo for ’30 di Mei’ commemoration
May 30, 2019: Curaçao visual artist Yubi Kirindongo created a new monument, at the invitation of the government, on the occasion of the commemoration of May 30.
In 2019 it was 50 years ago that the riots of May 30, 1969 took place. To commemorate this, the government placed a new monument. This memorial is also intended to commemorate the two fatalities of the riots, Manuel Gutierez and Orlando Gerardina. Visual artist Yubi Kirindongo was approached by the government to create the monument for this occasion.
The location selected for the new monument is the corner of Kaya Gutierez / Geraldina with Versaillesweg. The unveiling took place on May 30, 2019, at 12:30 pm, and was part of the official program of the commemoration.
Prime Minister Eugene Ruggenaath gave a speech after which he unveiled the monument together with Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Marilyn Alcalá-Wallé.
Afterwards there was an opportunity for the relatives of the victims to tell the story of their experiences on that fatal day.
Finally, Yubi Kirindongo, creator of the monument, was given the floor. He indicated that he considered it an honor that one of his works of art had been selected for this monument.
The unveiling took place under wide press attention.
The following text is from a flyer with the description of the Monument: “The compass or wind rose at the top represents the people who came from various directions to assist in the reconstruction of our nation. It also means that we will never know from what direction the wind will come, or what fate will bring. The two chain links hanging from the compass or the wind rose, symbolize the two casualties of the event in Parera. The top is balancing on a thin pole, showing the vulnerability of life. Because of this vulnerability we must solidly hold on to key values in life, e.g. cooperation, constructive dialogue and unity, in order that our country can move forward. The rocks at the base of the work refer to Willemstad that has always been the center of our country and is important to the access of Curaçao, its history, culture, trade, life and employment. Together the rocks support the top part, like our country was built by people of different origin who arrived on Curaçao from various directions.”
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