Mr. Julian Woodley knighted in the order of Orange Nassau
On Thursday April 23rd Julian Woodley, former Island Council member and Island Governor of St. Eustatius and former Member of Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles, was appointed Knight of the Order of Orange Nassau, by Secretary of State Raymond Knops, in name of His Majesty the King.
The ceremony took place in Government Guesthouse and was held through video conference. Government Commissioner Marnix van Rij and Deputy Government Commissioner Alida Francis lead the proceedings, in presence of family, friends and dignitaries of St. Eustatius. “It is my honor to express the gratitude that is felt throughout the community of Statia, for this leader, whom is widely appreciated for his leadership in difficult times and his integrity. We will always be in debt for the service of Mr. Julian Woodely.” says Government Commissioner, Marnix van Rij.
Mr. Woodley (68) has been of service to the public, both as civil servant and political representative of the people of Statia. He worked at the Department of Finance since the mid-seventies, where he finished his career as head of Finance. Mr. Woodley represented the Democratic Party as an Island council member, from the age of 31, from 1983 till 2011. Mr. Woodley has been a commissioner from 1983 till 1988, from 1991 till 1999 and from 2007 till 2011.
Mr. Woodley is valued as a forger of coalitions and a reliable partner. One of the showcases of excellence in leadership is his role in the transition the Netherlands Antilles towards status of public body as part of The Netherlands. Mr. Woodley tried to keep the 5 islands of the Netherlands Antilles together. After the referenda on St. Maarten in 2002 and Curacao in 2005, Mr. Woodley choose not to remain a member of parliament. Instead, he took the position of Commissioner of St. Eustatius, to bear the consequences of the decision, and to supervise the constitutional conversion.
His career is characterized by selfless devotion and the highest degree of integrity. He is quoted saying ‘always walk behind the law and not in front of the law. Do not try to pass the law and do not try to walk side by side with the law, but walk behind the law. Let the law always guide you’.
The actual medal, pin and certificate that come with knighthood will be presented to
Mr. Woodley at a later time. Due to the 4th Emergency Ordinance and the measure of social distancing, this is postponed till after the Covid 19 pandemic passes.