Jacqueline Jansen is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Curinde N.V., the organization responsible for developing and managing Curaçao’s two free economic zones the Harbour Free Economic Zone, and the Airport Free Economic Zone, and the two Industrial Parks at Brievengat and Dokweg.
Since taking on the role of CEO, she has focused on expanding Curinde’s global partnerships, promoting sustainable economic development, and enhancing the island’s appeal as a strategic logistics and business hub connecting Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean.
Working closely with a dedicated leadership team and staff across the organization, Jacqueline continues to guide Curinde’s mission to support investors, stimulate economic activity, and contribute to the long-term prosperity of Curaçao.
With decades of experience at the company, she has played a pivotal role in shaping Curinde’s growth and strengthening its position as a facilitator of international trade and investment in the Caribbean. Under her leadership, Curinde focuses on attracting international investment, strengthening trade connections, and supporting sustainable economic growth for the island.
From Local Roots to Global Leadership
Born and raised in Curaçao, Jacqueline began her career at Curinde in the late 1980s. “Having faith in God, courage, and trust in my inner guidance have been essential throughout my journey. I learned early on the importance of determination and standing firmly behind my decisions,” she says.
She initially served as assistant to the head of finance and was responsible for a complete new setup of the finance department. Within just a few months of joining the company, she was appointed head of the finance department in 1989.
For more than two decades, Jacqueline oversaw Curinde’s financial planning and management, including budgeting, forecasting, and the preparation of annual reports. In 2012, she was appointed managing director. Today, she leads the organization with a clear strategic vision and works closely with a dedicated team responsible for managing four business parks that host around 220 companies.
One of Curinde’s notable achievements under Jacqueline’s leadership has been its proactive stance against counterfeit goods within the business parks. Through training sessions and awareness seminars, the organization has worked with stakeholders to strengthen respect for intellectual property rights.
Jacqueline’s expertise in this area has led to invitations to speak at international conferences organized by groups such as the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition, the International Trademark Association, and Interpol.
“It excites me to see Curaçao’s name and Curinde’s reputation recognized among other countries operating in the same business. People from around the world visit us and express their appreciation for the level of service they receive, especially from our Promotion Department. This international recognition motivates me deeply,” she declares.
A Strategic Hub for International Business
The Curaçao Industrial and International Trade Development Company (Curinde) plays a central role in attracting investment and stimulating economic growth in Curaçao. As the developer and operator of four major business parks on the island, Curinde provides infrastructure, services, and strategic support that enable companies from around the world to establish and expand their operations in the Caribbean.
Curaçao’s location in the southern Caribbean, just north of the Venezuelan coast, as the smallest country with the Blue Wave to ever classify for the FIFA World Cup, places it at a natural crossroads between North and South America and Europe. As part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the island offers political stability, reliable infrastructure, safe environment, the integrity of its’ financial sector and strong legal protections – factors that make it an attractive destination for international investors.
Curinde manages and develops four key business parks that serve as engines of commercial activity – Harbour Free Economic Zone, Airport Free Economic Zone, & two Industrial Parks. These zones provide businesses with modern facilities and access to logistics networks that connect the Caribbean to global markets.
Companies operating within the Free Economic Zones benefit from significant incentives, including zero percent import duties and zero percent sales tax. Under certain conditions, investors may also qualify for permanent residency. Curinde’s mission is to facilitate business development while contributing to Curaçao’s sustainable economic and social progress. The organization promotes responsible business practices, including respect for human rights, intellectual property protection, and the adoption of green-energy solutions.
Leadership Built on Resilience and Collaboration
In addition to her leadership role at Curinde, Jacqueline also serves as Supervisory Director on the Supervisory Boards of various entities in Curaçao. Her growth at Curinde was shaped by her willingness to learn from experienced professionals in the field and by building strong networks both locally and internationally. “These connections have enriched my perspective and strengthened my leadership approach,” she reflects.
Known for her goal-oriented approach and collaborative leadership style, she emphasizes that Curinde’s achievements are the result of teamwork – built on the expertise, commitment, and leadership of colleagues throughout the organization. Jacqueline notes that one of her most meaningful achievements was gaining acceptance and respect as a female CEO from clients of different cultures while navigating new regulations. This was possible thanks to the expertise and guidance & coaching from the former directors of the Company.
However, her journey has not been without challenges. As a woman in leadership position, she recalls facing moments of intimidation. She overcame this by not taking it personally and understanding that it often had more to do with the position than with her as a person. “I learned to choose my battles and rise above negativity. In the beginning, I felt I had to constantly prove I could handle the responsibility. With experience, I developed a strategic mindset, enabling me to deal with everyone more confidently and effectively,” she shares.
Jacqueline admits that it’s a significant challenge to balance the demands of leadership with personal commitments and well-being. “You need the support of others – a partner, family members, or friends – to help with personal commitments. When you have passion for your work, it becomes difficult to create a perfect balance, but support systems make it possible to manage,” she reflects.
Jacqueline views mentorship very positively. “It has played a significant role in my development and can be a powerful factor in helping others become successful as well. Be open to it,” she recommends. She advises aspiring leaders who want to make an impact in international trade and logistics to focus on their sector and become a specialist. “Maintain strong communication with your team, clients, providers, and stakeholders, and always work in alignment with the Government’s support and policies,” she adds.
Collective Leadership Driving Curinde’s Growth
At the heart of Curinde’s success is strong leadership – but its achievements are far from the work of one person alone. While Jacqueline provides strategic direction, the organization’s progress is driven by a collaborative effort among experienced managers and dedicated professionals across the company. Together, Curinde’s leadership team has overseen a range of strategic initiatives designed to strengthen Curaçao’s role as a regional business and logistics hub.
These include expanding international partnerships, promoting the island’s free zone advantages to global investors, and supporting different innovative projects. Curinde is member of numerous international organizations such as the World Freezone Organization (‘WFZO’), Asociación de Zonas Francas de Ibero-America (‘AZFA’) , worldwide investment promotion agencies (‘WAIPA’) just to name a few. The organization has also embraced digital opportunities through the launch of the Tropic Shopping e-commerce platform, which enables Caribbean businesses to access international markets online.
Jacqueline and her colleagues actively represent Curinde on the international stage, participating in global trade and investment forums such as Barcelona New Economy Week and hosting major events, including the Ibero-American Free Trade Zones Conference. Through these efforts, Curinde continues to strengthen Curaçao’s position as a strategic gateway connecting the Caribbean with Europe and the Americas.
Ultimately, Curinde’s growth reflects a shared vision across its leadership and staff: to create high-quality infrastructure, provide professional support for investors, and foster a business environment where companies – and the island itself – can thrive.
The Dedicated Team Supporting Curinde’s Operations
Curinde’s success is built on the expertise and collaboration of a multidisciplinary team of professionals who ensure the smooth operation of its business parks while supporting investors at every stage of their journey.
The Investment Promotion and Acquisition Department focuses on attracting new investors and guiding them through the process of establishing their businesses in Curaçao. Once companies are operational, the Client Management Department provides ongoing support and aftercare to help them thrive. These functions are supported by the Finance, IT, and administrative teams, which manage the organization’s daily operations and ensure efficiency across all activities.
Maintaining a safe and secure environment is also a key priority. Security across Curinde’s business parks and headquarters is managed by Cursecure, which provides 24-hour monitoring and oversight. In addition, the Cur Safety Group works alongside Curinde to maintain strict safety standards, allowing companies to operate with confidence in a secure and well-managed setting.
Several experienced professionals play key roles within the organization.
- Giovanni Boekhoudt, a civil engineer with more than two decades at Curinde, serves as Client Manager and Senior Compliance Officer while coordinating technical projects.
- Fiorina Hernandez, Investment Promotion Manager, brings over 20 years of marketing and promotion experience and works closely with local and international investors to help them establish operations in Curinde’s business parks.
- Iraina Michel, with more than 42 years of professional experience in finance and management, supports the organization with a strong focus on financial structure and compliance.
- Brainard Martina, a Dutch-certified Registered Accountant with a Master’s degree in Accounting, serves as Financial Controller and oversees Curinde’s financial planning, reporting, and risk management.
- Zahayra Navarro, IT Manager, leads the organization’s technology systems and ISO compliance initiatives, bringing extensive experience in information technology, management systems, and process improvement.
From Jacqueline’s point of view, success in Curaçao means focusing on clear organizational goals while guiding the team and ensuring they feel part of the success. “It’s important to build trust, provide growth opportunities, and recognize that everyone plays an important role in the organization. As a leader, I believe in being open, clear, and transparent with all stakeholders, and letting the results speak for themselves while allowing the team to shine with their individual talents,” she observes.
Together, this team of dedicated professionals ensures that Curinde continues to deliver high-quality services, maintain strong operational standards, and support sustainable economic growth in Curaçao.
Recognition, Innovation, and Expanding Opportunities
Curinde’s work has received international recognition. The financial publication Capital Finance International awarded the organization the title of Best Free Economic Zone Manager in the Dutch Caribbean for 2021. The award recognized Curinde’s progressive management of its economic zones and industrial park, as well as its commitment to international standards related to safety and intellectual property protection.
Jacqueline also managed that Curinde successfully achieved and received the ISO certification 28001 supply chain security during the last couple of years and starting 2025, Curinde also achieved the ISO 37001 anti-bribery management.
For Jacqueline and her team, the recognition represents validation of years of effort. She emphasized that the award reflects the dedication of Curinde’s employees who work daily to develop the economic zones and industrial parks in ways that generate sustainable economic benefits for the island. She also fosters growth within Curinde’s operations and services by “staying open to innovation, exploring new markets, modernization of the economic zone law and identifying what can be integrated into its operations to enhance its services and competitiveness.”
Beyond infrastructure development, Curinde is exploring digital opportunities to expand regional commerce. One example is Tropic Shopping, an e-commerce platform managed by Curinde that connects international and Curaçao-based companies to consumers across the Caribbean. The platform allows registered businesses to reach hundreds of millions of potential customers and supports secure international payments through credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.
Hundreds of companies from around the world have already joined the platform. Curinde has also partnered with financial and technology organizations to expand the platform’s capabilities, including initiatives that allow consumers to contribute to charitable causes at checkout. Plans include the development of a digital marketplace that supports Caribbean artists and creators.
A Vision for Curaçao’s Global Trade Future
Curinde aims to position Curaçao as an increasingly important hub for trade and production. By 2030, the company intends to become an internationally recognized facilitator for the production and commercialization of high-value goods.
This vision includes expanding partnerships with other free zones worldwide, strengthening logistics networks, and continuing to support innovative business models such as e-commerce. “Globally, geopolitical developments shape many opportunities and challenges. Regionally, I believe we should be more open to collaboration, shifting away from competition and instead joining forces to achieve win-win outcomes,” Jacqueline observes.
Through its infrastructure, services, and international partnerships, Curinde aims to serve as a catalyst for economic diversification and growth in Curaçao – helping transform the island into a dynamic center for trade, investment, and innovation in the Caribbean. “By driving modernization and ensuring alignment with national and international standards, I aim to contribute to a more competitive and forward-looking business environment,” Jacqueline affirms.
Conclusion
Reflecting on the legacy she hopes to leave behind, Jacqueline Jansen sums it up in a single word: luminary – a leader who inspires others through excellence. For her, leadership is not only about achieving results but also about guiding and motivating others to grow, innovate, and pursue higher standards. Through her commitment to collaboration, integrity, and forward-thinking leadership, she hopes to leave a lasting impact on Curinde, the business community, and the next generation of leaders.
