In August 2023, Curaçao lost a great champion of the island’s built heritage when Ernest (Jackie) Voges died at the age of 92. He was heavily involved in our organization for over fifty years, including a 21-year stint as chairman and many years as a commissioner and advisor. Under his guidance, Stichting Monumentenzorg Curaçao (the Curaçao Monument Foundation) professionalized and expanded, and a growing inventory of formerly derelict buildings was transformed into the monumental gems we care for to this day.
To honor this personal commitment to our monumental buildings, we instituted the ‘Ernest (Jackie) Voges’ Award in 2019 in conjunction with our 65th anniversary. The award ceremony, which was attended by Mr. Voges himself, took place in November 2019 at Villa Maria. Curaliving was rewarded with the first ‘Ernest (Jackie) Voges’ Award in recognition of the excellent restoration of the former monastery ‘Hotel ‘t Klooster’.
It cannot be overstated how instrumental Mr. Voges’ role in the preservation of built heritage has been in the past six decades. It feels bittersweet to announce that in 2024 when Stichting Monumentenzorg turns 70 years old, the ‘Ernest (Jackie) Voges’ Award will be presented for the second time. Bitter, because he will not be personally present this time. But sweet, because it means that there are positive developments in restoration that have grown from the seeds that he has sown, and that ought to be celebrated in his honor.
More information about the award and the anniversary activities of Stichting Monumentenzorg Curaçao will follow closer to the date.
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- The 'Ernest (Jackie) Voges' Award
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- The jury delivers the award
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- Winner gets a painting of their project
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- Ernest (Jackie) Voges at the 2019 award ceremony
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- Marianne Cats painting of 't Klooster
