The Anthem of the Netherlands Antilles was the untitled anthem of the Netherlands Antilles. It was written in English by Zahira Hiliman from Sint Maarten and translated into the Papiamento language by Lucille Berry-Haseth from Curaçao. The anthem was written in two of the three official languages of the Netherlands Antilles – English and Papiamento, and adopted in 2000. In addition, many of the islands in the Netherlands Antilles had their own regional anthems.

In 2004, an adapted version of the anthem was used by the West Indies national rugby league team before their match against South Africa.

On 10 October 2010, the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved into Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the three public bodies of the Caribbean Netherlands.Yahoo! news on the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles. 10 October 2010 article accessed 10 October 2010.

Lyrics

Papiamentu lyricsEnglish lyricsI Our island in the sea, like gems they seem to be, outstanding from a golden crown of blissful royalty. Though their people and their culture colorful may seem, they yet uniquely blend to be just one family.

Bridge: So we, your people raise our voice in love and unity

Chorus: Dear Netherlands Antilles, so beautiful to me. I’m proud to be a part of you, a patriot I shall be. Yes Netherlands Antilles, I pledge my loyalty, To you always will be true; I say may God bless you.

II So blessed with sunny skies and clear welcoming seas, each island like a link that forms this chain of unity. May differ in our language, yet meet on common ground, When some say "Sweet Antilles", some say "Dushi Antia ta".

Bridge

Chorus

III Yes, proud are we to be identified with you, dear Netherlands Antilles, to you we will be true. So we declare and vow, with dignity and love, Our nation we will always serve, may God keep us as one.

Bridge

Chorus

References

External links

The anthem of the Netherlands Antilles at nationalanthems.info, with lyrics and recording An instrumental rendition performed by the Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted by Peter Breiner - Youtube Music