News item | 01-09-2025 | 15:35
The government is working on good governance and a strong rule of law in both the European and the Caribbean part of the Netherlands. State Secretary Eddie van Marum (Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations) therefore sends the Agenda Good Governance The Caribbean Netherlands to the Lower House today. The Agenda Good Governance is based on 3 priorities. A strong government and better services to citizens and companies. Sturdy institutions that ensure clear legal frameworks and supervision. And tackling integrity violations and increasing the resilience of the rule of law.
State Secretary Van Marum: “In the Netherlands, residents must be able to count on a well -performing and honest government. With the Agenda Good Governance, I give an important boost to further promotion of good governance in collaboration with the directors of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. We build on the efforts of the past period. Residents must be able to count on the local government respecting and maintaining the law. In addition, I think it is important that residents can express themselves and that the government has an eye for the interests and worries of people. ”
Close cooperation
The Agenda Good Governance is created in close collaboration with the island authorities of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. This contains a shared responsibility between the boards of the 3 islands and the central government. On all 3 islands, we work under the leadership of the authorities on an island approach for strengthening the board. It is important that it becomes a concrete approach that meets the local needs. Examples of concrete steps that have already been taken are setting up integrity agencies and measures to improve financial management.
Small -scale and complex tasks
Directors in the Caribbean Netherlands have to deal with specific challenges. The islands are small, but the tasks and assignments are large and complex. On all 3 islands there are vulnerabilities in the field of good governance. For example, there is a lack of capacity and institutions and supervisory bodies have no solid position. There is also no significant legislation in the field of good governance and integrity, unlike in the European Netherlands.
Strengthen government and better services to citizens
An important part of the Agenda Good Governance is to improve services on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. This will be done, among other things, using digitization. This year, BSN and DigiD will be introduced on the islands. It is also important that government decisions are actively announced, so that residents know where they stand.
Strong institutions and legal frameworks
The legal frameworks on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba are strengthened, with the principle of Comply or Explain. An example of this is the preparation of a general administrative law BES Act. A Act Promotion of Integrity Reviews by Public Administration (BIBOB) for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba is also drawn up. Institutions if the Court of Auditors are strengthened. Citizenship education must stimulate democratic consciousness and participation on the island. The professionalization of political authorities and the official top through the professional associations is also continued.
Approach integrity violations and increasing resilience rule of law
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, with the support of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, are implementing measures to tackle integrity violations. For example, rules for purchasing and tender are tightened. It is also being investigated how detectors of integrity violations (including whistleblowers) can be better protected. In addition, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba are included in the Integrity and Safety Monitor that is performed every 2 years for the European Netherlands.