News item | 09-10-2025 | 15:24
State Secretary Van Marum will visit the Caribbean part of the Kingdom from 13 to 18 October. The focus is on getting to know the executive councils and island councils of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. The State Secretary will discuss with them, among other things, the changes to the BES Public Bodies Act (WolBES). He also obtains information about the Regional Deals and speaks with entrepreneurs and organizations involved in food security and nature conservation. He talked to residents from the area surrounding waste processor Selibon near Lagun.
Sint Maarten
The State Secretary will land on Sint Maarten at the weekend where he will be received by Prime Minister Mercelina. He is also offered a cruise by the coast guard.
St. Eustatius
The working visit officially starts on Monday, October 13 on St. Eustatius with a discussion with STENAPA about the tasks for nature and the environment. He then visits the seaport and receives information about the work at the cliff. The State Secretary will also be updated about the Sint Eustatius Regional Deal and the activities surrounding the commemoration of First Salute Statia 2026. During an island tour with deputy Rechelline Leerdam, he will be introduced to agricultural initiatives on the island. Producing affordable fruit and vegetables for the local population is of great importance to Statia. Later that day, the State Secretary will meet the Executive Council and the Island Council.
Saba
Van Marum arrives on Saba early in the morning by ferry. After arrival he will have an introductory breakfast with the Executive Council. After this he has an introduction to the island council. He then visits the location where the new port is to be built. He will then speak to the Saba Conservation Foundation about the state of nature on Saba and the opportunities for nature tourism. The State Secretary visits St. John’s because of the Saba Region Deal. This includes the construction of a multifunctional center and new school. The day ends with an island tour, focusing on agricultural projects, reforestation, fishing project and food security.
Curacao
In Curaçao, the State Secretary speaks to Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas and Governor Lucille George-Wout. State Secretary Van Marum also speaks with farmers and fishermen.
Bonaire
On Bonaire, the State Secretary visits the waste processor Selibon. He will also enter into discussions with the Pro Lagun Foundation, which represents the residents of the area surrounding the landfill. During a visit to the water and energy company WEB, the State Secretary is briefed by the management on the consequences of Bonaire’s rapid growth for energy security and he is given a tour of the water installation on the site in Hato. The theme of nature conservation is discussed during a boat tour with STINAPA through the mangroves. On Bonaire, the State Secretary will also speak with the Executive Council and the Island Council, the director of the Dutch Caribbean Caribbean Service, the Special Envoy for the EU and the members of the Central Dialogue.
During the last day of the working visit, Mr. Van Marum will talk to the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries department of the Public Entity of Bonaire and look at some agricultural projects. The working visit ends with an island tour led by Nolly Oleana, during which nature reserves and slave houses are visited, among other things.