News item | 29-04-2026 | 4:00 PM
Prime Minister Jetten will visit Sint Maarten, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Bonaire, Aruba and Curaçao from May 8 to 14, 2026. It is Jetten’s first visit to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, in his capacity as Prime Minister. The visit takes place right at the beginning of the cabinet’s term of office, because of the importance that the cabinet attaches to good and strong cooperation within the Kingdom.
During the visit, the Prime Minister will have discussions with all prime ministers, governors and members of the States of Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten and the governors and island councils of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. These conversations will discuss, among other things, resilience, safety and sustainability. In addition, the visit includes a diverse program with discussions with residents, entrepreneurs and social organizations.
Sint Maarten
The visit starts on Sint Maarten, where the Prime Minister will be informed about the themes of reconstruction, law enforcement, good governance and cooperation in disasters and crises. He also speaks with various organizations about topics that concern society, such as youth, healthcare and welfare, tourism and entrepreneurship and NGOs.
Saba
On Sunday, May 10, the Prime Minister will travel to Saba. Here he visits the Saba Cares Nursing Home, where he speaks to elderly residents about their lives in the nursing home. He also visits it St. John’s Enrichment Centerwhere a multifunctional community center is being built amid existing school buildings on the island.
St. Eustatius
The next day, the Prime Minister leaves for St. Eustatius, where he visits the oil transshipment terminal and takes a city walk focusing on the history of slavery and the cultural heritage of the island. During the walk we will reflect on the celebration of Statiaday 2026, which commemorates 250 years of ties with the United States. The Netherlands was with ‘The First Salute‘, the first state that the US recognized as an independent state.
Bonaire
The Prime Minister will be in Bonaire on Tuesday, May 12. Here he visits the Selibon Lagun landfill and talks about education at Kolegio San Bernardo primary school. A discussion at LVV Bonaire about a future-proof and sustainable food system is followed by a tour of a construction project for social housing.
Aruba
Later that day, the Prime Minister will travel to Aruba. Here he will attend the official premiere of the documentary about the nature of Aruba, part of the multimedia project WOW! about the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. Wednesday, May 13, visits to Arikok National Park, sports center Centro Deportivo Libertador Betico Croes and a company visit in the context of the new BMKB ACS scheme are on the programme. The Prime Minister concludes his visit to Aruba with a tour of Reina Beatrix Airport and leaves for Curaçao.
Curacao
In Curaçao, the Prime Minister is informed about the (social) challenges on the island during a dinner meeting with social parties and the business community. The morning of May 14 starts with a briefing at Parera naval base about the geopolitical situation in the Caribbean. Afterwards, a visit to the Tula museum is on the program. In the afternoon the Prime Minister will attend a meeting on neighborhood strengthening. He will also receive a tour of the new battery park of energy company Aqualectra.
