News item | 29-08-2025 | 15:00
The second consultation round for the revision of the Public Bodies Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (Wolbes) and the Finance Public Bodies Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (Finbes) will start soon. On the proposal of State Secretary for Marum of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, the Council of Ministers has started that the consultation round can start.
De Wolbes and the Finbes are about the administration of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. They make it possible for the island administration to do the good things for the island and the inhabitants. These laws provide frameworks that help to ensure good governance and solid public finances. This also includes checks and balances, such as the control by the island council, a local Court of Auditors and the government representative. This contributes to better services to residents, entrepreneurs and social organizations.
This is a second internet consultation for the Wolbes-Finbes revision law. A second consultation round is needed because there are changes compared to the previous consultation version. The consultation round lasts 8 weeks.
Changes in the position of the National Representative
In the previous version of the Wolbes-Finbes revision law, the function of government representative was deleted. Now the function is retained, but is set up differently. This is part of the consultation.
Financial framework
To give Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba more opportunities to perform their duties adequately, the proposal is to expand the loan possibilities of the island authorities. Just like municipalities, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba can take out loans with banks. This is only allowed for the performance of island tasks, for example for social housing, better roads and better energy facilities. Conditions will be laid down. There will also be supervision of borrowing through the islands. This way the financial risks are limited.
During the consultation round, everyone is given the opportunity to give his opinion. The State Secretary will also discuss the legislative proposals in the coming period with the Executive Councils.