News item | 24-04-2026 | 13:30
The 6 Caribbean islands face urgent challenges to secure economic growth and broad prosperity for the future. To improve social security, grow the economy and strengthen the position of the islands in the region, the government is therefore working on 3 priorities. This is what State Secretary Van der Burg writes in the Kingdom Relations Policy Letter.
State Secretary Van der Burg: “Residents and entrepreneurs must be able to count on a government that achieves results and takes concrete steps that are noticeable in their daily lives. This is the starting point that provides direction for the implementation of the coalition agreement for the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. From The Hague, we are committed to working together with the countries and islands to achieve visible results for residents. New policy in the European Netherlands is basically being introduced on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, unless there are compelling reasons not to do so. In this way we jointly ensure that we make progress within the Kingdom.
Priority 1: Building decisive and results-oriented management
Together with Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, this government is committed to strengthening public administration: an effective and honest government and clear legal frameworks. The actions started with the Good Governance Agenda for the Caribbean Netherlands are being built upon, the revision of the WolBES and FinBes laws and the Island Councils Increase Act. To help prevent worrying situations such as Selibon, the government is strengthening its implementation and administrative power. The government will continue to tackle integrity violations, because honest and strong governance is the basis for trust in the government. For example, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba will participate in the Integrity and Security Monitor from this year onwards. Public services in the Caribbean Netherlands are being further improved. The aim is to bring this to an equivalent level with the European Netherlands – online, by telephone and at the counter.
Priority 2: Strengthen social and economic resilience and sustainable development
The cabinet supports the economic development and self-reliance of the islands. That is why the Economic Growth Platform Carib is being established to better connect innovation, entrepreneurs and capital on the six islands and in the region. In addition, the newly established National Investment Institution will be opened to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. This is done in collaboration with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Economic Affairs and Finance. There will also be a fund that will give entrepreneurs such as farmers and fishermen access to financing, for example to expand their business. To tackle poverty more firmly on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, the government will structurally make €30 million available by 2027. This money is intended for measures that contribute to a livable minimum wage and lowering the cost of living.
Priority 3: Effective cooperation within the Kingdom
If it is up to the cabinet, there will be a Kingdom conference to better utilize and structurally strengthen opportunities for cooperation with Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. This must become a recurring conversation between the 4 governments in the Kingdom. Relevant developments, issues and opportunities for cooperation within the Kingdom will be discussed. For example, geopolitical developments can offer new opportunities for regional collaborations, especially in areas such as energy, trade and logistics.
The government will further develop these priorities in the coming period, together with the countries and islands.
