News item | 14-04-2023 | 14:44
State Secretary Alexandra van Huffelen of Kingdom Relations will pay a working visit to Bonaire, Saba, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten from 16 to 21 April.
This is the first visit by the State Secretary since the island council elections of March 15 on Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius. During her trip she will also become acquainted with the new Island Councils and Executive Councils of the islands. On Sint Maarten, the State Secretary meets the Prime Minister and also has consultations with the governors of Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten.
Bonaire
The working visit of State Secretary Van Huffelen will start on April 16 on Bonaire, where she will become acquainted with both the new Executive Council and the new Island Council. Furthermore, visits to the Regional Information and Expertise Center (RIEC) Caribbean Netherlands, the Food Bank Bonaire Foundation, Fundashon Cas Boneriano and farmers and companies in the agricultural sector are also on the agenda. The Secretary of State will also visit the recently opened call center of the Public Entity Bonaire, which is to improve services to residents. Mrs. Van Huffelen will also open a three-day workshop devoted to better use of European funds.
Saba
On April 18, the State Secretary will travel to Saba, where she will also meet the recently installed Island Council and the new Executive Council. The schedule also includes a meeting with the Saba Business Association and a round table discussion with stakeholders including Saba University, the hospital and the business community about the opportunities that digitization can offer now and in the future.
St. Eustatius
After Saba, the State Secretary will travel to St. Eustatius, where she will hold talks with the new Executive Council and the new Island Council. On St. Eustatius, the minister speaks with stakeholders about the challenges and opportunities of digitization and speaks with members of the Roaming Animals project team and goat owners.
St Martin
State Secretary Van Huffelen ends her working visit to Sint Maarten, where, after a meeting with Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs, she has a meeting with the governors of the countries of Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten. The schedule also includes a consultation with the Chief Public Prosecutor.
On Friday 21 April, State Secretary Van Huffelen will travel back to the Netherlands.