News item | 04-02-2022 | 16:40
State Secretary Alexandra van Huffelen of Kingdom Relations will pay a working visit to Curaçao, Bonaire, Aruba, Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius and Saba from February 10 to 24.
During this introductory visit, the State Secretary would like to be informed about matters that are important to the islands, such as livelihood security, education, the economy and care for nature. In addition to the official meetings and consultations, she also wants to meet as many residents as possible. That is why there is a varied program with room for meetings with residents and entrepreneurs.
State Secretary van Huffelen: “My first digital contacts were very pleasant. I am therefore looking forward to the personal conversations and a broad introduction to the Caribbean part of our Kingdom.”
Curacao
On Thursday, February 10, the State Secretary will arrive in Curaçao, where she will hold talks with the governor, the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers and the President of the Parliament. An introductory meeting with the National Reform Commission about the multi-year developments is also on the agenda. The State Secretary will visit the barracks for foreigners and visit various neighborhoods on the island, meeting residents and entrepreneurs. In addition, a visit to Plasa Bieu is on the agenda. She also visits the Tula monument and talks to various people about the slavery past.
Bonaire
On Sunday 13 February, the State Secretary will travel to Bonaire. There she will speak to the acting Kingdom Representative, the Island Governor, the Executive Council and the Island Council. She also has a meeting with representatives of the Central Dialogue and she visits Plenchi di Trabou and talks with the people who receive support there. On Tuesday 15 February, the State Secretary will visit a number of locations and meet people who are working on issues such as sustainable energy, poverty issues and social housing.
Aruba
The Secretary of State will arrive in Aruba on Tuesday 15 February. Meetings are planned here with the governor, the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers and the President of the States. She will also hold talks with the director of the Central Bank, representatives from the tourism sector and the business community. Meetings are also held with people who work in healthcare, there is an art walk to meet artists, a visit to the Casa Cuna foundation is on the agenda and a visit to the Arikok National Park. In addition, the State Secretary talks a lot with people who are committed to Aruba through social organizations.
St Martin
On Thursday, February 17, the State Secretary of Aruba will leave for Sint Maarten, where she will speak with the Governor, the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers and the States President and representatives of Non-Governmental Organizations. A visit to Point Blanche is on the program that same day. Consultations with key figures from the tourism sector are also planned. In addition, the State Secretary will meet people affected by the problems after Hurricane Irma and there will be a guided tour as part of the reconstruction. She also monitors the work of the men and women of the Coast Guard.
St. Eustatius
On Sunday 20 February, the delegation will leave for St. Eustatius at the end of the day, where the State Secretary will meet, among others, the government commissioner and deputy government commissioner, the island council members, a young entrepreneur and STENAPA, the St Eustatius National Parks Foundation. She visits Fort Oranje, the solar park, a childcare location and a social housing project, among other things, to hear from residents what they find important.
Saba
On Sunday 20 February, the delegation will leave for St. Eustatius at the end of the day, where the State Secretary will meet, among others, the government commissioner and deputy government commissioner, the island council members, a young entrepreneur and STENAPA, the St Eustatius National Parks Foundation. She visits Fort Oranje, the solar park, a childcare location and a social housing project, among other things, to hear from residents what they find important.
Local covid regulations will be followed during the trip. The program may also be adjusted if the situation calls for it.
On Wednesday 23 February, State Secretary Van Huffelen will travel back to the Netherlands.