News item | 29-06-2023 | 5:20 pm
Alexandra van Huffelen, State Secretary for Kingdom Relations and Digitization will visit Sint Maarten, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Curaçao and Aruba from June 29 to July 4. On 1 July, the State Secretary will attend the commemorations of the abolition of slavery on the three windward islands of Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius. In addition, she will speak to the Prime Ministers and various administrators of the three countries about, among other things, the refinancing of the liquidity loans and the progress of the Country Packages. In Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten she visits various projects aimed at sustainable economic development of the Countries.
St Martin
The Secretary of State opens the local office of the World Bank on Sint Maarten. The World Bank manages the trust fund with the resources made available for reconstruction after Hurricane Irma. In addition, the State Secretary on Sint Maarten will visit the water and electricity factory GEBE, where there is a task for investments in sustainable energy. On Saturday 1 July, the State Secretary will attend the cultural activities on the occasion of the celebration of Emancipation Day. On that day, Sint Maarten commemorates the abolition of slavery.
Saba and Sint Eustatius
The State Secretary will travel to Saba and Sint Eustatius on 1 July. On both islands she gives a speech on the occasion of the commemoration of the abolition of slavery. Various activities are organized on these islands under the name of Emancipation Day.
Curacao
On July 2, Curaçao celebrates the national holiday ‘Day of the Flag’ and cultural activities are organized throughout the island. The State Secretary attends some of these activities in Banda Bou, the western part of the island, among others.
In addition to discussions with various ministers, a visit to the floating wind park is on the agenda for Curaçao. This ‘floating’ off-shore wind farm should eventually generate sustainable energy that will then be converted into green hydrogen.
Aruba
In Aruba, the State Secretary will talk to the Aruba Fair Trade Authority about the structure of the competition authority for Aruba, which must supervise competition rules and consumer law. The State Secretary in Aruba will also visit the immigration detention center and will speak with UNHCR and the Aruban Minister of Justice, among others.