BES ISLANDS:--- delegation representing the islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba is currently in the Netherlands for a series of meetings in The Hague. These discussions focus on the ongoing revisions of the WolBES and FinBES legislation.
Although agreements were made collectively between the former State Secretary of Kingdom Relations and the island representatives at the March 2024 work conference, the new State Secretary sent a letter in February indicating his intention to amend certain agreements unilaterally, which prompted concerns from the islands.
In response, while together during the BES Summit on Saba in February 2025, the islands, agreed to draft a formal letter expressing their objections to how the State Secretary was proceeding and meet with key entities within the central government in the Netherlands to discuss these concerns in person.
On Thursday, March 20th, a crucial meeting took place with members of the Committee of Kingdom Affairs of the Second Chamber. The Islands delegation emphasized the importance of involving the islands when things concern the islands because the primary concern is not the proposed changes, but the unilateral approach taken by the State Secretary in modifying agreements without consulting the people that these changes will affect.
The Committee members and the joint delegation had an open discussion. Key discussion points included the need for more frequent consultations and communication to enhance clarity, mutual understanding, and alignment with the islands' needs. The key principle " if it's about us, not without us" resonated as an important principle of good governance during this session.
The delegations reaffirmed their commitment to constructive dialogue and stressed the necessity of upholding an inclusive consultation process. The meeting underscored the importance of continued collaboration to ensure that the voices of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba remain integral to the decision-making processes affecting their governance and future.
