This week the Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations, Piet Hein Donner, submitted the 1st half year progress report of the Rijksvertegenwoordiger for Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, Wilbert Stolte, to the Second Chamber. This is a report of the most important work activities of the Central Government in the Dutch Caribbean.
Transition period
This first report provides an overview of the period from October 10th 2010 until May 1st 2011, which marks the transition from the Antillean to the Dutch system of government. There are new laws which apply for the Dutch Caribbean, the dollar was implemented as the new legal tender and the new health care system and the new tax structure were introduced. Many people feel too much has changed within a short space of time.
Strengthen trust
The trust in the new future as part of The Netherlands is tender and fragile. In the coming period the Rijksvertegenwoordiger will work to strengthen and repair this trust. He will endeavor to promote a strong cooperation between the inhabitants and governments of the islands and the European part of The Netherlands. He is convinced that this cooperation and relationship can be improved, if all concerned do their best to work towards building together the future of the Dutch Caribbean.