Exactly a year ago on 10-10-10, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba became public entities of the Netherlands.
The expectations were high. In the past period everyone has noticed that a lot has changed following the choice to become part of the Dutch government state system. Some people are disappointed because they are not noticing the positive impact of the constitutional change fast enough. On the other hand, for many others too much has changed and it all goes too fast.
Admiration
I can imagine these feelings very well and I have great admiration for the way people and businesses on the islands have dealt with those changes. After all, the introduction of all new laws and regulations influence everyone on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.
Improvements
Changes take time, but improvements are already visible. I see for instance the investment in teachers, teaching resources, student grants, new school buildings and Youth and Family Centers, as an increase in the opportunities for the youth. The recently renovated runway at the airport of Bonaire is in use and the port of St. Eustatius is being extended.
The health sector has improved, everyone has a medical insurance and optimal healthcare is accessible for everyone. There are new ambulances on all three islands and emergency evacuation by helicopter from Saba and St. Eustatius is now possible.
Expectations
But some things did not go well. I am not afraid to acknowledge that. People expected more custom-made solutions. During the drafting of the legislation, it was not always sufficiently taken into consideration that the Dutch Caribbean is just different from the Netherlands.
Fortunately, there are also issues that have been adapted in the meanwhile. I refer for instance to the tax measures of state secretary Weekers and the adjustments in the implementation of the health insurance by minister Schippers.
But some things did not go well. I am not afraid to acknowledge that. People expected more custom-made solutions. During the drafting of the legislation, it was not always sufficiently taken into consideration that the Dutch Caribbean is just different from the Netherlands.Fortunately, there are also issues that have been adapted in the meanwhile. I refer for instance to the tax measures of state secretary Weekers and the adjustments in the implementation of the health insurance by minister Schippers.
Together
But I also say: we are not there yet. I do not think that to be possible either, after one year. There is still much work to do. Together with the Bonaireans, Statians and Sabans we will continue building a bright future for our islands. I am fully committed and I am convinced that it is going to be all right.
Wilbert Stolte,
Representative of the National Government for Bonaire, St Eustatius en Saba