Chamber questions on Jellinek Retreat

THE HAGUE — The PvdA has presented Chamber questions on the opening of a luxurious rehabilitation clinic at the Kurá Hulanda Lodge on Curaçao. The Dutch drugs relief organization Jellinek is currently having luxurious suites built for prosperous alcoholics and addicts.

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The Amsterdam newspaper Het Parool published an article last Saturday with the heading ‘Jellinek Curaçao: anonymous rehabilitation?’ In that article, director Mark Schramade of Jellinek Retreat quotes a subsidy of 600,000 euros, which he had supposedly obtained from the Ministry of Economical Affairs. "That subsidy comes from the Program Cooperation Netherlands Antilles. We bring knowledge to the island and stimulate the employment" according to Schramade in Het Parool.
Even though those amounts and the link with the PSNA in the Antilles have been mentioned frequently, also in this newspaper, the PvdA wants to know from Minister Maria van der Hoeven of Economical Affairs and State Secretary Ank Bijleveld-Schouten of Kingdom Relations (both of CDA) whether this is correct in view of the article in Het Parool. PvdA Lower Chamber-member John Leerdam and fellow party member Lea Bouwmeester wonder if the money has already been paid and if not, when this would take place.
They both indicate that the targets of the Program Cooperation Netherlands Antilles are to strengthen the administrative force, the legal order, the economy, and the education. "To what extent did the realization of these targets lead to the decision to spend a part of the available means on the construction of the rehabilitation clinic?" the Lower Chamber-members wondered. They also wonder if the construction of such a clinic is the best investment to realize these targets. Aforementioned targets have never been associated with PSNA before. Examples of projects on Curaçao having received subsidy, are the aloe plantation, extracorporeal dialysis center, Desert Greenhouse, and Dolphin Suites. Innovative projects, with the stipulation that it concerns an Antillean company with a Dutch contribution. The original target of the subsidy was to encourage Dutch companies abroad.
Last month, Petra van Dam of the parent organization of Jellinek, had stated in the Amigoe that the clinic’s staff would be flown in from the Netherlands. For the time being, it would regard two psychiatrists, two psychologists, and seven nurses. However, there was supposedly contact with the Capriles Clinic and Brasami for the exchange of information, amongst others. Another option would also be the exchange of staff at a certain stage. "Of course there are always emotions surrounding the rich/poor discussion and the right for equal care" according to Van Dam of the Board of Directors of care organization Arkin at the beginning of September. "In this case, this is not relevant as the customer would pay the bill." The clinic is meant for the prosperous who do not wish to have their addiction made public. Leerdam and Bouwmeester want to know whether residents of the Antilles would also be welcome in the clinic, where the treatment costs amount to 600 euros per day. Schramade had already given the answer to that question last month. He had informed the Amigoe that everyone is welcome to register, but that the treatment of local addicts is in principle not considered. "Medical tourism, that’s the story", said the director.