In recent years, important steps have been taken to improve the standard of living
on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. To continue these efforts, the government set
aside €9.5 million per year at the end of last year to provide extra support for the
purchasing power of residents on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. In addition, the
government is allocating €4 million per year on a structural basis to improve
employment opportunities for people who are distanced from the labor market on
the islands. These plans are included in the Spring Memorandum published by the
government.
State Secretary Nobel (Participation and Integration): “Despite the difficult financial puzzle
the government had to solve, we remain mindful of the poverty issues on the islands and
continue our efforts to improve purchasing power on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.”
Purchasing power measures
The government is working to reduce the cost of living for all households by lowering utility
and internet costs. For example, the additional energy and drinking water subsidies for
households—which had ended on January 1 of this year—will be (partially) extended.
Households will also receive an additional internet subsidy worth $15 per connection per
month in both 2025 and 2026. The government recognizes the poverty challenges in the
Caribbean Netherlands. Therefore, as in previous years, low-income households may be
eligible for an annual energy allowance of $1,300 USD in 2025 and 2026. In addition, a
total of €1 million will be allocated over the next two years to local initiatives aimed at
combating child poverty.
In this way, the government is taking short-term measures to further strengthen the
standard of living on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. In addition, the government is
currently exploring options for an income-dependent child benefit. According to findings by
the Committee Social Minimum Caribbean Netherlands, families with children in particular
are in need of extra financial support. The government is structurally reserving €10.8
million for this benefit.
Support for people who are distanced from the labor market
The government is also making €4 million per year structurally available for people who are
distanced from the labor market on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. This will ensure that
this group continues to receive support in finding suitable work, ideally with a regular
employer, and if not, in an adapted work environment. In previous years, the government
provided temporary funding for this. With this new measure, the provision is now being
made permanent.
