On Thursday May 19th, Dutch minister Bijsterveldt-Vliegenthart (Education, Culture, Science) met a delegation of the island council of Statia in The Hague. Subject of the meeting was gay marriage, which will be implemented as of 2012 at Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius.
The Statia delegation pointed out that there is no discussion about the subject of gay marriage. However, the island council is disappointed because the Tweede Kamer moved forward the introduction to 2012. De delegation thinks introduction at that time is not achievable because of the cultural differences.
Van Bijsterveldt said to support Statia and the other islands with the introduction of the gay marriage in 2012. "I understand the worries of Statia, but the government has to execute the law. I want all people, also in the Dutch Caribbean, to be placed in their power. There is still one and a half year left for the islands to prepare themselves. We will support them as best we can in the preparation for the introduction of the gay marriage."
Van Bijsterveldt promised to mention the concerns of the delegation in her talks with minister Donner (Internal Affairs). Also she promised her help to support the cultural changes needed to accept gay marriage. On short term a plan will be made together with the island councils and gay organizations on the Islands.
Also the minister and the delegation spoke about the importance of further improvement of education. Van Bijsterveldt said that schools are primarily responsible for improvements in education, but the island council can play an important part in supporting the schools. Therefore, the minister wants to consult them in future on a regular base. Due to the funds made available by the Ministry of Education, a start will be made with improvement of the housing of education on the islands.