WILLEMSTAD/THE HAGUE — 2010 is the standard date for the Netherlands with regard to the commencement of the new political structure. This was clearly brought forward today in the address from the throne as well as in chapter IV (Kingdom Relations) of the budget.
A short extract from the address from the throne today on the political renewals: "The government will also continue to dedicate themselves in kingdom relationships with regard to sound government finances, and good public provisions" according to Queen Beatrix in the Knights’ Hall in The Hague. "New political relationships within the Kingdom should contribute to this. In the interest of the citizens, all involved parties should make efforts to realize the new regulations during the coming year."
In an explanation regarding the chapter Kingdom Relations on the budget, it states "Curaçao, St. Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba will be taking their last steps towards their new status in the Kingdom. During 2009, complete attention is focused on the implementation of the concluded agreements. In 2010, this process will be continued so that the future lands Curaçao and St. Maarten will be ready to interpret the status of land during the course of this year, such as Aruba accomplished this in 1986."
In 2010, the phased transfer of the tasks of the land the Netherlands Antilles to the new lands and the Netherlands will be continued and completed, according to the Dutch cabinet.
Prove they are ready
However, there is a condition: "In order to become a land, St. Maarten and Curaçao should comply with the criteria which were agreed upon at the beginning of the political process. They should be able to prove – not only in writing – but also in practice, that they are ready to accept their responsibilities, for which they are personally responsible. An institutional review in 2010 will determine whether the agreed upon criteria of the political process has been complied with."
All necessary legislation for the political renewal of the Kingdom has been submitted to the Lower Chamber and will be dealt with in 2010, according to the explanation. "For Bonaire, Saba, and St. Eustatius, the implementation of the regulations will be prepared so that the islands and the departments are ready to accept their new responsibilities on the transition date at the latest; although in many cases this will have taken place earlier."
The debt reconstruction, which started in 2009, will be continued as long as the applicable conditions are complied with, according to the explanation on chapter IV of the budget. In that, a positive advice of the Cft on the budgets is of importance.
The governmental power of the islands is also an important point of special attention for the Netherlands in 2010. "Through the cooperation program Institutional Strengthening and Governmental Power, all islands are supported with the strengthening of their governmental and official apparatus en route to their new status."
With this aim, the cooperation with the Association of Dutch Municipalities will also be continued in 2010.
"In addition, the Netherlands had arranged for personal support of the cabinets of the Lieutenant Governors. This will be continued in 2010."
Statute Law Police
In 2010, the implementation of the consensus statute law police and the required improvements of the police organization realized. For a period of approx. three years, the Netherlands will support the improvement of the three future police corps, and the Communal Provision Police. "Further agreements will be made for the implementation of the Statute Law police between the governments of the Netherlands and the Netherlands Antilles, and the Board of Governors of Curaçao and St. Maarten on the transition of the tasks of the criminal investigation cooperation team (RST) to the corps’. It will also be considered in 2010 how the successful input of the Royal Military Police could be continued."
Symposia
A number of symposia regarding the future of the Kingdom will be organized in 2010. The current developments form a logical reason to re-consider these in the future. The results of the symposia series will deliver an important contribution to the formulation ‘vision on the future of the Kingdom’.
Integration
The subject ‘integration’ was also mentioned briefly in the address from the throne. "Lack of integration of some groups in the society, indecent and disrespectful conduct of many in public and criminal behavior by groups of youngsters appears obstinate and causes considerable social displeasure. Therefore, the government does not only take consequent actions against those offenders, but also combats the causes of problematic behavior. The cooperation with Justice, police, municipalities, rehabilitation, and youth welfare work is therefore essential."
News article taken from www.amigoe.com