THE HAGUE - The newly released budget memorandum includes an allocation of 80 million euros aimed at bolstering key economic sectors in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, according to the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.
The focus of this initiative is on enhancing self-sufficiency across the islands, ensuring equal participation for Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius, alongside the other Caribbean islands. The 80 million euros will be directed toward three major projects: the construction of a new harbor on Saba, infrastructure improvements on Bonaire, and increasing food security across all six islands.
The funds are distributed as follows: 40 million euros for building a hurricane- and future-proof harbor on Saba, 16 million euros for improving Bonaire’s road network, and 24 million euros to reduce the islands’ dependency on food imports. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that this allocation is expected to strengthen food security for the islands in the coming years.
In addition, the memorandum outlines other priorities, such as achieving sound public finances, a strong government, efficient public services, economic development, and improved education. A further 30 million euros will be allocated in 2025 to support these goals. Additionally, the Dutch government will provide 70 million euros to assist Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten in strengthening public safety and the rule of law.