THE HAGUE – The Netherlands is insufficiently taking into account the limited administrative and implementation capacity of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, resulting in many objectives not being achieved—or not on time. 

This was the central message delivered by the Board for Financial Supervision (Cft) to the Senate Committee for Kingdom Relations. As an example, Cft Chair Lidewij Ongering cited the so-called “country packages” for Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten, as well as the overwhelming number of specific grants and subsidies for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. Ongering noted that the administrations of these islands are becoming overwhelmed: “They can no longer see the forest for the trees.” 

The criticism points to a structural imbalance in the Kingdom’s approach: while policy ambitions from The Hague are growing, the local governments and civil services in the Caribbean often lack the manpower, technical expertise, and logistical infrastructure to implement them effectively. 

Financially, the Dutch Caribbean’s Leeward Islands (Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten) are currently doing relatively well, due largely to a post-pandemic rebound in tourism. However, Cft member Hans Hoogervorst issued a warning: “As long as tourism performs well, things look good—but there are many uncertainties involved. In the short term it may bring benefits, but the downsides will come later.” 

The Cft emphasized the need for the Netherlands to adapt its expectations and provide more targeted, realistic support that aligns with the actual capacity of the islands. Without doing so, implementation delays and missed goals will continue to hinder development and strain the relationship between The Hague and its Caribbean partners.