WILLEMSTAD – The Secretariat of the Council of Ministers has expressed satisfaction with the success of its first onboarding session for cabinet staff serving the ministers of the Pisas III Cabinet. The session took place on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, and aimed to provide participants with an informative and educational introduction to the workings of the Council of Ministers and the Secretariat’s procedures, ensuring effective support for ministers during the decision-making process. 

A key part of the program focused on explaining the process for preparing meetings of the Council of Ministers. Topics included the expectations for submitting documents, the importance of coordination between the Secretariat and ministers’ offices, and ways to ensure a high-quality, timely, and efficient preparation of decisions. 

Participants also had the opportunity to ask questions directly to Secretary of the Council of Ministers, Cherise Balentin, and Deputy Secretary Kristel Hooi, allowing for clarification of existing procedures. The positive interaction and engagement created a constructive atmosphere and laid a strong foundation for future collaboration—particularly as the Council of Ministers resumed its weekly meetings on Wednesday, August 6, following a one-month recess. 

The onboarding session is part of a broader training program for cabinet staff. Upcoming sessions will include presentations from other government agencies on topics such as constitutional law, public finance regulations, the legislative process, international relations, and communications. These sessions are especially designed for staff members who are new to government service or have transitioned from different roles within the public sector, helping them better understand their working environment.