THE HAGUE – The Dutch cabinet has made it clear that it does not intend to increase its efforts to boost the economic development of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom beyond what it is already doing.
During a committee debate on the matter, Minister Micky Adriaansens (Economic Affairs) and State Secretary Alexandra Szabó (Kingdom Relations) emphasized that Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, as autonomous countries, are primarily responsible for their own economic development. However, the Dutch government is willing to “think along” with them on future initiatives.
The ministers showed little interest in the appeal to provide financial support to the Caribbean Investment Facility (CARIF), indicating that no additional funding or backing is currently on the table.
In contrast, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba—which are special Dutch municipalities—will receive support this year to develop a formal economic strategy. According to Szabó, this will be followed by “substantial next steps” to strengthen the economic foundations of the islands.