THE HAGUE – Dutch Member of Parliament Raoul White (GroenLinks-PvdA) has called for an active role by the Netherlands in improving the quality of education in Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten (CAS countries). “Quality education is the indispensable foundation for individuals to further develop themselves,” he stated during a committee debate with State Secretary for Kingdom Relations, Zsolt Szabó.
“I understand that the countries are primarily responsible for their own education systems. However, good education provides young people with the opportunity to fully participate in society and prevents them from turning to crime. Furthermore, quality education is the cornerstone of a sustainable and stable economy. There are currently significant concerns on the islands regarding the quality of education, which is also leading to a brain drain. I would therefore like to ask the state secretary to work with the countries to explore how the Netherlands can support them in improving educational quality,” White emphasized.
A Holistic Approach to Kingdom Relations
During his speech, White reflected on the broader context of Kingdom relations. “This morning, as I entered the Parliament building, I passed the exhibition commemorating 70 years of the Kingdom Charter. This exhibition symbolizes that decisions made in this Parliament affect the entire Kingdom, including the three Caribbean countries.”
Geopolitical Concerns
White also highlighted the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape and its potential implications for the Kingdom. He pointed to the growing influence of global powers such as the United States and China in the Caribbean region. “Has the government sufficiently assessed these threats? Is the Cabinet collaborating effectively with the CAS governments to counter such unwelcome influences?” he asked, citing a motion he co-sponsored with MPs Ceder and Bamenga.
Education as a Priority
Returning to education, White reiterated its foundational role. “Good education allows young people to rise and fully engage in society,” he said. “The current concerns about educational quality on the islands are leading to a brain drain. I urge the state secretary to partner with the CAS governments to improve the situation and prevent further setbacks.”
Security and Rule of Law
Security and the rule of law are also central to White’s vision for the Kingdom. “A well-functioning legal system is essential in all four Kingdom countries,” he said. However, he expressed concerns about corruption, adequate police capacity, and forensic care. “Do the countries have enough police officers to maintain public order? Is there progress on establishing a TBS (psychiatric detention) clinic in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom? And how are we addressing refugee protection, especially with potential increases in migration from Venezuela following recent elections?” White asked for updates on these issues.
Climate Change
For GroenLinks-PvdA, addressing climate change in the CAS countries is a priority. “Last year saw significant temperature increases, with visible consequences in the Caribbean. The Cabinet’s silence on this issue is concerning. Ignoring it won’t make it go away,” White warned. He urged the state secretary to outline how the Netherlands and the CAS countries can collaborate on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
“Where does the state secretary see opportunities to enhance and intensify climate action? As a Kingdom, we all have a vested interest in combating climate change effectively,” White said.
Promoting Sports
Finally, White addressed the importance of sports in youth development. “Sports not only provide enjoyment but also combat boredom and reduce criminal behavior among young people. Strengthening sports programs in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom would be highly beneficial. Is the state secretary willing to collaborate with organizations like NOC*NSF and sports federations to enhance the availability of sports programs?” White concluded.