WILLEMSTAD – The Presidents of the Dutch Senate and House of Representatives, Jan Anthonie Bruijn and Martin Bosma, recently concluded a working visit to Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire, emphasizing that strong interpersonal relationships are key to unity within the Kingdom. “The Kingdom is about people and their relationships. When that foundation is solid, it’s much easier to bridge differences,” said Senate President Bruijn in a reflection on the trip.
The visit served as an introduction for the new parliamentary leaders, a customary part of their term. The Senate and House play key legislative roles in relation to the Dutch Caribbean: as co-legislators for Bonaire and co-legislators on Kingdom laws for the autonomous countries Aruba and Curaçao. Both chambers also have permanent committees for Kingdom Relations.
Aruba: Focus on Revitalization and Social Services
The delegation’s first stop was Aruba, where they met with Governor Alfonso Boekhoudt, Prime Minister Mike Eman, and Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Kingdom Relations Gerlien Croes. Their agenda included visits to a vocational school, a hospital, and an elderly care institution. They also held a breakfast session with Minister Geoffrey Wever of Finance and Economic Affairs and a group of entrepreneurs involved in revitalizing downtown Oranjestad. The visit concluded with a tour of the National Archives of Aruba.
Curaçao: Security, History, and Dialogue
On Curaçao, the delegation met with Governor Lucille George-Wout, Parliament President Charetti America-Francesca, and several MPs. A breakfast session was held with Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas. The delegation received a briefing at the Joint Criminal Investigation Team (RST) in Willemstad on the fight against organized crime. They toured the renovated district of Otrobanda, visited the Kura Hulanda Anthropological Center for a presentation on the island’s slavery history, and laid tribute at the Tula Monument, honoring the 1795 slave revolt leader. A meeting was also held with the U.S. Consul to discuss geopolitics and U.S.–Kingdom relations.
Bonaire: Climate Concerns and Local Governance
On Bonaire, the delegation spoke with Island Governor John Soliano, the Executive Council, and the Island Council. They toured the island’s west coast to observe the impact of climate change and increased coastal development. A visit to the Judicial Institution Caribbean Netherlands followed, concluding with a stop at the American company Cargill, which produces industrial salt on the island.
Reflecting on the visit, President Bruijn remarked, “Each island is unique, but everywhere we met people who are working with great dedication to improve life on their island—whether they are government officials, prison staff, environmentalists, or entrepreneurs.” He emphasized the importance the States General places on fostering strong Kingdom relations: “When the relationships are strong, it becomes easier to navigate our differences.”
The working visit underscores the ongoing commitment of the Dutch Parliament to strengthening ties and cooperation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
