THE HAGUE - Curaçao and Sint Maarten have not yet received the green light for the reduction of the salary cut of 12.5%. They have not yet agreed to the conditions, according to Friday's Council of Ministers.  

Aruba can start phasing out the salary discount. State Secretary Alexandra van Huffelen wants to offer the CAS islands the opportunity to phase out the salary discount at their own pace. “Everyone sees that the cost of living is currently rising sharply. It is great that Aruba now sees opportunities for this," says Van Huffelen.  

The State Secretary expects that Curaçao and Sint Maarten will soon also take steps to reduce the salary discount. In order not to have to wait for the next Council of Ministers in the summer, Van Huffelen and the Minister of Finance are authorized to assess whether the conditions have been met and to make a decision on this.