WILLEMSTAD - PIN has noted that the Pisas government has presented incorrect information and figures to the public.
The former coalition party says in a press release that finally, it is clear that the Pisas government prioritizes justice and coastal protection, and has not negotiated funds to support the economy and combat poverty.
Following the government press conference on April 12th and the signing of the Mutual Agreement on April 4th, 2023, there has been much confusion and discussion regarding the validity of Minister Wopke Hoekstra's letter, in which the Netherlands made 457 million available for the three islands to be distributed over a period of 6 years with the goal of supporting law enforcement, such as the Coast Guard, Royal Police (Marechaussee), Border Control, Investigation Team (RST), etc. It turns out that the sum available for law enforcement is the same as that stipulated during the Rhuggenaath government. As the Dutch spokesperson declared on Hojer radio, this is not new information. It also turns out that the "extra" sum mentioned for the next year is simply a "telephone call" away, as explained by the Dutch spokesperson on radio.
The sum for the extra year is not a result of negotiation, but rather based on old statements regarding law enforcement. This is not an achievement of the current government, as was presented in the press conference.
For the examination of the 8 areas of the Country Package, including the economy, healthcare, and education, it has been confirmed this morning that the Mutual Agreement of April 4th, 2023, only makes 30 million euros available per year for four years, of which 6.5 million goes to the Dutch work organization, and the remaining 23.5 million euros goes to the three countries together. Curacao receives at least 8 million euros per year for the examination of the reforms in the Country Package.
Funds for economic investment and poverty reduction were simply not negotiated to execute the Country Package.
PIN says it comes to the conclusion that the presentation by the Pisas government on April 18th, after almost a week of confusion and discussion in the community, is simply a distortion of information, where there will be many missing pieces. “PIN continues to demonstrate the importance of starting our own economic activities and continuing the fight for the refinery.”