THE HAGUE – The long-term future of the recently introduced SME Loan Guarantee Scheme for entrepreneurs in Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten is uncertain, as revealed during a Dutch parliamentary debate on economic developments in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. 

The scheme, designed to support small and medium-sized businesses in the autonomous Caribbean countries, is set to be evaluated in 2027, according to State Secretary Zsolt Szabó. The evaluation will determine who will finance a potential extension of the program. 

However, some members of Parliament have already voiced concerns. MP Aukje de Vries (VVD) made it clear that, in her view, the Netherlands should not be responsible for funding a continuation of the scheme. “I believe this is the responsibility of the autonomous countries,” she stated. 

De Vries also criticized the allocation of funds from the SDE++ program, which promotes sustainable energy investments. “These funds are paid for through the energy bills of people here in the Netherlands,” she said. “We should explore whether Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten, as autonomous countries, could also contribute financially to the availability of these resources. Right now, it’s only Dutch households footing the bill.” 

The discussion underscores a growing tension around financial responsibility and autonomy within the Kingdom, particularly when it comes to economic support and sustainability funding in the Caribbean territories. The final decision on the loan scheme’s continuation will likely depend on the outcome of the 2027 review and further negotiations between the Netherlands and its Caribbean partners.