THE HAGUE - Despite criticism from the VVD and CDA, Alexandra van Huffelen has no intention of imposing strict oversight on the agreements with Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. "Forced cooperation is doomed to fail." 

Van Huffelen is responding to the strong attack she faced in the Dutch Parliament last Thursday, particularly from VVD Member of Parliament Roelien Kamminga. Kamminga believes that reaching the mutual agreements was a "difficult process" and that her party, the VVD, still has concerns. "Unfortunately, the past has taught us in this matter that trust is good, but control is better." 

"The countries have committed themselves to implementing the reforms. I also assume that they will do so," says Van Huffelen to the Caribbean press. "If that's not the case, it will be difficult for us (the Netherlands) to do business. This applies to any business setting, whether it's countries or companies." 

"Free money" 

Van Huffelen is irritated by the impression created, especially in the Dutch press, that the Netherlands is giving away "free money" to the islands. "That's not the case, of course." 

The Dutch government has promised to provide subsidies for projects on the islands. "But that always comes with conditions, as the Netherlands always does." The islands must implement the projects in the manner they claim they will, according to the State Secretary. This also means that "proper financial administration" is required. 

Reforms on the islands  

On April 4th of this year, the Prime Ministers of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, along with the State Secretary for Kingdom Relations, signed a Mutual Agreement. This establishes the legal basis for sustainable cooperation in the reforms of the public sector in the Caribbean countries of the Kingdom. 

In addition to financial, economic, and social reforms, it also encompasses reforms in education, healthcare, and strengthening the rule of law. The Mutual Agreement replaces the Coho, the Caribbean Body for Reform and Development, which the Caribbean countries of the Kingdom no longer saw as viable after a long preparatory period. 

While the Coho was supposed to become a separate entity, the Mutual Agreement remains part of the Ministry of the Interior, raising questions once again from VVD Member of Parliament Roelien Kamminga. Kamminga doubts the effectiveness of not having an independent organization, stating, "We can already predict that we will soon find ourselves at odds with each other and get stuck in endless debates." 

The Dutch government intends to collaborate with the islands in a different way, as Van Huffelen explains to the Dutch Parliament. "Our approach is based on trust. I expect the countries to do everything they can to improve the lives of their residents." 

During a conversation with the Caribbean press, Van Huffelen expressed her surprise at the negative portrayal of the Mutual Agreement. She claims to have been prepared for critical questions from the Parliament as a result.