THE HAGUE – Dutch MP Raoul White (GroenLinks-PvdA) has called on Minister for Asylum and Migration Faber and State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Szabó to clarify the consequences of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to temporarily halt funding for social organizations in Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten.
White has submitted a series of written questions, seeking detailed information on the impact of this funding freeze. He wants to know how the decision affects sectors such as healthcare and education, as well as legal aid and counseling for undocumented individuals, migrants, and asylum seekers. Additionally, he has asked whether the Dutch government has conducted or plans to conduct research into the consequences of the funding suspension.
The MP also inquired about the potential long-term effects if the funding is permanently cut, as well as whether there are any noticeable repercussions for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba—particularly Bonaire—now that key projects in Aruba and Curaçao are no longer receiving financial support.
White emphasized the importance of projects previously funded by the U.S., particularly those led by civil society organizations, and questioned how the Dutch government sees the situation evolving after the current three-month suspension. He urged the ministers to engage in discussions with the governments of the CAS islands (Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten) to assess the impact of the funding freeze.
Furthermore, he asked whether the Dutch government acknowledges its responsibility, given the constitutional ties between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the CAS islands. White also questioned what role the Netherlands could play in mitigating the effects of the funding cut and whether the government would explore alternative financing sources, such as international humanitarian funds or European subsidies.
White concluded his inquiry by pressing the Dutch government to recognize the crucial work of local and international organizations in supporting vulnerable populations, including Venezuelan migrants, and to take responsibility for protecting human rights within the Kingdom. He also asked whether the Netherlands considers Venezuelans in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom as a group in need of specific protection.
The Dutch government has yet to respond to these questions.
