THE HAGUE - Eight motions addressing key issues affecting the Caribbean Netherlands received approval in the Dutch Parliament. Many of these motions were passed with support from the governing party NSC, which helped the opposition form a majority, while coalition partners PVV, VVD, and BBB voted against. These motions focus on improving living conditions, addressing economic disparities, and enhancing governance in the Caribbean Netherlands.
One motion calls for a detailed action plan and timeline based on the Thodé Commission’s recommendations to tackle the high cost of living, especially for low-income households, as many residents in the Caribbean Netherlands struggle with low incomes and high expenses. The government is requested to provide this response alongside the Cabinet’s official reaction to the commission’s report.
Another motion addresses transportation costs, which are a significant expense after housing in the Caribbean Netherlands. The government is asked to assess the requirements for establishing a public transportation network, noting that affordable transport can reduce the cost of living. This motion asks the government to collaborate with the islands and incorporate recommendations from the Thodé Commission’s report, with findings due by the Spring Budget.
Education also received attention, with a motion calling for the development of a plan to improve the quality of schooling and before- and after-school care in the Caribbean Netherlands, noting its importance for both children’s well-being and parental workforce participation.
Poverty remains a pressing concern in the region, as the Parliament noted that one in three people in the Caribbean Netherlands live in poverty. A motion requests an annual progress report on minimum income standards and a concurrent review of the European Netherlands’ minimum income with specific attention to the Caribbean Netherlands.
In terms of governance and equal representation, another motion calls for the government to respond to the Council of State’s report on the 70th anniversary of the Kingdom Charter, which highlights the need for balanced decision-making between the Caribbean and European Netherlands. The motion proposes consultations with stakeholders before the upcoming Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO) in June 2025.
A motion to improve the transparency of budget allocations for the Caribbean Netherlands was also approved, requesting that the government establish a structured presentation for all Caribbean Netherlands matters across departmental budgets by the first quarter of 2025.
Population growth on Bonaire, particularly due to migration from the European Netherlands, was flagged as another major issue. Parliamentarians expressed concerns over the strain on housing and public services. The government was asked to consider additional migration regulations in consultation with local authorities and to explore amending the Admission and Expulsion Act for the BES islands.
Finally, concerns over China's increasing influence in the Caribbean, particularly in critical sectors like telecommunications and energy, were highlighted. The motion requests that the government develop a strategy to mitigate China’s growing influence in the Caribbean countries and provide an annual report on this issue.
These motions reflect Parliament's commitment to address structural issues impacting the quality of life and governance in the Caribbean Netherlands.