“No Dr. Tromp, Holland themselves put the Kingdom on fire,” using this terminology.  HG

There are two legitimate views on Kingdom Relations from both sides of the Atlantic.

CFT represents the Caribbean view while Dr. Raymond Knops, Dutch Minister of Interior and Kingdom Relations represents the Dutch/European stance on this issue.

It is true that the Caribbean islands are victims of an International development of unprecedented magnitude. But to make the picture complete, facts require to note that Holland is suffering as well from the same impact, more than the average of European nations.

It was the declared will of the former Netherlands Antilles islands in 2010 to become more “autonomous” within the Kingdom of Holland. Their citizens voted for this and they should be aware of the consequences. There are doubts that the majority of citizens are aware of.

These consequences contain the must of new economic thinking – away from the Continent attitude that the Caribbean is only the holiday region for hard-working Americans and Europeans during their annual leave. The tourism industry is a very fragile part of the economy and even single impacts like hurricanes or terror attacks can bring it easily to a sudden complete stop. We have seen this in the Far East, North-, East Africa and Turkey. So, it is wise not to do it the same way.

The Caribbean Islands are challenged to look for more diverse, less single impact vulnerable industries for their growth development. Sure, all countries are “on hold” in this moment. But we will see that some will fare better than others, once the corona crisis is over. We will see China and Singapore with huge growth potential again.

Curacao, for example, is well advised to follow the Singapore spirit because it has a similar infrastructure with it’s ideal logistics, geographical location, deep water harbor, and free currency transfer to name a few. More reasonable, competitive taxation could add to this, as it has been in the past. Remember that former British Prime Minister Theresa May thought loud about a 15% corporate tax for the UK Brexit aftermath in order to overcome economic disadvantages.

15% Corporate Tax is China’s successful business model, which produced growth rates between 6 and 12% in the past and has worldwide recognition and acceptance. First 5 years tax-free, 5 to 10 years 7.5% tax and 10 to 50 years 15% tax. Not even the OECD has a problem with this.

Criticized must be Dutch Minister Dr. Raymond Knops’ attitude about the outsourcing of industries in the Caribbean like Curacao Isla Refinery. This plant – if not outsourced, in local possession and full mode – can easily quadruple the island’s GDP and bring it on the per capita list to place 9 in front of the Sultanate of Brunei. Too much for Shell, the dominant operator in Brunei? We can only speculate.

On one hand, Minister Knops points to the autonomy of the former Netherlands Antilles islands, on the other hand, he promotes the sale of their few rare industries, following a deriving financial drain. That’s hypocrisy and cynical pure.

The wonderful Dutch Caribbean Islands deserve better than this. And yes, when Holland actively sabotages the industrial development in this region, they have an obligation to compensate financially. But what has this to do with autonomy?