ORANJESTAD – The political parties AVP and FUTURO have reached an agreement on the formation of a new government. It is expected that the formateurs, Mike Eman and Gerlien Croes, will present their final report to Governor Alfonso Boekhoudt as early as tomorrow. 

The new cabinet positions have been allocated as follows: 

Mike Eman – Minister-President 

Mike de Meza – Minister of Energy, Infrastructure, and Environment 

Wendrick Cicilia – Minister of Tourism, Transport, and Culture 

Mervin Wyatt Ras – Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health 

Geoffrey Wever – Minister of Finance and Economy 

Gerlien Croes – Minister of Education, Innovation, Kingdom Relations, and Sports 

Arthur Dowers – Minister of Justice, Immigration, and Integration 

However, the official swearing-in ceremony will take place in about 3 to 4 weeks as all nominated ministers will first need to undergo a screening process. 

AVP and FUTURO together hold 12 out of the 21 seats in the Island's legislature, the Staten. Former Prime Minister Mike Eman, who previously led two cabinets between 2009 and 2017, is set to return to the position of Minister-President. It is widely anticipated that Eman’s return will lead to a more effective collaboration between Oranjestad and The Hague, improving relations with the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Photo: Mike Eman