Kralendijk – In week 39, the deputies Kroon and Tjin Asjoe and Lieutenant Governor Rijna took part in administrative consultations at the invitation of the State Secretary of BZK Knops on Sint Maarten. The main topic of discussion was the government’s response to the information provided by the Council of State with regard to, among other things, the coordinating role of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations in relation to the Caribbean Netherlands and the Interdepartmental Policy Study on the Caribbean Netherlands. The government position and the underlying documents will be published very soon, after which the Executive Council will consult with the Island Council and any other interested parties to take a position as a public entity in Bonaire and to convey that to the State Secretary.
Adjustment of Electricity and Water Act BES
The Executive Council, after consultation with stakeholders including the management of WEB, responded by letter to the ministries of I and W and EZK to the amendment of the Electricity and Water BES Act proposed by the departments. As you know, it became apparent last year after the introduction of the law that it had undesirable consequences, particularly for small-scale consumers, including low-income households. At the request of the OLB, the ministries have promised to amend the law. Through internet consultation, everyone was given the opportunity to comment on the draft text of the amended law. In its letter to the ministries, the BC urged that the principle of solidarity, as it applies to users in the European part of our country, also apply to the Caribbean Netherlands.
Safe and sound
Deputy Den Heyer signed the cooperation agreement ‘Bonaire healthy and well’ during her working visit to The Hague with State Secretary of Health, Welfare and Sport Blokhuis. The agreement focuses on, among other things, the strengthening of first-line family and youth care, the approach to domestic violence and child abuse, elderly care and informal carers. The Ministry will make 1.5 million dollars available annually for its implementation up to and including 2022.
Working visit of State Secretary Van Ark
State Secretary Van Ark (Social Affairs and Employment) will pay a working visit to Bonaire from 1 to 5 October, which is largely devoted to the Central Dialogue. The BC has consultations with the Secretary of State about developments on Bonaire that affect her portfolio, such as the social security system, childcare and – in the context of poverty alleviation – the benchmark for a social minimum to be determined.
Participation Oceans Conference
As a member of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association, the OLB is expected to participate in the Ocean Conference that will be held in Brussels from 15 to 18 October. The OLB will be represented by Lieutenant Governor Rijna and deputy Tjin Asjoe. The Bonaire delegation has been invited by the organization to give a presentation about the Blue Destination concept. The presence in Brussels is also used to also conduct an exploration of European Union development funds that the OLB may call upon for the financing of, for example, components of the Blue Destination concept.
