Defense Minister Ank Bijleveld is visiting the windward islands in the Caribbean this week. In addition to visits to Dutch soldiers on Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius, she also conducts discussions with the various authorities on the islands. On Thursday 26 September, Minister Bijleveld will visit the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee’s family day, the Pointe Blanche naval support point, the Belair location of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee and the coast guard support point. There is also a conversation with the Governor of Sint Maarten, Eugene Holiday and with the outgoing Minister of Justice Cornelius de Weever. On Friday, September 27, talks are scheduled on Saba and St. Eustatius with the staff present at the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee and with Saba’s lieutenant governor and government commissioner on St. Eustatius. The minister makes the visits to Saba and St. Eustatius with the coast guard cutter Poema. The minister’s visit (26-28 September) falls during the hurricane season in the Caribbean. Earlier this month the Zr.Ms. Johan de Witt and the Zr.Ms. Snellius already provided assistance in the Bahamas. Sint Maarten was hit hard two years ago by hurricane Irma. The island is still rebuilding. Bijleveld wants to keep abreast of the work of Dutch soldiers, their living and living environment and the progress of the repair work since the hurricane has crossed the island.
https://bonaire.nu/2019/09/24/minister-van-defensie-bijleveld-bezoekt-bovenwindse-eilanden/