‘Hard talks’ needed according to Central BankJuly 19, 2021

‘Hard talks’ needed according to Central Bank
July 19, 2021


Of the 21 insurance institutions that require publication, active in Curaçao and Sint Maarten, only a minority have so far made the annual figures for 2020 public. That was stated by the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten (CBCS).

Insurers must disclose financial results to the public within six months of the end of the financial year. This is usually done by means of publications in newspapers and on the websites of the relevant institutions. It is striking that so far only a handful of insurers have published their results.

According to CBCS, until recently, only seven insurance companies had published their 2020 profit and loss statement and balance sheet as of December 31. So one in three. CBCS has indicated that six insurers have asked for a postponement and have received this. But the other eight have not even asked for a postponement of publication.

CBCS indicates that the guidelines are not new, so it should come as no surprise, because the last version of the website of the Central Bank dates from January 2010.
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‘Hard talks’ needed according to Central BankJuly 19, 2021

‘Hard talks’ needed according to Central Bank
July 19, 2021
Of the 21 insurance institutions that require publication, active in Curaçao and Sint Maarten, only a minority have so far made the annual figures for 2020 public. That was stated by the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten (CBCS).

Insurers must disclose financial results to the public within six months of the end of the financial year. This is usually done by means of publications in newspapers and on the websites of the relevant institutions. It is striking that so far only a handful of insurers have published their results.

According to CBCS, until recently, only seven insurance companies had published their 2020 profit and loss statement and balance sheet as of December 31. So one in three. CBCS has indicated that six insurers have asked for a postponement and have received this. But the other eight have not even asked for a postponement of publication.

CBCS indicates that the guidelines are not new, so it should come as no surprise, because the last version of the website of the Central Bank dates from January 2010.
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Three prime ministers, Knops discuss COHOJuly 19, 2021

Three prime ministers, Knops discuss COHO
July 19, 2021
The meeting with the participation of Aruban Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes, Gilmar Pisas of Curaçao and Silveria Jacobs of St. Maarten took pace in a digital setting.

THE HAGUE – Prime ministers of the three Dutch Caribbean countries on Thursday met with Dutch caretaker Undersecretary of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Raymond Knops to discuss the Caribbean Body for Reform and Development (COHO).

The meeting with the participation of Aruban Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes, Gilmar Pisas of Curaçao and Silveria Jacobs of St. Maarten took pace in a digital setting. The results of the meeting for Aruba were announced by Wever-Croes in a press release.

The prime minister explained that so far, her country has received 900 million Aruban florins (US $500 million) in liquidity support from the Dutch government. The establishing of the COHO through a Kingdom Consensus Law is one of the conditions of The Hague.

Negotiations between the kingdom countries have been ongoing since a critical related advice by the Kingdom Council of State a few months ago. The four countries are currently discussing the necessary changes to the kingdom law proposal and to arrive at a consensus that all can accept.

According to Wever-Croes, the negotiations are tough because it concerns a complicated matter. However, the digital meeting took place in a positive atmosphere where, in her opinion, the Dutch government is respecting the advice of the Council of State which echoed the objections of the Dutch Caribbean countries to the law proposal.

Wever-Croes said that the countries are currently nearing the finalization of these negotiations. When there is an agreement between the three prime ministers and the state secretary, the adapted law proposal will go to the parliaments for deliberation.

“We are not always in agreement in these meetings, but we treat each other with respect and we keep the dialogue going so we can soon reach an agreement and a solution for all countries,” said Wever-Croes.

One day earlier, on Wednesday July 14, Minister of Finance Xiomara Maduro signed the documents in order for Aruba to receive the sixth tranche of liquidity support. It concerns an amount of 181 million Aruban florin (about US $100 million) for the months July, August and September 2021.

According to Wever-Croes, Aruba is working diligently to comply with the conditions that have been set for the liquidity support from The Hague. She noted that this much-needed financial support creates stability for Aruba’s economy to recover and grow during the pandemic.
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Minister Interior Knops Report Working Visit To Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao

With this letter I report to you about my visit to the leeward islands of Curaçao, Bonaire and Aruba from 3 to 7 July 2021. The immediate reason was the start of the Pisas cabinet in Curaçao. After the intensive contact with the incoming coalition that I maintained at a distance after the elections, it was good to work in personal meetings on a common foundation for the relationship between the Netherlands and Curaçao in the coming years. In Aruba the formation starts after elections; a good time to take stock of our cooperation to date with outgoing Prime Minister Wever-Croes and to look ahead. In Bonaire, the implementation of the agreements from the Administrative Agreement was central to the contacts with the Executive Council.

Curacao
After arriving on Saturday afternoon, July 3, I discussed the current political situation in Curaçao with Governor George-Wout and looked back at the intensive cooperation that started after the outbreak of the COVID pandemic. The governor indicated that the assistance provided by the Netherlands in the medical field, with food aid and through liquidity support really made a difference in this difficult period. This was followed by a first acquaintance with Prime Minister Pisas and Deputy Prime Minister Larmonie-Cecilia. We explored the common agenda, the decisions that must be made and the conditions that must be met in order to give shape and substance to the agreements Curaçao made with the Netherlands in November 2020 on support, reforms and supervision thereof. With former Prime Minister Rhuggenaath I took stock of our collaboration over the past almost four years. Even in the difficult moments, the personal bond remained intact.

At the invitation of Prime Minister Pisas, I spent a good part of Sunday with him in Band’abou, the rural western part of the island where he grew up and still lives. The police station in Barber was our first stop, followed by a tour of Marshe di Barber, the Sunday local market. Playa Piscado is a beach popular with locals and tourists, where we spoke to some entrepreneurs and admired the sea turtles that are present in large numbers. The strength in Curaçao society was beautifully illustrated at Shelterrock Paradise: much more than a restaurant, a place where young people who have gotten into trouble find their way back to themselves and society. Mrs. Pinedo and her team work miracles here. Mr Pisas and I then put each other to the test by joining a match between two football teams. I also think that this has meant more for the kingdom bond than for the quality of local football. Ms Larmonie and Minister of Finance Silvania also joined us during a communal meal and we zoomed in on the challenges we will have to overcome together in the coming period.
Bishop Secco and his staff shared their concerns about a number of developments in Curaçao society, which have been further exacerbated by the COVID crisis. Poverty, juvenile delinquency and a declining sense of citizenship stood out. The church wants to join forces with governments and social organizations in order to achieve something for the better in practical and concrete terms. I support this initiative and intend to examine, in consultation with the Pisas government, how this can be implemented. On Sunday evening, I discussed the developments in recent years with the partners in the field of law enforcement and the possibilities that have arisen because an additional 45 million euros has been made available for law enforcement in the countries in the agreements on the country packages.

Monday morning, July 5, I spoke with the Council of Ministers about the country packages, associated implementation agendas and the consensus Kingdom Act that we are adjusting with Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten on the basis of the advice of the Council of State of the Kingdom. There was a need for information and context on many points. That is why the next day the official side gave an extensive technical briefing to the Council of Ministers. There was room to ask questions and the need was emphasized to reach agreement quickly, also in order to be able to meet the conditions for obtaining liquidity support. During a press conference with Mr Pisas and in a number of interviews, I tried to clarify the content and intentions of the collaboration for a wider audience.

On July 6, I received a letter with appendices in which the Pisas government indicates that they meet the conditions for the first part of the sixth tranche of liquidity support. In consultation with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, I have determined that Curaçao satisfies the five conditions set for the e

first installment has been paid so that the corresponding funds can be allocated.

Bonaire
At the start of my visit to Bonaire, I exchanged ideas with Lieutenant Governor Rijna about how we could succeed even better in translating the Administrative Agreement into concrete improvements for citizens and impulses for good governance. As shared with your House (Tweede Kamer, session year 2020-2021, 35 570 IV, no. 30), results have already been achieved, but there is no reason to sit back. This theme was also central to an introductory meeting with the new island secretary.
A tangible result of the implementation of the Administrative Agreement is the Plenchi Di Trabou. This is a collaboration between the public body Bonaire and the National Office for the Caribbean Netherlands – SZW unit, whereby an accessible workplace has been set up for job seekers with a distance to the labor market and for employers on Bonaire. During the visit, an enthusiastic team outlined how, for example, eight participants have been prepared for a permanent job at waste processor Selibon and how employees affected by the bankruptcy of Bopec are being placed in a new position. The Region Envelope, which was decided at the start of the current cabinet, and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment have helped to make this job center possible.
A home visit to the first buyer for whom a house became accessible through the introduction of the Bonaire Mortgage Guarantee, illustrated the potential of this instrument. We are now going to gain five years of practical experience with the scheme for a maximum of 350 homes, which is also part of the Administrative Agreement.
Students from Liseo Boneriano came back to school after their graduation to talk to me about their further studies and the dreams and expectations they have for the future. Without exception, motivated young people who are committed to continuing their studies in the Netherlands. With the intention to come back soon and contribute to the construction of their island. Some indicated that they encountered practical difficulties in getting to work in the Netherlands or elsewhere – challenges that the national ombudsman has also pointed out. The solution requires creativity and action from all involved. This conversation once again showed the importance of the Talent Development Program Bonaire (TOP), set up by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, of which the TOP trainee program is an important part.

The planting of a very rare Sabal palm on Klein Bonaire as part of a planting program marked a special start on Tuesday, July 6. The island of Klein Bonaire is an important link in the nature and environmental policy plan. Former Stinapa director Mrs. Beukenboom gave a penetrating explanation about the importance and potential of active nature management and protection of the coral.
During a themed lunch I discussed the spatial development of Bonaire, the guiding choices that must be made and the role that the Government Architect can play with a number of directly involved officials and Commissioner Kroon. It is of great importance that the underlying regulations support the ambitions. For that reason, I have also drawn attention to the development of the land policy, which has been awaiting final consideration in the Island Council for some time now. A plea that I also made in a meeting with the group chairmen during their recent visit to the Netherlands.
The delicate balance between security of supply, safety and sustainability was discussed during a visit to the fuel storage facilities at the airport and in Hato. On an island where the drinking water supply is still dependent on fossil fuel, that balance takes on an extra dimension. The aim remains to make the energy supply more sustainable.
In the harbor of Bonaire I was shown around on the new ship of shipping company Don Andres. A lot of what people eat, buy or build on Bonaire has been brought to the island by this carrier. Don Andres also foresees new connections in the Caribbean, including with the Dominican Republic, a major supplier of fresh fruit and vegetables after the loss of the Venezuelan market. The increasing activities, also due to the demographic developments in Bonaire, result in a number of logistical puzzles that will demand the attention of the public body in the coming period.
My visit to Rocargo made it clear that family businesses also contribute significantly to prosperity and employment in Bonaire. This freight handler plays a major role in the delivery of building materials: from wind turbines to the construction of hotels. But also internet orders abroad are delivered to the customer via this company. During the crisis, Rocargo was an important link in getting personal protective equipment and other medical equipment to the right place quickly.
At the end of my

During my visit to Bonaire, I spoke at length on Tuesday evening with the deputies Den Heyer, Thielman, Kroon and Lieutenant Governor Rijna. Shared ambitions and the road to results were central to this. This is based on the four-monthly progress meeting of the Administrative Agreement that took place in the week before my visit. In it, the program manager, the Executive Council, the acting Kingdom Representative, and representatives of my ministry discussed the results achieved and bottlenecks in the implementation of the Administrative Agreement. This concerned, among other things, the necessary commitment to improve financial management, the cooperation between the public entity and the government in the field of social housing, the need to implement the land policy, and the importance of taking next steps in the implementation of organizational development. to put.

Aruba
On July 7 I visited Aruba. Governor Boekhoudt gave me his appreciation of the current political and social situation and the state of the formation process. With outgoing Prime Minister Wever-Croes, I discussed the cooperation within the framework of the national package and our joint mission to arrive at a consensus kingdom law that forms the foundation for the long-term commitment that Aruba and the Netherlands have entered into. At the end of our meeting, we signed the implementation agenda July 1 – September 30, 2021, which I sent you on June 29. We explained this in a joint press conference; communication is a crucial success factor in this process.
The enthusiasm during a visit to Aruba Aloe was infectious. This company with a rich history has developed over the past decades into an important export engine for Aruba. It does not only manufacture creams and soaps, the company is now known in 55 countries for its high-quality medical applications, including in the fight against burns. The recent award of the designation “Royal” is seen as the culmination of this success.

Although the journey to the Leeward Islands was not in the nature of a farewell journey, it has been noted in various conversations that this could turn out to be the case. During this visit, too, hope and persistence often went hand in hand. But history has connected us. And with a sustained effort from all involved, we should be able to collectively use the power in the kingdom to improve what is not yet right.

The State Secretary for the Interior and Kingdom Relations,

drs. R.W. Knops

Met deze brief doe ik u verslag van mijn bezoek aan de benedenwindse eilanden Curaçao, Bonaire en Aruba van 3 tot en met 7 juli 2021. Directe aanleiding vormde de start van het kabinet Pisas op Curaçao. Na de intensieve contacten met de inkomende coalitie die ik op afstand heb onderhouden na de verkiezingen, was het goed in persoonlijke ontmoetingen te werken aan een gemeenschappelijk fundament onder de relatie tussen Nederland en Curaçao in de komende jaren. In Aruba komt na verkiezingen de formatie op gang; een goed moment om met demissionair minister-president Wever-Croes de balans op te maken van onze samenwerking tot nu toe en vooruit te blikken. In Bonaire stond de uitvoering van de afspraken uit het Bestuursakkoord centraal in de contacten met het Bestuurscollege.

Curaçao
Na aankomst zaterdagmiddag 3 juli heb ik met gouverneur George-Wout de actuele politieke situatie in Curaçao besproken en teruggekeken op de intensieve samenwerking die op gang kwam na de uitbraak van de COVID-pandemie. De gouverneur gaf daarbij aan dat de bijstand die Nederland bood op medisch gebied, met voedselhulp en door middel van liquiditeitssteun echt het verschil heeft gemaakt in deze moeilijke periode. Aansluitend volgde een eerste kennismaking met minister-president Pisas en vice-premier Larmonie-Cecilia. We verkenden de gemeenschappelijke agenda, de beslissingen die moeten worden genomen en de voorwaarden waaraan moet worden voldaan om vorm en inhoud te geven aan de afspraken die Curaçao in november 2020 met Nederland heeft gemaakt over steun, hervormingen en toezicht daarop. Met oud-premier Rhuggenaath heb ik de balans opgemaakt van onze samenwerking de afgelopen bijna vier jaar. Ook op de moeilijke momenten bleef de persoonlijke band intact.

Op uitnodiging van minister-president Pisas bracht ik een flink deel van de zondag met hem door op Band’abou, het rurale westelijk deel van het eiland waar hij opgroeide en nog steeds woont. De politiepost in Barber was onze eerste stop, gevolgd door een rondgang over Marshe di Barber, de zondagse lokale markt. Playa Piscado is een bij de lokale bevolking en toeristen populair strandje, waar wij spraken met enkele ondernemers en de zeeschildpadden bewonderden die daar in grote getalen aanwezig zijn. De kracht in de Curaçaose samenleving werd prachtig geïllustreerd bij Shelterrock Paradise: veel meer dan een restaurant, een plek waar jongeren die in de problemen zijn geraakt de weg naar zichzelf en de samenleving weer vinden. Mevrouw Pinedo en haar team verrichten hier wonderen. De heer Pisas en ik stelden elkaar vervolgens op de proef door aan te sluiten bij een wedstrijd van twee voetbalelftallen. Ik denk overigens dat dit meer heeft betekend voor de koninkrijksband, dan voor de kwaliteit van het lokale voetbal. Tijdens een gemeenschappelijke maaltijd schoven ook mevrouw Larmonie en minister van Financiën Silvania aan en hebben we ingezoomd op de uitdagingen die we de komende tijd samen zullen moeten overwinnen.
Bisschop Secco en zijn staf deelden hun zorgen over een aantal ontwikkelingen in de Curaçaose samenleving, die verder verscherpt zijn door de COVID-crisis. Armoede, jeugdcriminaliteit en een afnemend gevoel voor burgerschap sprongen daarbij in het oog. De kerk wil met overheden en maatschappelijke organisaties krachten bundelen om hier praktisch en concreet een keer ten goede te bewerkstelligen. Ik ondersteun dit initiatief en ben voornemens om, in overleg met de regering Pisas, te bekijken hoe hieraan invulling kan worden gegeven. Zondagavond besprak ik met de partners op het terrein van rechtshandhaving over de ontwikkelingen van de afgelopen jaren en de mogelijkheden die ontstaan doordat in de afspraken over de landspakketten structureel 45 miljoen euro extra beschikbaar is gekomen voor de rechtshandhaving in de landen.

Maandagochtend 5 juli sprak ik met de raad van ministers over de landspakketten, bijbehorende uitvoeringsagenda’s en de consensus Rijkswet die we met de Curaçao, Aruba en Sint Maarten aanpassen op basis van het advies van de Raad van State van het Koninkrijk. Daarbij bleek op veel punten behoefte aan informatie en context. Daarom is de volgende dag van ambtelijke zijde nog een uitgebreide technische briefing aan de raad van ministers gegeven. Daarbij was ruimte om vragen te stellen en is de noodzaak onderstreept om spoedig met elkaar tot overeenstemming te komen, ook om aan voorwaarden voor het verkrijgen van liquiditeitssteun te kunnen voldoen. Tijdens een persconferentie met de heer Pisas en in een aantal interviews heb ik geprobeerd inhoud en intenties van de samenwerking te verduidelijken voor een breder publiek.

Op 6 juli jl. ontving ik een schrijven met bijlagen waarin de regering Pisas aangeeft dat zij voldoen aan de voorwaarden voor het eerste deel van de zesde tranche liquiditeitssteun. In overleg met de minister-president en de minister van Financiën heb ik vastgesteld dat Curaçao in voldoende mate aan de vijf voorwaarden gesteld aan de eerste deeltranche heeft voldaan zodat de bijbehorende middelen kunnen worden toegekend.

Bonaire
Bij de start van mijn bezoek aan Bonaire wisselde ik met gezaghebber Rijna van gedachten over hoe we er nog beter in zouden kunnen slagen om het Bestuursakkoord te vertalen in concrete verbeteringen voor burgers en impulsen voor goed bestuur. Zoals met uw Kamer gedeeld (Tweede Kamer, vergaderjaar 2020–2021, 35 570 IV, nr. 30) zijn er al resultaten geboekt, maar is er geen enkele reden om achterover te leunen. Dit thema stond ook centraal in een kennismakingsgesprek met de nieuwe eilandsecretaris.
Een tastbaar resultaat van de uitvoering van het Bestuursakkoord is het Plenchi Di Trabou. Dit is een samenwerking tussen het openbaar lichaam Bonaire en de Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland – unit SZW waarbij een laagdrempelig werkplein is opgezet voor werkzoekenden met een afstand tot de arbeidsmarkt en voor werkgevers op Bonaire. Tijdens het bezoek schetste een enthousiast team hoe bijvoorbeeld acht deelnemers zijn klaargestoomd voor een vaste baan bij afvalverwerker Selibon en hoe werknemers die getroffen werden door het faillissement van Bopec worden bemiddeld naar een nieuwe functie. De Regio Envelop waartoe bij de start van het huidige kabinet werd besloten en het ministerie van SZW hebben dit jobcentrum mede mogelijk gemaakt.
Een huisbezoek aan de eerste koopster voor wie een huis bereikbaar werd door de introductie van de Hypotheekgarantie Bonaire, illustreerde de potentie van dit instrument. Met de regeling voor maximaal 350 woningen, dat ook onderdeel is van het Bestuursakkoord, gaan we nu vijf jaar praktijkervaring opdoen.
Studenten van Liseo Boneriano waren na hun diploma uitreiking toch weer naar school gekomen om met mij te spreken over hun vervolgstudie en de dromen en verwachtingen die zij hebben voor de toekomst. Zonder uitzondering gemotiveerde jongeren die met overtuiging hun vervolgstudie in Nederland oppakken. Met de intentie om straks terug te komen en bij te dragen aan de opbouw van hun eiland. Sommigen gaven aan praktische problemen te ondervinden om in Nederland of elders aan de slag te kunnen – uitdagingen waarop ook de nationale ombudsman de vinger heeft gelegd. De oplossing vraagt om creativiteit en actie van alle betrokkenen. Dit gesprek liet opnieuw het belang zien van het bestaan van het door het ministerie van BZK opgezette Talent Ontwikkelprogramma Bonaire (TOP), waar het TOP-traineeprogramma een belangrijk onderdeel van is.

Het planten van een zeer zeldzame Sabal palm op Klein Bonaire als onderdeel van een aanplantprogramma markeerde een bijzonder start van dinsdag 6 juli. Het eiland Klein Bonaire vormt een belangrijke schakel in het natuur- en milieubeleidsplan. Voormalig Stinapa-directeur mevrouw Beukenboom gaf op een indringende manier uitleg over het belang en de potentie van een actief natuurbeheer en bescherming van het koraal.
Tijdens een thema-lunch ging ik met aantal direct betrokken ambtenaren en gedeputeerde Kroon in gesprek over de ruimtelijke ontwikkeling van Bonaire, de richtinggevende keuzes die daarbij moeten worden gemaakt en de rol die de rijksbouwmeester daarbij kan spelen. Het is van groot belang dat de onderliggende regelgeving de ambities ondersteunt. Om die reden heb ik ook aandacht gevraagd voor de totstandkoming van het grondbeleid, dat nu al geruime tijd wacht op finale behandeling in de eilandsraad. Een pleidooi dat ik ook heb gehouden in een ontmoeting met de fractievoorzitters tijdens hun recente bezoek aan Nederland.
De delicate balans tussen leveringszekerheid, veiligheid en duurzaamheid kwam aan de orde tijdens een bezoek aan de brandstofopslag bij de luchthaven en in Hato. Op een eiland waar ook de drinkwatervoorziening vooralsnog afhankelijk is van fossiele brandstof krijgt die balans een extra dimensie. Doel blijft verdere verduurzaming van de energievoorziening.
In de haven van Bonaire werd ik rondgeleid op het nieuwe schip van rederij Don Andres. Heel veel van wat men op Bonaire eet, koopt of bouwt is door deze vervoerder naar het eiland gebracht. Don Andres voorziet ook in nieuwe verbindingen in het Caribisch gebied, onder meer met de Dominicaanse Republiek, een belangrijke leverancier van verse groenten en fruit na het wegvallen van de Venezolaanse markt. De toenemende activiteiten, ook door de demografische ontwikkelingen in Bonaire, leveren een aantal logistieke puzzels op die de komende tijd de aandacht van het openbaar lichaam zullen vragen.
Mijn bezoek aan Rocargo maakte duidelijk dat familiebedrijven ook in Bonaire fors bijdragen aan welvaart en werkgelegenheid. Deze vrachtafhandelaar speelt een grote rol bij de aanlevering van bouwmaterialen: van windturbines tot de bouw van hotels. Maar ook internetbestellingen in het buitenland komen via dit bedrijf bij de klant. Tijdens de crisis was Rocargo een belangrijke schakel om persoonlijke beschermingsmiddelen en ander medisch materiaal snel op de goede plek te krijgen.
Ter afsluiting van mijn bezoek aan Bonaire sprak ik dinsdagavond langdurig met de gedeputeerden Den Heyer, Thielman, Kroon en gezaghebber Rijna. Gedeelde ambities en de weg naar resultaat stonden daarbij centraal. Hierbij is voortgeborduurd op het viermaandelijkse voortgangsoverleg Bestuursakkoord dat in de week voor mijn bezoek plaatsvond. Daarin hebben de programmamanager, het Bestuurscollege, de waarnemend Rijksvertegenwoordiger, en vertegenwoordigers van mijn ministerie gesproken over de behaalde resultaten en knelpunten in de uitvoering van het Bestuursakkoord. Het ging hierbij onder andere over de benodigde inzet voor verbetering van het financieel beheer, de samenwerking tussen openbaar lichaam en het Rijk op het gebied van sociale woningbouw, de noodzaak om het grondbeleid te implementeren, en het belang om vervolgstappen in de implementatie van de organisatieontwikkeling te zetten.

Aruba
Op 7 juli bezocht ik Aruba. Gouverneur Boekhoudt gaf mij zijn appreciatie van de actuele politieke en maatschappelijke situatie en de stand van het formatieproces. Met demissionair minister-president Wever-Croes besprak ik de samenwerking in het kader van het landspakket en onze gemeenschappelijke missie om te komen tot een consensus rijkswet die het fundament vormt onder de langjarige verbintenis die Aruba en Nederland zijn aangegaan. Aan het slot van onze ontmoeting tekenden wij de uitvoeringsagenda 1 juli -30 september 2021, die ik u op 29 juni jl heb gezonden. In een gemeenschappelijk persmoment hebben wij hierop een toelichting gegeven; communicatie is in dit proces een cruciale succesfactor.
Aanstekelijk was het enthousiasme tijdens een bezoek aan Aruba Aloë. Dit bedrijf met een rijke geschiedenis heeft zich de afgelopen decennia ontwikkeld tot een belangrijke export motor voor Aruba. Er wordt niet alleen crème en zeep gefabriceerd, het bedrijf staat inmiddels in 55 landen bekend om zijn hoogwaardige medische toepassingen, onder meer bij het bestrijden van brandwonden. De recente toekenning van het predicaat “Koninklijk” wordt gezien als de bekroning van dit succes.

Hoewel de reis naar de benedenwindse eilanden niet het karakter had van een afscheidsreis, is in verschillende gesprekken gemarkeerd dat dit wel het geval zou kunnen blijken te zijn. Ook tijdens dit bezoek gingen hoop en hardnekkigheid regelmatig hand in hand. Maar de geschiedenis heeft ons met elkaar verbonden. En met een blijvende inspanning van alle betrokkenen, zou het moeten lukken in gezamenlijkheid de kracht in het koninkrijk te gebruiken om wat nog niet goed is beter te krijgen.

De staatssecretaris van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties, drs. R.W. Knops

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Sint Maarten National Package Implementation Agenda 1 July – 30 September 2021

Sint Maarten National Package Implementation Agenda 1 July – 30 September 2021
Implementation Agenda of Sint Maarten for 3 e quarter of 2021.

The National Package includes measures in the following areas: financial management, costs and effectiveness of the public sector, taxes, the financial sector, the economy, healthcare, education and strengthening the rule of law. The concrete agreements comprising these measures are included in an implementation agenda.

This document is an attachment to
Letter to parliament on implementation report Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten 2nd quarter and implementation agendas Aruba and Sint Maarten 3rd quarter
Knops Secretary (Interior) parliament informs about execution reporting Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten on the second e … https://stmaartennews.org/sint-maarten-national-package-implementation-agenda-1-july-30-september-2021/

DUTCH ROYALS ATTACKED IN ARUBA BY REPORTER- KING TO THE RESCUE :http://ilandvibez.com/

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VMT hosts two Vaccination Pop-Ups at the Festival Village on Friday and the Kimsha Beach parking lot on Saturday

VMT hosts two Vaccination Pop-Ups at the Festival Village on Friday and the Kimsha Beach parking lot on Saturday

On Friday, July 16th, there will be a vaccination Pop-Up at the Festival Village, Pond Island, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Additionally, on Saturday, July 17th, another vaccination Pop-Up will be organized on the Kimsha Beach Parking lot in Simpson Bay from 9:00 AM until supplies last.

The Vaccine Management Team (VMT) would like to encourage everyone, especially those working nearby, to come by during their lunch break or after work to get their vaccination against COVID-19.

The Collective Prevention Service (CPS) will also be open on Friday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM. The Belair Community Center and Caribbean Cinemas will not be offering vaccinations on Friday.

The VMT is pleased to see a significant peak in persons coming for their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine last week and a steady number this week, however, the VMT emphasizes that our overall vaccine coverage is still low.

With this level of vaccination coverage, Sint Maarten will remain vulnerable to new outbreaks. This is especially important now that the Delta variant has been detected in Sint Maarten. This variant is believed to be double as contagious as the Alpha (British) variant (which was already more contagious than the original COVID-19, which originated in Wuhan, China).

The Delta variant is not more lethal, detectible with a PCR test, and the symptoms are comparable to the other variants, however, the good news is that the Pfizer vaccine has been shown to provide 88% protection against the Delta variant.

All persons 12 years and older are encouraged to come for their COVID-19 vaccination at the pop-up location at the Festival Village on Friday, July 16th, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, or on Saturday, July 17th from 9:00 AM until supplies last at the Kimsha Beach parking lot in Simpson Bay.

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Steering Committee Meeting – Sint Maarten Trust Fund for Reconstruction, Recovery and Resilience July 14, 2021 – Philipsburg

Steering Committee Meeting – Sint Maarten Trust Fund for Reconstruction, Recovery and Resilience July 14, 2021 – Philipsburg.

PHILIPSBURG, July 14, 2021 – The Steering Committee (SC) of the Sint Maarten Trust Fund for Reconstruction, Recovery and Resilience met in Philipsburg today to discuss the allocation of remaining funds to activities prioritized by the Government of Sint Maarten. To date, the trust fund has committed US$311M to 10 existing projects and US$30M for projects under preparation. The SC discussed the allocation of additional financing to existing projects and of remaining trust fund resources available (around US$55M). The SC meeting was chaired by the incoming Country Director for the Caribbean at the World Bank, Lilia Burunciuc, and attended in person by Mr. Marcel Gumbs, SC representative for Sint Maarten and Mr. Frans Weekers, representative for the Government of the Netherlands.

The SC noted the implementation progress achieved since March 2020, with a tripling of disbursements in 2020 compared to 2021 and the completion of major procurement processes, including for the reconstruction of the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) Terminal in 2020 and 2021. The SC also took note of significant increases in constraints and costs due to the pandemic, due to the disruption of value chains and to international shipping costs. In discussing remaining funding, the SC gave priority to fully funding existing projects to ensure their successful completion, prior to turning its attention to the allocation of remaining funds to new projects. “I was very pleased to observe consensus between the parties on the use of remaining funds”, said Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank member of the SC and chair, adding “The World Bank looks forward to pursue its close collaboration with the Government of Sint Maarten and the NRPB with the support of the Netherlands, to develop and implement the priorities the SC have agreed upon.”

In this context, the SC awarded additional funds to the Airport Terminal Reconstruction Project in the amount of US$20 million. “The awarding of this contract and the start of reconstruction at PJIA in an improved governance environment is deeply encouraging, still work has to be done”, said Frans Weekers, the SC member for NL, “Trust Fund resources will be used to rehabilitate the airport with state of the art equipment and greater resilience, while the airport companies’ improved governance can serve as a solid foundation from which to address the current economic challenges. Construction is expected to start in the fall.” The SC also requested the World Bank to support the Government of Sint Maarten.

The SC allocated financing to priority investments identified by Sint Maarten. These included US$20M for a potential housing project, subject to an assessment of its impact and timeframe for implementation; US$8M in support of a Mental Health Project carried out in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation; and up to US$15M to the Emergency Recovery Project 1, which would include among others the rehabilitation of sports facilities, additional infrastructure for the meteorological department, and possible support to conservation and environmental protection activities. “I am very pleased. The SC committed funds to support all of the priorities set by the Government of Sint Maarten” said Marcel Gumbs, the SC Member for Sint Maarten, “these are all important to Sint Maarten’s future resilience and will contribute real benefits to the people of Sint Maarten”. The SC also requested that the World Bank support the Government of Sint Maarten in establish a disaster relief fund, capitalized by Trust Fund resources flowing back from PJIAE. In keeping with the Trust Fund agreements, the SC’s allocations will be subject to the standard World Bank appraisal processes and procedures and to the effective transfer of the Trust Fund’s fourth tranche of financing from the Netherlands to the World Bank.

The Sint Maarten Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience Trust is financed by the Government of the Netherlands, managed by The World Bank, and implemented by Sint Maarten’s National Recovery Program Bureau.

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Lilia Burunciuc World Bank Director First Visit To St Maarten Latest

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3 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases Today Dutch St Maarten Latest Info

3 confirmed COVID-19 cases today

As of July 15th, there were three (3) persons who tested positive for COVID-19. There was no recoveries recorded today. The total active cases has increased to thirty (30). The total number of confirmed cases is now two thousand six hundred fifty nine (2659).

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) are monitoring twenty seven (27) people in home isolation. Three (3) patients remain hospitalized at the St. Maarten Medical Center. The total number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at thirty four (34).

The number of people recovered since the first case surfaced on St. Maarten remains at two thousand five hundred ninety five (2595). Twenty eight (28) people are in quarantine based on contact tracing investigations carried out by CPS.

The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (VSA) Airport Health Team in collaboration with Health Care Laboratory Sint Maarten (HCLS) have tested 3, 322 travelers arriving at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA), while CPS tested 35, 043 people throughout the community. As the numbers continue to fluctuate, CPS will continue to actively execute its contact tracing measures.

Minister Ottley urges those who have not been vaccinated to come out to the vaccination pop-up drive tomorrow Friday, July 16th, at the Festival Village from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. All persons who are interested in getting vaccinated are asked to bring any form of photo ID for registration.

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Lilia Burunciuc World Bank Director First Visit To St Maarten Latest

My first official visit in my new capacity as World Bank Director for the Caribbean- to Sint Maarten for the Steering Committee meeting of the Sint Maarten Trust Fund https://stmaartennews.org/lilia-burunciuc-world-bank-director-first-visit-to-st-maarten-latest/

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World Bank Country Director Burunciuc pledges commitment to St. Maarten

World Bank Country Director Burunciuc pledges commitment to St. Maarten



Today, Thursday, July 15th, new World Bank Country Director for Caribbean Countries Lilia Burunciuc and World Bank Program Manager for the Sint Maarten Trust Fund Michelle Keane paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs Silveria Jacobs. During the discussion, Burunciuc pledged her commitment to the progress and finalization of the projects under execution via the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB).

Prime Minister Jacobs stated, “This is Burunciuc’s first official visit to St. Maarten in her new post as Country Director and her first visit to the Caribbean. I know our representatives for these projects at the World Bank have St. Maarten’s best interest at heart and fight for us in every discussion.”

“The full involvement and commitment of government to the projects will ensure their success in the interest of St. Maarten. St. Maarten is committed to get as much as possible out of these recovery funds. Besides the projects themselves, at the end of this, the human capacity and expertise to handle international procurement, planning and execution of projects and programs on St. Maarten would also have improved considerably. Building St. Maarten’s most important resource ‘our human capital’ is the best return on investment for us all,” she continued.

Prime Minister Jacobs and Burunciuc will engage in regular meetings over the coming months in preparation for the next Trust Fund Steering Committee meeting scheduled to take place near the end of the year. They both look forward to a successful working relationship and will remain in constant communication to ensure the development and progress of the St. Maarten Trust Fund.

US $120 million in remaining Trust Fund has been allocated for the activities prioritized by the Government of St. Maarten. This includes $15 million towards government’s financial management; $20 million for additional airport funding; $20 million for a potential sustainable housing project subject to an assessment of its impact and timeframe for implementation; $8 million in support of a Mental Health Project carried out in partnership with Mental Health Foundation (MHF); and up to $15 million for new projects Emergency Recovery Project 1 (ERP-1), which would include the rehabilitation of sports facilities, additional infrastructure for the Meteorological Department, and possible support to conservation and environmental protection activities.

Buruncius and NRPB Director Claret Connor, who received the mandate from the Council of Ministers, signed the Additional Financing Agreement allocating $45 million in additional financing to the ERP-1 on July 13th. This will contribute to the continuation and completion of the wide range of existing activities, including repairs to homes, schools and critical government buildings damaged during Hurricane Irma in 2017.

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