St. Maarten Prime Minister Luc Mercelina’s report on his meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof (see related story) is encouraging. After all, when the current right-wing government took office in the Netherlands there was concern about future relations.
Earlier statements by coalition partners and particularly Party For Freedom PVV suggested a desire to get rid of the islands in the Caribbean. However, as pointed out in this column at the time, political rhetoric and governing responsibility are two different things.
According to Mercelina, they discussed deepening cooperation within the kingdom. He even spoke of a “renewed chapter of constructive dialogue and mutual respect.”
“Our Kingdom can only grow stronger if we walk the path together – openly, respectfully, and with shared purpose,” the prime minister added. “Today was a step in that direction.”
To be sure, this by no means should be seen as somehow giving up on eventual political independence, but rather making the best of what is today’s reality. Curaçao Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas after his party MFK’s historic winning of an absolute parliamentary majority in the recent election was clear:
“We have absolutely no problems with the Netherlands whatsoever. We meet weekly to discuss and resolve issues. There will be no referendum on the constitutional status. The partnership within the kingdom is working well and delivering results.”
The new AVP/Futuro government of Aruba is not expected to pursue any major changes in the country’s ties to the Netherlands either. While incoming Prime Minister Mike Eman did have his share of run-ins with The Hague in the past, the focus there will also be on collaboration to help ensure sustainable development and progress for inhabitants.
The common thread seems to be a pragmatic approach.
