Today’s news that Aruba escaped an instruction by the Kingdom Council of Ministers concerning its public finances inspires hope that more understanding will prevail in relations between the Netherlands and the Dutch Caribbean countries. Whether some like it or not, modern information and communication technology (ICT) means and increased trans-Atlantic travel are in a certain sense making the distance between them smaller.
It regards comprehension not just regarding each other’s point of view, but for what is reasonable, feasible as well as – first and foremost – in the best general interest of the people. After all, Aruba recently signed a budgetary norms agreement with the Dutch Government it says will be adhered to.
What’s more, one must beware the cure doesn’t become worse than the disease, as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned about too draconic austerity measures for Curaçao when its economy is already severely impacted by the continued crisis in neighbouring Venezuela and particularly its effect on the local refinery. When that moment comes, an alternative treatment might be in order.
In the case of St. Maarten, The Hague’s reaction following the devastating passage of Hurricane Irma to provide emergency relief and later make available more than a half billion euros to help rebuild the country as well offer liquidity support fall into same category. Conditions set for such and involvement of the World Bank with the latter should not make accessing the funds so difficult they risk defeating the purpose.
