A pilot that makes it possible for Dutch citizens to travel within the Caribbean part of the kingdom on a local identification card (see Tuesday newspaper) ends per December 31. It was established effective May 1, 2022 to facilitate movement between the islands.
While practically all residents have such an ID, that is less the case for more expensive passports, was part of the reasoning. What will happen six months from now is not clear, but – at the very least – an extension might be worth considering.
Although the Netherlands Antilles no longer exists as constitutional entity since 10-10-10, family, business and other ties are still strong. A good example is the signing of a memorandum of understanding between University of St. Martin (USM), University of Curaçao, University of Aruba and “Instituto Pedagogiko Arubano” (IPA) reported on in today’s edition.
Just because the former country was dismantled doesn’t mean its people should not still benefit from sharing aspects of history, development, education and culture. Airports, hospitals and nature foundations – just to name a few – of the islands have formed cooperation platforms too, as there is strength in numbers by exchanging knowledge, joining certain markets, etc.
One issue with the current travel pilot is an apparent lack of reciprocity. Arubans can go to the other islands with an ID, but not vice versa. Should the programme be allowed to continue, that needs to change.
Fair is fair. You’re either in or out.
