State Secretary of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Raymond Knops argues that the Dutch Caribbean countries have not done enough in the past to comply with agreements regarding their public finances and administration (see related story). He consequently plans to set extensive conditions for additional financial support requested by Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten to withstand the severe socioeconomic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Knops had been interim minister until Minister Kajsa Ollongren recently returned from sick leave. She is also deputy Prime Minister and perhaps her presence can help promote more understanding between the kingdom partners to ensure the main goal –the wellbeing of the people – is not lost out of sight in the discussions.
The state secretary mentioned requirements in areas like the economy, labour market, capital market, pension system, social insurance, health care and government organisation, as well as including the payment for police assistance from the Netherlands and improved detention facilities in the budget. He appreciates the Council of Ministers and Members of Parliament taking a 10-per-cent pay cut, but also wants salary reductions for top-ranking officials and directors of government-owned companies.
Although some of his demands may be understandable and even make sense going forward, it’s all about the timing. These things can hardly be done from one day to the next and dealing with the disastrous implications of the current unprecedented global crisis has become so urgent that waiting is simply not an option.
The islands are in a heightened state of emergency, so The Hague will need to trust the local authorities in Oranjestad, Willemstad and Philipsburg to start processes that can lead to the desired changes. The fate of residents already running out of money to buy food and pay the rent should not be held hostage to lack of action from their elected representatives and public administrators.
Neither can St. Maarten’s citizens be blamed for having to go to the polls every two instead of four years during the last decade, leading to political instability and ineffective governing. When one adds the impact of Hurricane Irma on St. Maarten and the closure of their refineries along with the situation in neighbouring Venezuela felt by Aruba and Curaçao, it seems clear that circumstances have not exactly been favourable.
So, the returning minister is welcomed back and kindly called on to help let reason prevail.
