SABA/ST. EUSTATIUS/BONAIRE--Entrepreneurs and people who have lost their jobs in the Caribbean Netherlands as a result of the coronavirus crisis will receive financial support in the coming months.
Both the emergency regulation from Social Affairs and Employment SZW for support in wage cost and the contribution from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate EZK for fixed business expenses will be extended by a period of four months, until October 12, at the latest.
To prevent employers from having to fire employees, they could already make use of SZW’s emergency regulation for the period March 13-June 12. Independent entrepreneurs or people who no longer have an employer because of the coronavirus were already entitled to this provision. This regulation is extended due to the continuing impact of the measures regarding the coronavirus.
Employers who already use the regulation do not have to submit a new application. However, they must submit a statement in which they fill in the expected deployment of their personnel until October 12. Even if the situation does not change from their original application, a statement must be submitted. After receipt of this statement and after processing the data, the National Department Caribbean Netherlands RCN unit SZW can proceed with further payment.
Independent entrepreneurs and former employees who receive the allowance directly do not have to submit a statement. If there are any changes regarding their income, they must, as is currently the case, report this immediately to the RCN unit SZW.
Entrepreneurs who are affected by the coronavirus measures and who have had to deal with high fixed expenses in the period March 13-June 12 have already been able to receive a contribution from the EZK Ministry since April 23. The allowance is a one-time payment of US $4,400 or $2,200. Because the EZK Ministry has no implementing organisation in the Caribbean Netherlands, the RCN unit SZW implements this regulation.
The SZW unit is having conversations with the EZK Ministry, the local Chambers of Commerce and representatives of the business community to find out how an extension of this allowance can be implemented. The extension will cover the period June 13-October 12. Customisation for the Caribbean Netherlands is necessary for the feasibility of the regulation.
As soon as the exact conditions are known, they will be shared via
www.rijksdienstcn.com/covid-19 under “Government Emergency Package”. The renewal statement form will also be published on this website. Entrepreneurs in Bonaire can address questions to and request advice from the Chamber of Commerce via
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