The cover of Ronald van Raak’s newest book, “The Binnenhof never ceases to amaze.”
THE HAGUE--Member of the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament Ronald van Raak of the Socialist Party (SP) is publishing yet another book about political The Hague. In his new book The Binnenhof never ceases to amaze (Het Binnenhof blijft verbazen in Dutch), he dedicates four of the 35 chapters to the Dutch Caribbean.
In the chapter Dutch Apartheid in Bonaire, Van Raak writes about the beautiful aspects of Bonaire, the flora and fauna, the sea, but he also addresses the more painful issues such as the large difference between rich and poor, the increased influence of the Dutch people, the rise in crime and poverty.
In the chapter titled “Playing dominoes in Curaçao” Van Raak is critical of Curaçao businessman Gregory Elias who wrote pop songs before he became active in the local financial sector, setting up several trust offices. The Member of Parliament (MP) mentioned that Elias, also known as “The King of Curaçao,” has been involved in tax evasion schemes and that it was a good thing that these practices were being exposed.
The chapter “World politics in Aruba” deals with the economic and social crisis in neighbouring Venezuela and the effects thereof especially on Aruba and Curaçao. He also describes the problems with the refineries in Aruba and Curaçao and the relation with Venezuela.
In the fourth chapter about the islands titled “The Cesspit opens,” Van Raak focuses on the accountancy and consultancy firm KPMG which, he pointed out, liked to hire retired Dutch politicians and where several politicians started their careers. In the Dutch Caribbean, the ties between KPMG and the local governments seem to be even bigger.
This is Van Raak’s fourth book about political The Hague. He loves to write down his critical thoughts, and in this book too he minces no words and is not afraid to call names.
“Writing is a way of keeping out of the bubble of The Hague. In this book, I write about peculiar talks with police officers and remarkable adventures in the Dutch Caribbean, but also about poets and philosophers who inspire me in politics. Writing down your own experiences also gives you a different perspective on things. But writing about politics is especially fun,” he said.
Van Raak’s three earlier books were The Second Chamber is no talk show, Looking for us: Politics through different eyes and Looking for Freedom: A philosopher in politics. His newest book The Binnenhof never ceases to amaze from Aspekt Publishers will be available in bookstores on Monday, November 26.
Van Raak is a member of the Socialist Party and has been a member of the Second Chamber’s Permanent Committee for Kingdom Relations for many years.
