Council of State Adviser Ron van der Veer (left), Island Council Member Derrick Simmons (second left), Council of State Vice-President Thom de Graaf (second right), and Island Registrar Melissa Robins-Spanner (right) at Barrel House restaurant.
ST. EUSTATIUS--Council of State Vice-President Thom de Graaf and Council of State Adviser Ron van der Veer concluded a working visit to St. Eustatius over the weekend.
“The visit provided an opportunity for open dialogue on developments affecting the island’s governance, social progress, and future outlook,” the St. Eustatius government said on social media.
Island Governor Alida Francis met the delegation at F. D. Roosevelt Airport.
De Graaf and Van der Veer met with the Executive and Island Councils during the visit, with discussions focused on the role of the Kingdom Representative in the WolBES and FinBES laws, the political climate in St. Eustatius and the island’s economic and historical development.
“Special attention was given to the recent unilateral decision by State Secretary Zsolt Szabo to annul the expansion of the Executive and Island Councils … by four years, to 2031,” according to a press release.
The visit also included a tour of important projects across the island, with the delegation seeing roadworks in Lower Town, Cherry Tree and Jeems, as well as the Blue Circle Project near Wilhelmina Park. They also stopped at Airport Boulevard, the Social Housing project and the recently upgraded Bay Road.
“These visits gave them a clear view of efforts being made to improve roads, housing and overall living conditions for residents. The visit provided an opportunity to assess progress, exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration on future initiatives,” according to the press release.
