The two “Wise Men” trying to bridge the gap between Statia and Holland (see Friday paper) have their work cut out for them. For starters, they are not recognised by the Executive Council, because there were to be two more persons on the committee indicated by the local government. However, Dutch Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations caretaker Minister Ronald Plasterk didn’t accept the proposed candidates.
As a result, Council of State member Jan Franssen and former Aruba Governor Fredis Refunjol met with neither the commissioners nor coalition parties. That might still take place, as the duo plan a return to St. Eustatius in September to prepare their report due October 1.
They did acknowledge that conditions on the island were “shocking,” while there is a “broad common understanding” the situation with the Netherlands can’t last and that things must change. Exactly what this means remains to be seen, but the main goal is undoubtedly to get out of the current stalemate between Oranjestad and The Hague.
One aspect not to be overlooked is the need to strengthen the economy and what it generates in public funds. The new revised agreement signed with NuStar is an important step in that direction.
After a lot of trials and tribulations there is now at least a roadmap towards defining the role of the territory’s biggest industry certainly in terms of employment. It also translates to additional income for the treasury, which is crucial to make any sort of enhanced autonomy even remotely feasible in the future.
