What amounts to a call by Dutch MP Thierry Baudet for recolonisation of the Caribbean part of the Kingdom (see related story) has rightfully sparked widespread outrage, both in the Netherlands and across the islands. The leader of far-right Forum for Democracy thankfully has limited political power. In addition, Baudet and his party are known for shocking and sometimes out-of-whack statements that rarely get much support.
Nevertheless, promptly condemning this kind of talk remains needed to discourage even such thoughts. St. Maarten Prime Minister Luc Mercelina and others wasted no time doing so.
Dutch State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Szolt Zsabó and Minister of Economic Affairs Dirk Beljaarts also emphasised the autonomy of Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten in response to the controversial comments. The current PVV/VVD/NSC/BBB government may be right-of-centre, but they are not crazy.
In fact, according to another report in this edition, PVV MP Peter van Haasen has voiced strong opposition to a climate levy on all long-haul flights. If the cabinet insists on implementing the tax, this representative of the biggest coalition partner argued that the Caribbean part of the kingdom should be granted an exemption – similar to one France has given its overseas territories.
Although Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao (so-called ABC islands) get relatively more visitors from the Netherlands, this is important for St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and Saba too. If the exemption is granted, it would give the entire Dutch Caribbean an advantage over competing distant vacation destinations in the European Netherlands’ travel market.
The latter might actually offer an opportunity for the Windward Islands to diversify their hospitality industries by making these less dependent on the now dominant North American source-market. That could help promote less seasonality in tourism, with substantial socioeconomic benefits.
It is an example of how kingdom ties can be of significant value.
