Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Kajsa Ollongren confirmed (see related story) that much of the 550 million euros in reconstruction aid made available for St. Maarten will be channelled through the World Bank. The latter has a reputation of being rather tough on countries in need of financial assistance.
It’s important to note that in this case the means are coming from the Netherlands and will merely be managed by the World Bank, which is different than had these been provided by, for example, the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Nevertheless, the actual spending of this money will clearly have to be very well justified and accounted for.
That’s also what most people want to see, not only to keep local politicians and public administrators honest, but to ensure the investments truly benefit the community. Projects that help the decimated tourism economy get back on track are obviously among the priorities.
Preparation is key. The local National Recovery Plan (NRP) Committee gave an indication, while a more detailed assessment by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) should offer valuable input.
Local officials have already started talking to counterparts from The Hague in charge of arranging the fund and to representatives of the World Bank. Several suggestions have come up, but it might be worthwhile to also involve social partners in the private sector.
Brainstorming sessions with some of the “best and brightest” on the Dutch side could be a way to gather whatever good and especially feasible ideas on revitalising particularly the hospitality industry may be out there. Rock-solid, responsible and realistic proposals based on reliable data will be required and that takes work.
As the saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail.
