The Jetten Cabinet’s plan to extend the so-called country packages by two years (see related story) may not be equally welcomed by everyone. After all, they were a condition for much-needed financial assistance to the Dutch Caribbean countries from the Netherlands during the height of the COVID-19 crisis. The latter came in the form of zero-interest bullet loans, that were thankfully refinanced before they matured with support from the Kingdom Council of Ministers RMR in The Hague.
The structural reforms in question are undoubtedly well-intended, to help enhance the resilience of the islands and their economies. However, it appears more time is needed, in part because of limited implementation capacity and delays in executing the various initiatives.
The extension will thus be accompanied by an additional investment of 2 million euros to ensure sufficient budget for personnel. The term of the Temporary Work Organisation (TWO) with experts from all parties involved aiding in the development of related projects, programmes and measures was also prolonged, with 4 million euros made available for 2028 and 2029.
A kingdom-wide advisory committee that looked into the packages and agreements they were based on seemingly had the right idea: The reforms are progressing but it’s going to take a bit longer than perhaps foreseen in the Netherlands, if for no other reason due to the smaller scale regarding human as well as physical resources.
