That several Dutch Members of Parliament (MPs) believe today’s Second Chamber debate on developments in St. Eustatius should lead to ending the impasse between The Hague and Oranjestad can only be applauded. After all, the current situation benefits nobody, certainly not the island’s people.
There is no doubt some dissatisfaction exists among the population about the way the new status as overseas public entity of the Netherlands turned out, which is partly related to Statia – contrary to Bonaire and Saba – never having chosen for such. In fact, a majority rejected it during the most recent referendum, but the turnout was considered too low to legitimise the vote.
Many on all three islands also recognise that some things have changed for the better since the constitutional reforms per 10-10-10, like education including after-school activities, medical care and other basic services. That doesn’t mean everything is fine, but it’s not a completely one-sided story either.
The reality is that a breakthrough at this point will probably require some compromise from both sides.
Take the amended agreement with NuStar that reportedly has already been bringing more money into the local government’s coffers, but must still be formalised pending Dutch approval. Even departing Committee for Financial Supervision CFT Chairman Age Bakker had said this matter needs to be finalised soon.
Another example was the 3.5 per cent decrease per April 1 in allowances from the Caribbean Netherlands Pension Fund PCN due to coverage problems. Especially announcing a possible second decrease of no less than 12 per cent next year led to unrest among recipients as well as active public sector employees and their families.
Granted, both these issues are reportedly being worked on, but they do indicate where some of points of friction lie and resolving them could make quite a difference. It takes two to tango.
