Dear Editor,
We write to you on behalf of the people of Bonaire regarding a joint statement of objection, as mentioned above, in collaboration with the Bonaire Human Rights Organization, Ministerio
Evangeliko Di Akshon (Evangelical Ministry in Action – religious body), and SC Labor Union StrAF Division (workers’ labor union) from Bonaire, Statia, and Saba. This statement has been sent to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, CARICOM, OECS, OAS, CELAC, and COPPPAL.
We hereby urgently raise our concerns regarding the letter Governor Soliano dated March 25, 2025, reference: Z/25/024494 addressed to Mr. Brekelmans, Minister of Defense, and Mr. Veldkamp, Minister of Foreign Affairs, regarding: “Concerns about the situation in Venezuela”.
We are particularly concerned by the letter from Governor Soliano, which was publicized in the media, instilling fear and creating panic among the local population. Governor Soliano, who is not elected and does not represent the people of Bonaire but is appointed by and represents the King and the Dutch Government, has, through this irresponsible public action, initiated a possible provocation with Bonaire’s neighboring country, Venezuela.
Governor Soliana calling on the Dutch Government, Minister Brekelmans of Defense and Minister Veldkamp of Foreign Affairs, as the Governor sees Venezuela as military threat which could lead to unnecessary interreference, intervention, provocation and animosity from Venezuela.
Our Answers/Opinion to Questions asked by D66 Members of Parliament van der Werf and
Paternotte:
* Yes, everybody saw this letter and message of Governor Soliano who “sounds alarm about
military threat from Venezuela” was widely publicized in the media and can be seen as a form of propaganda that could lead to military provocations and conflict.
* No, there were no indicative reported or observed Venezuelan military activity near Bonaire.
* No, we have always been friendly neighbors, and there have been no serious, credible threats contrary to the sensational and troubling letter from Governor Soliano, which could lead to military provocation. Bonaire has historically maintained peaceful relations with Venezuela. Many Bonaireans have ties to Venezuela, with a substantial Venezuelan community on the island, and we have always lived together peacefully. Any attempt to portray otherwise is misleading and unjustified.
* No, there are no increased threats to other Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, as Aruba and
Curaçao that are closer to Venezuela than Bonaire, as we all have lived with outmost respect and peaceful relationship to each other throughout our history. Recently the Government of Aruba refused the Dutch government's initiative to establish a military base on the island of Aruba as to avoid provocations and escalation.
* There has been no prior information from the Governor nor the Public Entity of Bonaire
towards the citizens of any indication as severe as this provocative sensationalized suggestive NATO interference letter propagates and invites to military escalation instead of diplomatic peace-keeping and seeking communications and solutions
* Bonaire is part of the Caribbean that has been declared a zone of Peace by CELAC, the
Caribbean region does not promote any suggestive military propaganda to provocation and to
destabilize the peaceful Caribbean region
* The Royal Navy has bases on Aruba and Curaçao with main responsibility of border control and drugs-smuggling and there were no serious public reports and indications as the sensations-seeking and provocative letter of Governor Soliano has perjured the Bonaire, Antillean and Caribbean communities
* Governor Soliano should seriously consider withdrawing his provocative letter, and Ministers of Defense Brekelmans and Foreign Affairs Veldkamp should clearly treat the letter as not having been sent. They should also begin de-escalating any potential military provocations in order to maintain Bonaire, our sister islands Aruba and Curaçao, and the Caribbean region as a zone of peace.
The suggestive provocative letter of Governor Soliano for possible NATO military interference and base on Bonaire in our opinion will lead to provocation and escalation to military conflict. This is a direct threat to regional peace and security and goes against the interests of the people of Bonaire, who wish to remain neutral and uninvolved in foreign military confrontations.
We stand united in the belief that the rights and wishes of the people of Bonaire must be respected. Bonaire, along with the Caribbean region, should remain a peaceful, demilitarized zone where human rights, social stability, and regional cooperation are prioritized. We respectfully request your urgent attention to this matter in ensuring that Bonaire remains a peaceful, demilitarized territory in accordance with international law.
James Finies
President Nos Kier Bonaire Bek
Dear Editor,
Egg prices on certain Caribbean islands have gone through the roof. If you don’t have a local backyard chicken or two, serving you up some eggs on a daily basis, you are left to do without or pay those high supermarket prices. One option is to produce locally and purchase locally.
One reason why eggs are so expensive is due to the bird flu (Avian influenza). U.S. poultry farms have been impacted by bird flu where 166 million birds have been affected since January 2022, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In January this year alone, 8.3 million birds have died due to bird flu, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently stated that the rapid spread of the highly infectious avian flu virus had reached unprecedented scale, wiping out hundreds of millions of birds worldwide and increasingly spilling over into mammals.
The economic impact is being felt worldwide. St. Maarten and other Caribbean islands import eggs from the U.S. and consumers are suffering with high prices. A dozen eggs in Saba are approximately US $15. In Colombia three dozen are US $325.
The erratic America First policy by the new U.S. administration that took over on January 20, 2025, especially the ad hoc tariff policy leading to uncertainty around the globe has caused more chaos to date leading to the U.S. stock market losing trillions since the November 2024 U.S. election.
The postponement and then on-again tariffs on Canada and Mexico can only lead to an increase in the costs of doing business which would be translated to an increase in the price of products across the three countries (U.S., Canada and Mexico).
The implications in the U.S. could impact prices of imported food products which are still to materialize in the coming months for St. Maarten consumers.
Bearing the aforementioned in mind, a local egg production pilot program should be started as one aspect of creating a sustainable path for self-sufficiency. This project could be an initiative for the St. Maarten Farmer’s Cooperative (SMFC).
The Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture launched the EggsUp programme with the aim to support Caymanian families with children by providing fresh local eggs.
Funding could be sought initially from the Government or via funds from the Trust Fund that is associated with the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB). This very important project could bring relief to consumers.
Other nations within the region who import 90 per cent of their food products from the United States of America are taking a deeper look at this dependency and how it can be reduced. The realization of the current political landscape is a wake-up call and that something needs to be done with a new determination for self-reliance.
Roddy Heyliger
Dear Editor,
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport extends its deepest respect, admiration and gratitude to Dr. Clinita Arnsby Ford for her unwavering commitment, exceptional contributions and profound impact on both current and past St. Maarten students in Tallahassee. Dr. Ford passed away on March 14, 2025 at the age of 96. Dr. Ford, through The Tallahassee (FL) Chapter of The Links, Inc. dedicated her life to making St. Maarten students feel at home in Tallahassee via the Moms Away from Home programme. This programme left an indelible mark on both the lives of parents, students, and our island as a whole.
Dr. Ford’s exemplary career, marked by her passion for education, healthcare, and social advocacy, has shaped the future of many generations. Her dedication to service, leadership, and the academic development of St. Maarten students has truly exemplified the core values of compassion, integrity, and excellence. Whether in her work as a trailblazer in education or as an advocate for those in need, Dr. Ford has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the betterment of her fellow citizens.
Her professional achievements, coupled with her selfless contributions to community well-being, have set a benchmark for future generations of leaders in our society. Dr. Ford’s ability to inspire and bring about positive change is a testament to her character, perseverance, and love for the people of St. Maarten.
As we honour Dr. Clinita Arnsby Ford’s legacy, the Ministry recognizes not only her extraordinary accomplishments but also her role as a beacon of hope, strength, and progress. Her legacy will continue to inspire us all, guiding us towards a brighter future.
Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport
By Alex Rosaria
It is useful to compare last week’s election results with the 1967 Curaçao Island Council (KI) elections, where the Democratic Party (DP) secured 13 seats and governed alone.
Dear Editor,
Respect seems to be the trending topic, so I can’t help but comment on MP Jensen-Webster’s concern about of the budget’s lack of respect for St. Maarten’s MPs’ airline seating.
The other day I was at the courthouse annex (the former Parliament building on Back Street) and noticed what appears to be a serious lack of respect for St. Maarten’s Judiciary. Their building needs powerwashing to remove pigeon dirt, its eaves are broken and in need of repainting, the front door latch is missing, the door itself requires re-varnishing.
Tourists have eyes. The government should be far more cognizant of those than of MPs’ “seats.”
Pamela Sims
