Agenda Good Governance Puts Residents of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba at the Center

State Secretary Van Marum: “In all of the Netherlands, residents must be able to rely on a well-performing and honest government. With the Agenda Good Governance, I am giving a significant boost to further promoting good governance in collaboration with the leaders of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. We are building on the efforts of the past period. Residents must be able to count on the local government to respect and enforce the law. I also find it important that residents can express themselves and that the government pays attention to the interests and concerns of people.”

The Agenda Good Governance is being developed in close cooperation with the island governments of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. There is a shared responsibility between the governments of the three islands and the national government. On all three islands, under the leadership of the commissioners, work is being done on an island-specific approach to strengthen governance. It is important that it becomes a concrete approach that meets local needs. Examples of concrete steps that have already been taken include the establishment of integrity offices and measures to improve financial management.

Governors in Caribbean Netherlands face specific challenges. The islands are small, but the tasks and challenges are large and complex. All three islands have vulnerabilities in terms of good governance. There is a lack of capacity, and institutions and oversight bodies do not have a strong position. Also, unlike in European Netherlands, important legislation on good governance and integrity is lacking.

An important part of the Agenda Good Governance is improving service delivery in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. This will be done, among other things, through digitization. This year, BSN and DigiD will be introduced on the islands. It is also important that government decisions are actively communicated so that residents know what to expect.

The legal frameworks in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba will be strengthened, based on the principle of comply or explain. An example of this is the preparation of a General Administrative Law BES. A Law to Promote Integrity Assessments by Public Administration (Bibob) is also being drafted for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. Institutions such as audit chambers will be strengthened. Citizenship education should stimulate democratic awareness and participation on the island. The professionalization of political leaders and the civil service top will also continue through professional associations.

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba are implementing measures to address integrity violations, with support from the Ministry of BZK. Rules for procurement and tendering are being tightened. It is also being investigated how whistleblowers can be better protected. In addition, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba will be included in the Integrity and Security Monitor that is conducted every two years for European Netherlands.