Strong choices needed to address the effects of migration and aging on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

The growing migration and aging on the islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba have major impacts on the local economy and prosperity. To address these challenges, both the national government and local authorities must make strong choices in the coming years. Key focus areas include tackling deferred infrastructure maintenance, ensuring stable energy and fuel supply, and preventing staff shortages in critical sectors like healthcare and education. Migration offers opportunities but also brings challenges. Integrated policies in healthcare, education, and housing are therefore essential.

The cabinet writes this in a letter to the House of Representatives in response to the report ‘Targeted Growth’ by the State Commission on Demographic Developments in Caribbean Netherlands 2050. This report outlines the expected population changes until 2050 and provides recommendations for future-proof policy. Both the national government and the administrative boards of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba agree with the conclusions of the State Commission.

Structural funds needed for investments

When making new policies, demographic developments must be taken into account. The cabinet reaction mentions actions needed in both the short and long term. The cabinet endorses recommendations from earlier reports by the Council for the Environment and Infrastructure (Rli), the Council for Public Administration (ROB), and the research agency AEF. They state that long-term cooperation and structural funds are necessary for investments in housing, better roads, and accessibility. The population of Bonaire has nearly doubled in 15 years, from over 15,000 in 2011 to nearly 27,000 in 2025. This puts increasing pressure on physical infrastructure such as roads, waste management, and housing, leading to a greater demand for energy.

Maintaining public services

For the medium and long term, the effects of aging must be considered in policy making. This includes investing in prevention as well as physical infrastructure such as public transport and housing for the elderly. To manage migration properly, good laws and regulations for migration procedures are needed. Migration policy should aim to stimulate and strengthen economic development. The small scale of the islands makes it more difficult to maintain public services. Therefore, it is important to promote regional cooperation and ensure that the education supply on the islands matches labor market demand.

Data needed for policy adjustment

To increase the self-reliance of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, the cabinet is already working on maintaining and increasing broad prosperity and organizing basic facilities. This includes administrative agreements with Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba on good governance, healthy public finances, and digitization. Through the Regional Deals, conditions have been created for economic development. The cabinet has also made funds available for initiatives contributing to food security. As more data becomes available, policies have been adjusted accordingly. This has led, among other things, to an increase in the free allocation from the BES fund. The next cabinet is advised to structurally monitor demographic developments and embed them in policy.