The Council of Ministers has today approved the bill from State Secretary Van Marum (Interior and Kingdom Relations) to accelerate the increase in the number of island council members and island deputies from Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba.
The bill states that the number of island council members will gradually increase at the next elections on March 17, 2027. Initially, for Bonaire from 9 to 11, for Sint Eustatius from 5 to 7, and for Saba from 5 to 7. According to the proposal, the number of island deputies will also increase: in Bonaire from 3 to 4 and in Sint Eustatius and Saba from 2 to 3.
Agreements
This bill implements the agreements made during the working conference in early March 2024 regarding the revision of the Public Bodies Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba Act (WolBES) and the BES Financial Act (FinBES). These laws regulate the administrative and financial relations between Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba and the national government.
Growing Together
One of the considerations for the expansion of the island councils and executive boards is that the number of island council members and deputies has not kept pace with the population since 2010. Moreover, there has been a signal from the islands that the number of island deputies is too low while much work needs to be done. This proposal addresses this signal to contribute to greater administrative capacity and strengthen democracy.
State Secretary Van Marum: “The islands face significant challenges. Think of building and improving roads, providing quality education, realizing sufficient housing, stimulating the economy, and improving connectivity between the islands. Together with the political authorities, we will actively continue our collaboration to provide perspective for residents. With the expansion and strengthening of governance in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, I want to contribute to this more rapidly.”
Support
The island councils and executive boards will receive support to effectively carry out their work. For this, the Ministry of BZK has made funds available. Additionally, the political authorities of the islands have been receiving support since the beginning of 2025 through the so-called support program.
After approval in the Council of Ministers, the bill will be sent for advice to the Council of State and then to the House of Representatives.
