The congress brought together political leaders, experts and officials from all parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The main question was how, fifteen years after the constitutional changes of 10 October 2010, the Kingdom can work in a fair and practical way for the European Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten and the public bodies Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.
On the first day, the State Secretary for the Interior and Kingdom Relations opened the congress. The programme then looked at democracy and the state of politics in the Kingdom. Keynote speakers, including former Prime Minister of the Netherlands Prof. Dr. Jan Peter Balkenende, Prof. Dr. Ernst Hirsch Ballin and Kathleen Ferrier, Chair of the Netherlands Commission for UNESCO, reflected on developments in the Kingdom over the past fifteen years and on cooperation between its different parts. For Statia, this day offered an opportunity to follow the debates on good governance in the Kingdom.
The second day focused on fair and equal education in all parts of the Kingdom. Speakers and panellists discussed education systems in the European Netherlands and in the Caribbean islands, and the position of pupils and students in those systems. In a panel on equitable education, Island Council Member Derrick Simmons spoke from his experience from Statia point of view. The programme on this day also included time for questions and comments from the audience.
The third day turned to the future of the Kingdom and asked what the Netherlands wants, and what the islands want in return. As part of this programme, Island Council Member Clyde van Putten gave a presentation from his perspective as an Island Council member. He addressed the island’s position before and after the end of the Netherlands Antilles, the move to BES status and later developments. The third day also included open debate and further questions and comments from the audience.
During the congress there were opportunities for the Statia delegation to meet ministers, members of parliament and senior officials from the rest of the Kingdom. The programme made it possible to share experience, exchange views and explore ideas for future cooperation.
Participation in the 36th InterExpo Caribbean Congress has clear benefits for Statia. It helps to put the island’s situation and needs on the table when Kingdom-wide issues are discussed, such as governance, education and living standards. It allows the Government to bring home up to date information and ideas that can support local policy choices. It also helps to strengthen cooperation with Bonaire and Saba and with the other islands in the Kingdom, and to build direct contact with key partners in The Hague.
Following the congress, the discussions will be reviewed in more detail and the points raised over the three days will be considered for follow up on the island and in further talks with Kingdom partners.
