Cabinet continues efforts to improve livelihood security in Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba
The Hague – The Dutch government aims to further enhance the livelihood security of residents in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba in the coming years. This commitment is outlined by State Secretary Jurgen Nobel of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW) and State Secretary Zsolt Szabó of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) in response to the report by the ‘Social Minimum Commission for the Caribbean Netherlands.’
State Secretary Jurgen Nobel (SZW): “Rising prices have made daily life more difficult for many island residents in the Caribbean part of our Kingdom. Many struggle to make ends meet. In addition to improving purchasing power and reducing costs, we also aim to align the social security system on the islands more closely with that of the European Netherlands. This includes introducing parental leave, short-term care leave, and unemployment benefits.”
State Secretary Zsolt Szabó (BZK): “Livelihood security is not just about income and the cost of living. It also involves self-reliance and access to appropriate support, education, and healthcare. This government is also investing in projects that provide an additional boost to the economic development of the islands, such as the port in Saba, food security initiatives, and road construction.”
After increasing the minimum wage and all social benefits earlier this year, the government is working to reduce the cost of living on the islands structurally. Investments are being made in sustainable energy, the introduction of public transport, and the construction of affordable housing. Further development of the social security system and progress towards income-dependent schemes are essential steps in a comprehensive approach to improving livelihood security.
Poverty and Debt
The government has already announced the allocation of €9.5 million to improve purchasing power in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. Specific measures to boost purchasing power will be elaborated upon in the spring. The three islands have taken the initiative to develop local poverty alleviation programmes, which the national government supports with capacity and financial resources. A structural allocation of €2 million has been made available for island services related to poverty and debt. As in the European Netherlands, funds have been made available in recent years in the Caribbean Netherlands to provide free school meals. The government has decided to continue funding school meals in both the European and Caribbean Netherlands.