First visit of State Secretary Szabó to Windward Islands
State Secretary Zsolt Szabó is visiting the Windward Islands of St. Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius from the 29th of September up to and including the 5th of October. It is the second trip of the State Secretary to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. The visit is dedicated to a broad introduction to the islands, economic development, and talks with administrators and entrepreneurs.
St. Eustatius
The formal programme kicks off on the 30th of September on St. Eustatius, with a meeting with Island Governor Alida Francis and the Executive Council. The State Secretary is also meeting with the members of the Island Council.
During a tour of the island, the Secretary is briefed on the latest developments. For instance, Mr Szabó visits the port, the cliff works, and a road construction project, and meets some Statian entrepreneurs. During a walking tour of the historic centre of Oranjestad, the State Secretary learns about the special history and (material) heritage of St. Eustatius. The renovation of the cultural historical heritage of St. Eustatius makes the island more attractive to tourism and thus provides an economic boost.
Saba
From the 1st of October, State Secretary Szabó is on Saba. He is, among other things, speaking to Island Governor Jonathan Johnson, the members of the Executive Council and the Island Council. On the 2nd of October, the State Secretary is attending the official launch of Govroam and Public Roam. These Wi-Fi networks should ensure accessible and secure internet on Saba.
During a tour of the island, the State Secretary is visiting, among other things, an agricultural project working with hydroponics and the location where the new port will be realised. The State Secretary is also going to St. John’s, where the multifunctional centre that is part of the Regio Deal Saba is being realised. Furthermore, he is introduced to Saba Reach, a programme aimed at greater independence for vulnerable people, and speaks to a number of Saban entrepreneurs.
St. Maarten
On St. Maarten, Mr Szabó is scheduled to meet Governor Ajamu Baly on the 3rd of October. That day is further marked by administrative talks with outgoing Prime Minister Luc Mercelina and the outgoing Cabinet. The State Secretary is also visiting Parliament where he is scheduled to meet the new Members of Parliament. At the St. Maarten airport, the State Secretary is briefed on border control. Other relevant developments the State Secretary is informed about include the reconstruction of St. Maarten after the hurricanes, the state of affairs at power plant GEBE, and the Country Package. Mr Szabó will also visit the Point Blanche prison. The Netherlands is contributing to the construction of a new prison. Furthermore, the State Secretary speaks with representatives from the business community about the business climate on St. Maarten.