Spring Memorandum: Measures to Support Purchasing Power in the Caribbean Netherlands, Help with Finding Suitable Work
In recent years, important steps have been taken to improve the standard of living on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. To continue these efforts, the government set aside €9.5 million per year at the end of last year to provide extra support for the purchasing power of residents on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. In addition, the government is allocating €4 million per year on a structural basis to improve employment opportunities for people who are distanced from the labor market on the islands. These plans are included in the Spring Memorandum published by the government.
State Secretary Nobel (Participation and Integration):
“Despite the difficult financial puzzle the government had to solve, we remain mindful of the poverty issues on the islands and continue our efforts to improve purchasing power on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.”
Purchasing power measures
The government is working to reduce the cost of living for all households by lowering utility and internet costs. For example, the additional energy and drinking water subsidies for households—which had ended on January 1 of this year—will be (partially) extended. Households will also receive an additional internet subsidy worth $15 per connection per month in both 2025 and 2026. The government recognizes the poverty challenges in the Caribbean Netherlands. Therefore, as in previous years, low-income households may be eligible for an annual energy allowance of $1,300 USD in 2025 and 2026. In addition, a total of €1 million will be allocated over the next two years to local initiatives aimed at combating child poverty.
In this way, the government is taking short-term measures to further strengthen the standard of living on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. In addition, the government is currently exploring options for an income-dependent child benefit. According to findings by the Committee Social Minimum Caribbean Netherlands, families with children in particular are in need of extra financial support. The government is structurally reserving €10.8 million for this benefit.
Support for people who are distanced from the labor market
The government is also making €4 million per year structurally available for people who are distanced from the labor market on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. This will ensure that this group continues to receive support in finding suitable work, ideally with a regular employer, and if not, in an adapted work environment. In previous years, the government provided temporary funding for this. With this new measure, the provision is now being made permanent.