Good Governance Agenda puts residents of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba first
The Cabinet is working to ensure good governance and a strong rule of law in both the European and the Caribbean part of the Netherlands. State Secretary Eddie van Marum (Interior and Kingdom Relations) is therefore sending the Good Governance Agenda for the Caribbean Netherlands to the House of Representatives today. The Good Governance Agenda is based on three priorities. A strong government and better services for citizens and companies. Solid institutions that ensure clear legal frameworks and supervision. And tackling integrity violations and increasing the resilience of the rule of law.
State Secretary Van Marum:
"Throughout the Netherlands, residents must be able to count on a well-functioning and incorruptible government. With the Good Governance Agenda, I am working with the administrators of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba to give an important boost to the further promotion of good governance. We are building on the efforts made in the recent period. Residents must be able to count on the local government to respect and enforce the law. In this regard, I am of the opinion that it is important that residents are able to express their opinions and that the government is attentive to the interests and concerns of the people.”
Close cooperation
The Good Governance Agenda is developed in close cooperation with the island governments of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. This involves shared responsibility between the administrations of the three islands and the Central Government. On all three islands, work is being carried out under the leadership of the Island Governors to develop an island-wide approach to strengthening governance. It is important that this is a concrete approach that is tailored to the local needs. Examples of concrete steps that have already been taken include the establishment of integrity agencies and measures to improve the financial management.
Small scale and complex tasks
Administrators in the Caribbean Netherlands face specific challenges. The islands are small, but the tasks and challenges are considerable and complex. All three islands exhibit vulnerabilities in the area of good governance. For example, there is a lack of capacity, and institutions and supervisory bodies do not have a strong position. Unlike in the European Netherlands, there is also a lack of important legislation in the area of good governance and integrity.
Strengthening the government and better services for citizens
An important part of the Good Governance Agenda is the improvement of the services on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. This will be achieved through digitalisation, among other things. This year, BSN and DigiD are being introduced on the islands. It is also important that government decisions are actively communicated so that residents know where they stand.
Strong institutions and legal frameworks
The legal frameworks on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba are being strengthened, based on the principle of comply or explain. An example of this is the preparation of a General Administrative Law Act BES. A Public Administration (Probity Screening) Act (Bibob) is also being drafted for Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. Institutions like the courts of audit are being strengthened. Citizenship education should stimulate the democratic awareness and participation on the island. The professionalisation of political leaders and senior civil servants is also continued through the professional associations.
Addressing integrity violations and strengthening the resilience of the rule of law
Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, with support from the Ministry of BZK, are implementing measures to tackle integrity violations. For example, rules for procurement and tendering are being made more stringent. It is also being examined how reporters of integrity violations (including whistleblowers) can be better protected. In addition, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba are included in the Integrity and Security Monitor, which is conducted every two years for the European Netherlands.