On Budget Day, the Government is taking additional measures to improve livelihood security on Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba. Hereby, the emphasis is on reducing the high cost of living for residents. From 2027, the Government is making € 30 million available for this purpose.
In 2027, investments will be made that are intended to ensure sustainably lower rates for electricity, drinking water, and telecommunications in the long term. Significant strides will be made in making energy supplies more sustainable on Saba and St. Eustatius (totalling € 12 million). On Bonaire, the seawater intake system, essential for drinking water production, will be replaced (€ 8 million), while leaking water pipes will be replaced on St. Eustatius (€ 1.7 million). On St. Eustatius, the fiber-optic network will also be modernized (€ 2.1 million).
In addition, arrangements will be made in 2027 to continue subsidies that help lower bills for energy, telecommunications, and water. The public entities will also receive additional funds in 2027 to provide financial assistance to parents who are unable to pay their share of childcare costs. A total of € 6.2 million has been reserved for these subsidies.
State Secretary for Kingdom Relations, Eric van der Burg:
“In 2027, we will take significant steps to lower the cost of living. In doing so, we are continuing to implement the recommendations of the Caribbean Netherlands Social Minimum Committee. Making electricity and water production more sustainable pays off, as the current geopolitical situation is driving up fuel and energy prices. Residents are already feeling the impact of these price hikes. A large portion of their wages goes toward water and electricity bills. The measures we are taking must result in residents of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba feeling the financial benefits, both in the short and long term.”
Minister of Social Affairs and Employment, Hans Vijlbrief:
“On Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, people are experiencing increasing costs of electricity, water and internet. That is why we are now taking a major step to lower the cost of living, with sustainable solutions that will continue to deliver results from 2027 onwards.”