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# Caribbean Network

Caribbean Network

## Sitemaps

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## Posts

- [Saba Commemorated 163 Years of Emancipation](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2026/07/04/saba-commemorated-163-years-of-emancipation/) - Saba marked the 163rd anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Dutch Caribbean during its 2026 Emancipation Day Commemoration on Wednesday, July 1st, 2026, featuring keynote speaker Mutabaruka and a program of cultural performances. Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon event, Vito Charles, Board Member of the Saba Heritage Center, said the ceremony served
- [28 and 21 years in prison for suspects: ‘Justice for Sheldon Johnson’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2026/06/26/28-and-21-years-in-prison-for-suspects-justice-for-sheldon-johnson/) - KRALENDIJK — The court has sentenced Anthony W. and Rudolfo v. H. to 28 years and 21 years in prison, respectively, for the murder of Sheldon Johnson. With this ruling, the court completely agreed with the sentences requested by the Public Prosecutor's Office. The two convicted men showed no emotion when the verdict was read.
- [Selibon no longer solely a Bonairean problem](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2026/06/24/selibon-no-longer-solely-a-bonairean-problem/) - The Netherlands has a clear responsibility in solving the waste problem on Bonaire. Jolinda Craane, interim faction leader of the Bonaire Patriotic Union (UPB, Union Patriótiko Boneriano) – the largest party in the Bonairean Island Council – said this during the current visit of the body to the Netherlands. The issues surrounding Selibon are high
- [Bonaire also captivated by the Blue Wave: ‘One shared dream’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2026/06/17/bonaire-also-captivated-by-the-blue-wave-one-shared-dream/) - On Sunday, June 14, Bonaire was largely focused on Curaçao. The participation of the Curaçao national soccer team in the 2026 World Cup created a special vibe on the island. From churches to restaurants and bars, the match against Germany was alive everywhere. Early on, it was noticeable that not only Curaçao, but also Bonaire
- [Anticipated Changá Film Premieres this Friday on Saba](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2026/06/09/anticipated-changa-film-premieres-this-friday-on-saba/) - Thriving with the dominoes life hands you The Saba Heritage Center will premiere Changá, a new film by Francio Guadeloupe, this Friday on Saba. Recently, Caribbean Network sat down with Guadeloupe to discuss the project and the ideas behind it. Guadeloupe is a cultural anthropologist at the University of Amsterdam and holds a chair in
- [NCDR: ‘Inequality in Caribbean Netherlands is bordering discrimination’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2026/04/23/ncdr-inequality-in-caribbean-netherlands-is-bordering-discrimination/) - The inequality between the European Netherlands and the Caribbean Netherlands is so large that the government in The Hague might be guilty of discrimination. This is the conclusion of the National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism (NCDR) after conducting its own research. Bonaire, Saba, and St. Eustatius have been special municipalities of the Netherlands for
- [28 Years Demanded for Main Suspect in Murder of Sheldon Johnson](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2026/06/06/28-years-demanded-for-main-suspect-in-murder-of-sheldon-johnson/) - “Cowardly and Unscrupulous Act” KRALENDIJK – The Prosecution has demanded a 28-year prison sentence for Anthony W. for the murder of Saban firefighter Sheldon Johnson. A 21-year prison sentence was demanded for co-suspect Rudolfo van H. on charges of complicity. Johnson was ambushed and shot to death on September 12, 2025. After the victim fell,
- [Murder case that shocked Saba in court this Thursday on Bonaire](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2026/06/04/murder-case-that-shocked-saba-in-court-this-thursday-on-bonaire/) - The Court of First Instance will handle the murder case of Sheldon Johnson this Thursday, June 4, on Bonaire. Johnson was the firefighter who was shot and killed on Saba on September 12, 2025. The case caused a lot of commotion on the island and is drawing major interest within the small community. The case,
- [Saba’s Island Governor Johnson stepping down after 18 years](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2026/05/22/sabas-island-governor-johnson-stepping-down-after-18-years/) - Saba’s longest-serving governor, Jonathan Johnson, will soon hand over his duties, marking the end of an 18-year tenure devoted to serving the community he deeply cherishes. “I haven't let it sink in yet, so I'm still busy doing what I have to do until the last day. I think that after that, it will set
- [‘Law enforcement in the Caribbean Netherlands is under structural pressure’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2026/05/20/law-enforcement-in-the-caribbean-netherlands-is-under-structural-pressure/) - In the new State of Law Enforcement Caribbean Netherlands 2025, the Law Enforcement Council warns that law enforcement on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius (Statia), and Saba remains structurally vulnerable and will not turn out to be future-proof without major reinforcement. The Council for Law Enforcement is an independent, inter-country organization that oversees the justice system within
- [The report that doesn't dare – and the price Bonaire keeps on paying](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2026/05/11/the-report-that-doesnt-dare-and-the-price-bonaire-keeps-on-paying/) - OPINION Some reports reveal the truth. Others do the same but just don't go far enough, failing to offer any real added value. The recent report from the Education Council regarding education in the Caribbean Netherlands falls into that second category. It points out issues, adds nuance, and analyzes the situation. But when things get
- [Nahjah Wyatte wins gold for St. Maarten at CARIFTA](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2026/05/10/nahjah-wyatte-wins-gold-for-st-maarten-at-carifta/) - At just 14 years old, Nahjah Wyatte has made history for St. Maarten. The young middle-distance runner captured the gold medal in the Boys Under-17 800m at the 2026 CARIFTA Games, finishing in an impressive 1:53.26 and setting a new personal best. His victory gave St. Maarten its first ever gold medal in the annual
- [This system holds our children back (2): How the education system produces inequality](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2026/05/06/this-system-holds-our-children-back-2-how-the-education-system-produces-inequality/) - In this second part of a two-article series, Caribbean Network puts practice at the center: how does the system function in the classroom – and for whom? For many students on Bonaire, Papiamentu is their native language, but it still plays a subordinate role in education. The Werkgroep Positie Papiamentu (Work Group Position of Papiamentu)
- [‘This system holds our children back’ (1): Bonaire rings the bell about Papiamentu](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2026/05/02/this-system-holds-our-children-back-1-bonaire-rings-the-bell-about-papiamentu/) - In this first part of a two-article series, Caribbean Network highlights the apparent misunderstanding between politicians in The Hague and those participating in education on Bonaire regarding language proficiency and its function. The Werkgroep Positie Papiamentu (Work Group Position of Papiamentu) on Bonaire is disappointed with the response from the Dutch Ministries of Education, Culture,
- [Swimming at Your Own Risk: Who is Responsible for Safety at Sea?](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2026/04/03/swimming-at-your-own-risk-who-is-responsible-for-safety-at-sea/) - In January, four tourists drowned at different locations in the sea around Aruba. Not much information has been released to the public about the causes of these incidents. One thing is certain according to Marla Dominguez, a lifeguard instructor at the Red Cross: the outcome could have been different if lifeguards had been on-site. In
- [Steady progress at Saba’s highly anticipated Black Rocks Harbor](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2026/03/23/steady-progress-at-sabas-highly-anticipated-black-rocks-harbor/) - Caribbean Network was given the opportunity to tour the ongoing developments at the much-anticipated, more hurricane-resistant Black Rocks Harbor. Peter Biemond, Project Director on behalf of the Public Entity Saba for the Black Rocks Harbor Project, explained that while significant work remains, steady progress is being made. The breakwater is expected to be completed by
- [Not an easy road (3): ‘Everything feels more organized in the United States’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2026/03/03/not-an-esay-road-3-the-higher-education-experiences-for-students-of-st-eustatius-and-saba/) - For students from Sint Eustatius (Statia) and Saba, choosing whether to pursue further education in the Netherlands or the United States is shaped by a complex mix of personal and practical factors. In this three-part series the Caribbean Network explores the study experiences of students from the smallest islands of the BES – Statia and
- [Not an easy road (2): ‘Glorification’ of the Netherlands could be a trap for students](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2026/02/24/not-an-easy-road-1-glorification-of-the-netherlands-could-be-a-trap-for-students/) - Part 2 of this exploration examines the experiences of students from Sint Eustatius and Saba who are studying or have studied in the United States and the Netherlands. It is an eye-opening account of the harsh realities many students face, including financial constraints, significant language barriers, and the continued limitations caused by restricted access to
- [Not an easy road (1): The study experience of MBO graduates from Sint Eustatius and Saba](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2026/02/17/not-an-easy-road-1-the-study-experience-of-mbo-graduates-from-saint-eustatius-and-saba/) - For students from Sint Eustatius (Statia) and Saba, choosing whether to pursue further education in the Netherlands or the United States is shaped by a complex mix of personal and practical factors. In this three-part series Caribbean Network explores the study experiences of students from the smallest islands of the BES – Statia and Saba.
- [State Secretary visits Curaçao: ‘Much has been arranged for Childcare Benefit victims, but not everything’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2026/02/11/state-secretary-visits-curacao-much-has-been-arranged-for-childcare-benefit-victims-but-not-everything/) - During her January 25 till 28 work visit to Curaçao, State Secretary Sandra Palmen of Benefits and Recovery (formerly NSC, then briefly not affiliated to any party, recently having joined VVD) admitted that a lot has been done for victims of the Childcare Benefit Affair (‘Toeslagenaffaire’) in the Caribbean, ‘but not everything’. She reached this
- [‘Many women stay silent out of shame’ – Melrose Bloem opens listening line in Curaçao](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2025/12/20/many-women-stay-silent-out-of-shame-melrose-bloem-opens-listening-line-in-curacao/) - The woman texting Melrose Bloem this week hesitates for a long time before hitting send. She has been sitting on her couch for hours with a knot in her stomach. Things are not right between her and her partner, but she doesn't dare share her struggle with anyone around her. "I can't talk to anyone
- [Curaçao as a Trunk Full of Cultures: Migrant Mothers Tell Their Story in Mama Baranka](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2025/11/14/curacao-as-a-trunk-full-of-cultures-migrant-mothers-tell-their-story-in-mama-baranka/) - “Curaçao has given my children peace, it has brought us headaches, sunshine, and sometimes also storms. Curaçao is our trunk. Sometimes it opens and we see the sun. Sometimes it closes and we must find a way to survive in the dark.” These are the words of a mother from Jamaica, written down by poet
- [‘Dutch political parties must do more to be heard in the BES islands’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2025/11/07/dutch-political-parties-must-do-more-to-be-heard-in-the-bes-islands/) - The Island Governor of Sint Eustatius, Alida Francis, is concerned about the notably low number of voters who cast their ballots on her island in the elections for the Dutch parliament. Of the 1,935 eligible voters on Sint Eustatius, only 206 people voted on Wednesday, October 29. That is barely ten percent. Like Bonaire and
- [The Danger of the ‘Correctional Tap’: Curaçao Criminologist Kristen Martina on Partner Violence](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2025/09/23/the-danger-of-the-correctional-tap-curacao-criminologist-kristen-martina-on-partner-violence/) - Domestic violence, particularly partner violence, is a significant problem on the islands. In the European Netherlands, people from the Caribbean parts of the kingdom are also involved in these crimes more often than other minority groups. Criminologist and researcher Kristen Martina (33) has studied how gender and emotion regulation play a role in this issue.
- [New subsidy program for slavery projects on the six Caribbean islands](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2025/08/03/new-subsidy-program-for-slavery-projects-on-the-six-caribbean-islands/) - For the first time, there is a subsidy or grant program specifically focused on community initiatives about the slavery past on the six Caribbean islands of the Kingdom. The program was published on July 1st, and starting August 11th, non-profit organizations could submit applications for up to $10,000. "This is an important step. Before, there
- [Benefits Agency Struggles to Reach Victims in Curaçao: "We Want to Help, But Not Everyone Comes Forward"](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2025/07/21/benefits-agency-struggles-to-reach-victims-in-curacao-we-want-to-help-but-not-everyone-comes-forward/) - The Benefits Agency is trying to reach victims of the Benefits Scandal (‘Toeslagenaffaire’) living in Curaçao, but it’s proving difficult because not everyone responds to their efforts. A spokesperson for the Benefits Agency—part of the Dutch Ministry of Finance—confirmed this after an earlier report by Caribbean Network about victims who fled to Curaçao. "We know
- [Hundreds of Victims of the Benefits Scandal Fled to Curaçao: ‘Under the Guise of a Vacation’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2025/07/11/hundreds-of-victims-of-the-benefits-scandal-fled-to-curacao-under-the-guise-of-a-vacation/) - – BENEFITS AGENCY TRIES TO REACH OUT, BUT MANY HAVE DISAPPEARED – When Erica Wever went on vacation to Curaçao with her children in 2008, for the kids it turned out not to be a vacation—but a permanent move. “I fled. Everything I had built in the Netherlands collapsed because of the Benefits Scandal,” she says. “We left
- [Mayday for Sea Turtles: Sargassum Crisis Hits Curaçao Hard](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2025/05/14/mayday-for-sea-turtles-sargassum-crisis-hits-curacao-hard/) - The north coast of Curaçao is currently being flooded with sargassum (Sargasso seaweed). The situation is especially bad at Ascension Bay. Within just a few days, the water there turned into a thick, smelly mess. Animals are suffering because of this result of climate change and pollution. "We got the first reports on Friday. By
- [Poor neighborhoods struggle years on end (Ser’i Papaya)](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2025/04/25/poor-neighborhoods-struggle-years-on-end-seri-papaya/) - Under the title “Poor neighborhoods struggle years on end”, Caribbean Network is shedding light on developments in Curaçao’s disadvantaged neighborhoods. The goal is to show how these communities have changed over time. We begin with the Seru di Papaya neighborhood (commonly known as Ser’i Papaya). Year after year, poor neighborhoods receive little to no attention,
- [“Being a Caregiver Is the Hardest Job in the World”](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2025/02/06/being-a-caregiver-is-the-hardest-job-in-the-world/) - Manon Meijer has lived and worked her entire life in the Netherlands. That changes when her mother, Silvia Marsera, born in Rincon, develops dementia. Meijer makes the life-altering decision to leave behind the life she knows and move to Bonaire with her mother. “People with dementia want to return to their island,” she explains. On
- [Single mothers from Curaçao eager to become entrepreneurs in the Netherlands](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2025/01/09/single-mothers-from-curacao-eager-to-become-entrepreneurs-in-the-netherlands/) - There is a lot of interest among single mothers from Curaçao in becoming independent entrepreneurs without personnel (ZZP’ers, Zelfstandige Zonder Personeel) in the Netherlands, particularly in the province of Groningen. This is the only province that offers a course with a year of guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs. Contracted by the municipality of Groningen, Danette Hoyer
- [‘Entrepreneurs in uncertainty about increase in social minimum’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/12/29/entrepreneurs-in-uncertainty-about-increase-in-social-minimum/) - Companies on Bonaire still fear further price increases because the minimum wage and benefits will increase sharply in January and July. Now consumer association Unkobon and trade union Usibo are also raising the alarm. The House of Representatives decided in October that residents of Bonaire, Saba, and Statia – after almost 14 years - will
- [After years of waiting: Bonaire, Saba, and Statia get a legal counter](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/12/27/after-years-of-waiting-bonaire-saba-and-statia-get-a-legal-counter/) - All residents of Bonaire, Saba, and Statia will be entitled to free legal help or advice in 2024. There will be a legal desk on every island, outgoing Minister Franc Weerwind (Legal Protection) announced. Are you getting into trouble with a store, your health insurance, or the tax authorities? Do you want to know what
- [Central bank warns about climate change, ‘A signal to politicians’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/12/21/central-bank-warns-about-climate-change-a-signal-to-politicians/) - The Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) warns of the economic consequences of climate change. “The report is a signal to politicians who mainly think about today and tomorrow, and not about the situation over 25 years,” says economist Rob van den Bergh (Curconsult). Central Bank Director Richard Doornbosch writes in the report
- [‘Culprits surrounding the construction of the hospital in Curaçao have been known for a long time’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/12/18/culprits-surrounding-the-construction-of-the-hospital-in-curacao-have-been-known-for-a-long-time/) - How was it possible that the construction of the CMC hospital in Curaçao cost more than 200 million guilders extra? Former MP Melvin Cijntje believes the parliamentary investigation into this is unnecessary. Justice should look at whether politicians should appear in criminal court, he says. The high costs for the hospital have, among other things,
- [‘Why doesn’t the climate fund count for St Martin?’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/12/08/why-doesnt-the-climate-fund-count-for-st-martin/) - Activist Riddhi Samtani is drawing international attention to St. Martin at the UN climate summit in Dubai. Her island cannot turn to the climate funds for help, while residents do feel the effects of climate change. An international compensation fund has been launched in Dubai for poorer countries that have contributed least to the effects
- [Frustrations because of ATMmachines on Bonaire](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/12/07/frustrations-because-of-atmmachines-on-bonaire/) - Once again there are problems with various ATMs on Bonaire. Several times a week the requested amount cannot be withdrawn, money cannot be deposited or ATMs are out of order. “It is a big problem because there are many people on Bonaire who use cash,” responds a Bonairean woman who works right next to the
- [Children’s book brings Aruban enslaved Virginia to life](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/12/01/childrens-book-brings-aruban-enslaved-virginia-to-life/) - With the story ‘Virginia’, writer and filmmaker Ida Does want to draw attention to the human aspect of slavery. “We try to portray what Virginia’s dreams and aspirations were, what her family was like, and what friendships she would have had.” “A long dream has been fulfilled with this book,” says Ida Does. The filmmaker
- [‘Not enough attention has been paid to the House of Representatives election’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/11/28/not-enough-attention-has-been-paid-to-the-house-of-representatives-election/) - The campaign for the House of Representatives elections was once again not happening on Bonaire and that is worrying, says Deputy Anjelica Cicilia. According to her, the political parties in the Netherlands and the local government still have ‘a lot of work to do’ to get voters to the polling station. The turnout on Bonaire
- [Finally protest in Curaçao against the Israeli attacks](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/11/21/finally-protest-in-curacao-against-the-israeli-attacks/) - For the first time, a demonstration was held in Curaçao against Israel’s attack on the Palestinian territories. A group of about 50 people demonstrated on Wilhelminaplein on Wednesday evening. Saturday evening another demonstration was organized. The group has “commemorated all the lives lost in Palestine.” “Cruel and unnecessary,” says Tony Espineira of the organization. During
- [Having trouble paying back student debt? ‘Sign up for a lower monthly amount’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/11/10/having-trouble-paying-back-student-debt-sign-up-for-a-lower-monthly-amount/) - A remarkable number of former students in Curaçao are having problems repaying their student debt: 65 percent are behind on their monthly repayments to DUO. What seems to be the case? They are often unaware that they have to pay back less or even nothing. Very unfortunate and in many cases unnecessary, says Monique Hoogerwerf,
- [Canon of Dutch nature forgets Caribbean islands](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/11/08/canon-of-dutch-nature-forgets-caribbean-islands/) - The book ‘The Canon of Dutch Nature’ that was presented last week skipped part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands: nature on the Caribbean islands. A number of filmmakers think that is a shame. Ignas van Schaick is one of the filmmakers who is disappointed that the special municipalities of Saba, St. Eustatius, and Bonaire
- [Caribbean benefit parents do not feel heard](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/11/07/caribbean-benefit-parents-do-not-feel-heard/) - Affected benefit parents on the Caribbean islands do not feel helped in their recovery. Parents drop out and it also discourages other parents who have not yet officially registered as victims. And in the meantime, the deadline for applying for recovery is rapidly approaching: December 31. Parents can still register with the Recovery Benefits Implementation
- [Justin Niessen wants to make Caribbean cuisine worldwide popular](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/10/22/justin-niessen-wants-to-make-caribbean-cuisine-worldwide-popular/) - He already runs four restaurants in the Netherlands, and next year master chef Justin Niessen (33) will open a fifth on his native island of Curaçao. Justin has a dream. “Caribbean cuisine in different locations around the world, like no one has done before.” Justin Niessen was in Curaçao at the beginning of October for
- ['Young people on Bonaire seeking psychological help increasing'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/10/27/young-people-on-bonaire-seeking-psychological-help-increasing/) - The group of young people on Bonaire who independently seek help for mental problems is growing, according to Mental Health Caribbean. Yet the organization believes that many more young people may be needing help. According to Herman Atsma, team leader of the Child and Youth department, young people with mental complaints have not received sufficient
- [Yet another executive council on Bonaire, 'We promise transparency'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/10/22/yet-another-executive-council-on-bonaire-we-promise-transparency/) - Bonaire has a new executive council after MPB councilor Cyrill Vrolijk declared himself independent. In less than three days, Demokrat (PDB) and M21 signed an agreement with him. On Tuesday, a motion of no confidence was submitted against deputies Hennyson Thielman (MPB), James Kroon (UPB) and Jolinda Craane (UPB). It was expected that the opposition
- [The Caribbean Netherlands will receive a social minimum on July 1, 2024](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/10/26/the-caribbean-netherlands-will-receive-a-social-minimum-on-july-1-2024/) - A large majority in the House of Representatives in the Netherlands has decided that the social minimum will be introduced in the three Caribbean municipalities as of July 1, 2024. This means that residents of Bonaire, Saba, and Statia can - after almost 14 years of waiting - receive a realistic amount to live on.
- ['Do the islands want us back?'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/10/17/do-the-islands-want-us-back/) - The same question is heard again and again from a room full of Caribbean students and young professionals in Pakhuis de Zwijger in Amsterdam. Whether the islands are waiting for their return. The meeting, organized by the WeConnect foundation and Pakhuis de Zwijger, is intended to talk to Caribbean students and young professionals about their
- [Statia wants to go to the Eurovision Song Contest](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/10/17/statia-wants-to-go-to-the-eurovision-song-contest/) - Statia wants to go to the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of the Netherlands. Artist and firefighter Gerson Herrera (26) has submitted two songs for the national selection. This makes it the first entry ever from the Caribbean Netherlands. Herrera was born on Saint-Martin and moved to Statia when he was 12, the island that
- [Climate change: ‘Even warmer and even less rain’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/10/09/climatechange-even-warmer-and-even-less-rain/) - The future climate of the Caribbean will be even hotter and drier, especially in the dry season. Saba, Statia and Saint Martin can prepare for more severe hurricanes more often. This is what KNMI scientists concluded today with their latest climate scenarios. With the data from the latest UN IPCC report, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological
- [Severe weather postpones rehabilitation of Tula](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/10/04/severe-weather-postpones-rehabilitation-of-tula/) - It is quiet on the square behind Fort Amsterdam. The people's gaze is focused on former Member of Parliament Jeser El Ayoubi. He's up there on the fort walls. “Today, October 3, 2023,” he says, “228 years after the murder of Tula and Carpatta, is the day on which the Dutch government formally rehabilitates Tula.”
- ['Rehabilitation for Tula is just the beginning'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/10/03/rehabilitation-for-tula-is-just-the-beginning/) - Officially, resistance fighter Tula is still registered as a criminal in the Netherlands, but on Tuesday, October 3, the Dutch government will grant him rehabilitation. Singer Izaline Calister and program maker Wensley Francisco are looking forward to that moment. “This is just a start to really changing things.” After the largest uprising that broke out
- [Gershwin Bonevacia in theaters in the Netherlands, 'Painful and beautiful'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/09/30/gershwin-bonevacia-in-theaters-in-the-netherlands-painful-and-beautiful/) - What is it like growing up as a black Curaçaoan in the Netherlands? Poet Gershwin Bonevacia is about to premiere his theater performance in the Netherlands. He has already received many positive reactions and great reviews in the newspapers. The 31-year-old is having a stormy career. He wrote poems for the newspaper Het Parool, has
- [The amount of drunk drivers escalates on Bonaire](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/10/02/the-amount-of-drunk-drivers-escalates-on-bonaire/) - More and more people are appearing in court on Bonaire for driving while drunk. Justice promises to take tougher action. “For many people on this island, drinking and driving is very normal.” In the first half of the year, 92 drivers were stopped at the roadside or caught driving drunk after an accident. The Public
- [Unbearable temperatures: airconditioning and shortened schooldays on Curaçao](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/09/22/unbearable-temperatures-airconditioning-and-shortened-schooldays-on-curacao/) - The cabinet in Curaçao is taking more measures against the extreme heat. Schooldays are shortened and there are more classrooms with air conditioning. The measures are taken after continuing criticism of the government from the community and educational institutes. Labor unions and schools have asked before to invest in ventilation, like air conditioning and electric
- [Bonairian politicians concerned about the growing number of citizens](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/09/22/bonairian-politicians-concerned-about-the-growing-number-of-citizens/) - ‘Together we are one community' was this time the theme of the Day of Bonaire, meant to celebrate the diversity on the island. But local politicians mention in their speeches that they are concerned about the ‘uncontrolled population growth'. The population is growing due to migration and, by now, there are about 75 nationalities. For
- [Census Curaçao: Many European Dutch refuse to participate](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/09/14/census-curacao-many-european-dutch-refuse-to-participate/) - At the beginning of September the census Senso started on Curaçao. The intention is for everyone to participate, but many European Dutch are keeping their doors closed, the Central Bureau for Statistics (CBS) is noticing. “Often the result of ignorance.” The CBS on Curaçao holds an extensive census every ten years, to get a detailed
- [Are The Netherlands going to save 30.000 Caribbean pensions?](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/09/12/are-the-netherlands-going-to-save-30-000-caribbean-pensions/) - About 30,000 people are in danger of losing the whole of their pension after more than a billion Antillean guilders disappeared at insurance company Ennia. In order to save the pensions the Netherlands want to lend about 600 million euros to Curaçao and Saint Martin. But will this really happen? The television program Nieuwsuur (NTR/NOS)
- [‘The future of the fishing industry does not look well’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/09/09/the-future-of-the-fishing-industry-does-not-look-well/) - On Bonaire possibly the last fishing competition was organized last weekend. At first glance, it looks like a party, but the fishermen have a somber message: Things are going very very badly for the fishery. Twenty boats go out to the sea, hoping for the best catch. Although for the spectators it seems like a
- [Coral disease keeps spreading: What will Bonaire do to save the reef?](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/09/06/coral-disease-keeps-spreading-what-will-bonaire-do-to-save-the-reef/) - Protectors of nature on Bonaire have sounded the alarm before, because of a coral disease that is ‘highly contagious’ for the reef. The spread of the Stony Coral Tissue Loss disease has become more extensive. Swimming, diving, or snorkeling is already forbidden in certain areas. The recent measures are in place till the end of
- [Earning a quick buck on Bonaire? ‘They’re stealing our clients’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/09/04/earning-a-quick-buck-on-bonaire-theyre-stealing-our-clients/) - Coming from the Netherlands or Curacao to make a quick buck on Bonaire? Various entrepreneurs on Bonaire are worried about the increasing number of tourists and foreign businesspeople that are coming to sell products and offer services. People are coming on holidays or business trips to offer products like make-up, and eyelashes or to offer
- [Possibly more hurricanes to come: Warmest Caribbean sea ever measured](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/09/01/possibly-more-hurricanes-to-come-warmest-caribbean-sea-ever-measured/) - The most dangerous period of the hurricane season is upon us. What is remarkable is that the seawater has never been this warm before. Therefore scientists have adjusted their expectations: the possibility of more intense storms and hurricanes has increased. Officially hurricane season is from June 1st to November 30th. In August, September, and October
- [Curaçao international champion Little League again](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/08/30/curacao-international-champion-little-league-again/) - The youth baseball players of Curacao became international champions in the US for the second time in a row. On the island, they were received festively. “This is remarkable for such a small island!” It is busy in the entrance hall of the airport. Many children in basketball outfits hand out little flags of Curaçao
- [Statue of resistance fighter Tula not welcome on Curaçao](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/08/23/statue-of-resistance-fighter-tula-not-welcome-on-curacao/) - It was meant to be the first statue of Tula for Curaçao. But if it is up to the Tula museum, the bronze nude image of the freedom fighter remains in the Netherlands. Why? It is an impressive statue two meters high; made in 1973 by the Dutch artist Toos Hagenaars. In those days she
- [Jorien Wuite: ‘The Hague could be more ambitious regarding the islands’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/08/21/jorien-wuite-the-hague-could-be-more-ambitious-regarding-the-islands/) - D66 Member of Parliament Jorien Wuite was eligible for the election of 2021 because there was a lack of knowledge about the islands in parliament. But she announced not to return after the elections in November. And then the governing parties - VVD, CDA, ChristenUnie, and your D’66 - decide to pull the plug on
- ['Time to break the taboo on breastfeeding'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/08/10/time-to-break-the-taboo-on-breastfeeding/) - “We must break the taboo surrounding breastfeeding on Bonaire,” says breastfeeding specialist Mariëlle Olaya Romero. She sees that breastfeeding is no longer the norm and public feeding is taboo. "People frown upon it. But you should be able to feed your baby anywhere." Global attention is being paid to breastfeeding during these weeks. Olaya Romero
- [Lack of money: St. Maarten top swimmers not going to World Championship](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/08/08/lack-of-money-keeps-saint-martin-top-swimmers-from-going-to-the-world-championship/) - Just picture this: you qualify for the world championship swimming in Japan, but at the last minute you’re prevented from participating because there is no money. 21-year-old Tatiana Illis from Saint Martin is dismayed, but she still is convinced that she will reach the Olympic Games. Tatiana Illis is the first female swimmer of Saint
- [Child Helpline now also on Bonaire: 'Such nice conversations'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/08/06/childhelpline-now-also-on-bonaire-such-nice-conversations/) - After Saba and St. Eustatius, children on Bonaire can now also call the child helpline Guana Chat 918. Sometimes they call about 'serious' problems, but so far it's been mostly fun conversations. “We also take children who play pranks on us very seriously.” To guarantee anonymity in such small communities, all children of the Caribbean municipalities
- [No maternity leave for entrepreneurs, 'Financially and emotionally difficult'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/08/08/no-maternity-leave-for-entrepreneurs-financially-and-emotionally-difficult/) - When it comes to a maternity leave or paternity leave, parents in the Caribbean municipalities of the Netherlands still have fewer rights than parents in the European part of the Netherlands. Several entrepreneurs tell how 'financially and emotionally difficult' this is for them. Expectant mothers with their own business are not eligible for paid maternity
- [‘African influence clearly visible on Aruba’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/08/03/african-influence-clearly-visible-on-aruba/) - The African heritage in Aruba isn’t just the result of slavery but also due to the influence of migrants of African descent that came later. “That has certainly influenced our community”, says cultural anthropologist Gregory Richardson. “You can see a large influx of people of Afro-Caribbean descent in three different groups”, he says in the
- [Social Service Time starts on Bonaire, ‘give something back to your island’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/08/02/social-service-time-starts-on-bonaire-give-something-back-to-your-island/) - Social Service Time, which already exists in the continental Netherlands, has now also started in the special municipality of Bonaire. The intention is for young people to keep developing themselves while doing something for their island. There are projects around, for instance, art, culture, sports, and sustainability. “For young people here it is not a
- [Maternity leave in Caribbean municipalities? Less rights than in the European-Netherlands](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/07/31/maternity-leave-in-caribbean-municipalities-less-rights-than-in-the-european-netherlands/) - Parents and expectant parents shared their bewilderment before with Caribbean Network about maternity leave on Bonaire. Now, more than a year later, nothing has changed for the Dutch-Caribbean islands. Where fathers in salaried employment in the European Netherlands have the right to fully paid leave, on the islands they have to make do with the
- ['We're going to grind even more this summer carnival!'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/07/29/were-going-to-grind-even-more-this-summer-carnival/) - According to the organization of the Rotterdam summer carnival, parade participants are no longer allowed to twerk at another. Carnival fans are surprised about the statement. “They are messing with our culture. Now we are going to grind even more, out of protest!” Quinlan de Windt, from Curaçao, can't wait to join the parade again
- [What is to follow after the comma? ‘Caribbean community needs to take action itself’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/07/27/what-is-to-follow-after-the-comma-caribbean-community-needs-to-take-action-itself/) - After the King asked for forgiveness, the mayor of the Dutch city of Almere said sorry on June 30th, and the comma of Rutte in December last year, the question is: what now? What for instance is to happen in Almere where on Friday, June 30th a slavery monument by Patrick Mezas was unveiled? Nationwide
- [Statia appeals to citizens: ‘Please screen for cervical cancer’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/07/26/statia-appeals-to-citizens-please-screen-for-cervical-cancer/) - Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequently occurring form of cancer. On the very religious St Eustatius, more and more women are trying to leave their feelings of shame behind to submit to the screening. Thanks to the population screening of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) cervical cancer can now be detected at an early stage,
- [Growing poverty: Curaçao raises social welfare benefits by 30 percent](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/07/20/growing-poverty-curacao-raises-social-welfare-benefits-by-30-percent/) - Social welfare on Curaçao has been raised by 30 percent, as of July 14th. According to the minister of Social Development, Labour and Welfare this is necessary because of the growing poverty on the island. Still, the amount isn’t enough to live on. Minister Ruthmilda Larmonie-Cecilia (PNP) recently pointed out several times that she is
- [‘The place on Statia where my ancestors arrived made an impression’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/07/18/the-place-on-statia-where-my-ancestors-arrived-made-an-impression/) - Songstress Kizzy ventures out in the three part televisionseries Slavery and us to find the strength of the people from the Windward islands. She states that it was an emotional and inspirational adventure. Dances, music, dishes composed with cheese rinds. But also hazardous attempts to escape the island by canoe and violent revolts. The enslaved
- [Dangerous cliffs on Statia: Netherlands finally taking action](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/07/16/dangerous-cliffs-on-statia-netherlands-finally-taking-action/) - It is a miracle that there are no deaths yet, so say citizens of Statia. They have been warning about the crumbling walls holding up the cliffs for years. Only now that a judge has passed sentence for the third time Dutch government is going to take action. 12.000 goats are estimated to roam the
- [The impact of slavery: broken families and an inferiority complex](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/07/14/the-impact-of-slavery-broken-families-and-an-inferiority-complex/) - Psychologist Shandewry Rosalina links slavery to the fact that many Caribbean men don’t know how to talk about their feelings. The many broken families and the ‘inferiority complex’ of Caribbean people are also a result of slavery, according to Rosalina. Families were ripped apart because the parents had to work many long hours in order
- [Nina Jurna presents the television series 'From Bahia to Brooklyn': “The whip connects us all”](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/07/15/nina-jurna-presents-the-television-series-from-bahia-to-brooklyn-the-whip-connects-us-all/) - Nina Jurna presents the television series 'From Bahia to Brooklyn'. The series, which is being broadcasted in Holland, is about cultural renovation and connection in the Caribbean. Jurna travels to seven countries and islands to look at the effects of slavery past. She came back enriched by the experience. Jurna has been a correspondent from
- [Minimum wage up sharply in Caribbean municipalities, entrepreneurs are worried](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2022/12/31/minimum-wage-up-sharply-in-caribbean-municipalities-entrepreneurs-are-worried/) - In 2023, the minimum wage on Bonaire will increase by no less than 18 percent. This is good news for people who earn little, but entrepreneurs fear that prices on the island will continue to rise. Minister Carola Schouten (Poverty Policy) wants to have reached a social minimum for the Caribbean municipalities by 2025. To
- [Welcome 2023! The year of equal treatment for the people of Bonaire, Saba & Statia?](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2023/01/01/welcome-2023-the-year-of-equal-treatment-for-the-people-of-bonaire-saba-statia/) - Happy New Year! Will 2023 be a year of significant progress and equal treatment for the people living in the Caribbean municipalities? These are the New Year's wishes of various residents and politicians of Bonaire, Saba and Statia. "As far as I am concerned, we must achieve equal treatment of the inhabitants of the Caribbean
- [So what if you're homesick, aching for the Caribbean during the holidays?](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2022/12/24/so-what-if-youre-homesick-aching-for-the-caribbean-during-the-holidays/) - December is the most wonderful time of the year they say. For some Caribbean students abroad, this period is rather a sad one. How to deal with homesickness? Two former students share their tips for all young students and their parents. Former student Claudio Fray knows what it feels like. “I cried,” he says. “I
- [Van Huffelen on Bonaire: ‘determine social minimum as soon as possible’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2022/02/21/van-huffelen-on-bonaire-determine-social-minimum-as-soon-as-possible/) - KRALENDIJK – “I want to be able to determine the social minimum as soon as possible. But those are just words, they have to be turned into deeds”, said state secretary Alexandra van Huffelen (Kingdom Relations) during her first work visit to Bonaire on Tuesday. Story continues after the video Report by Marit Severijnse
- [New state secretary visits Bonaire, Saba and Statia: what do the Caribbean municipalities want from The Hague](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2022/02/17/new-state-secretary-visits-bonaire-saba-and-statia-what-do-the-caribbean-municipalities-want-from-the-hague/) - KRALENDIJK – Immediately after being sworn in as state secretary, Alexandra van Huffelen (Kingdom Relations), started talking to Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten. The state secretary started her tour of all the six islands on Thursday. She was on Curaçao on Thursday, on Sunday the 13th she travelled to Bonaire to talk to politicians and
- [Increase in minimum wage on the BES islands, but it will ‘mean nothing due to rising prices’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2022/02/10/increase-in-minimum-wage-on-the-bes-islands-but-it-will-mean-nothing-due-to-rising-prices/) - KRALENDIJK – “We are always grateful for an increase in the minimum wage, but this one will mean nothing because everything in Bonaire has gotten more expensive”, says MPB leader Elvis Tjin Asjoe. The minimum wage and social benefits on the BES islands increased with 10 percent on the 1st of January. “But in the
- [Disappointment: King will not use controversial Gouden Koets ‘for now’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2022/01/24/disappointment-king-will-not-use-controversial-gouden-koets-for-now-erschoor/) - THE HAGUE – King Willem-Alexander announced that he will not be using the Gouden Koets ‘for now’. The reactions to this video within the Caribbean community have been mixed. A notable sentiment was the ‘disappointment’ felt by some that the Gouden Koets might someday in the future be used again. “We cannot rewrite history. We
- [Ombudsman Sint Maarten: ‘Dutch recovery funds hurricane Irma still unavailable’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/12/16/ombudsman-sint-maarten-dutch-recovery-funds-hurricane-irma-still-unavailable/) - PHILIPSBURG – The funds that the Netherlands made available after hurricane Irma four years ago to help with the rebuilding of Sint Maarten are still unavailable according to Ombudsman Gwendolien Mossel. “The system set up by the World Bank doesn’t work. It’s too slow, too bureaucratic. How many assessments have to be completed before they
- [Prisoners: situation in Sint Maarten’s prison still bad](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/12/15/prisoners-situation-in-sint-maartens-prison-still-bad/) - PHILIPSBURG – Locked in a cell for twenty two hours a day, not having any activities planned. The prisoners at the Pointe Blanche prison are frustrated. And that is reflected in the high number of incidents involving violence. “There is literally nothing to do here”, an incarcerated man says. “There are no activities, no educational
- [Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten unite to form a stronger bloc against the Netherlands](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/11/12/aruba-curacao-and-sint-maarten-unite-to-form-a-stronger-bloc-against-the-netherlands/) - ORANJESTAD - ORANJESTAD – After a meeting on Aruba, the prime ministers of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten announced that they will unite to form a stronger bloc against the Netherlands during negotiations. The Curaçaoan prime minister Gilmar Pisas emphasized that ‘they don’t want to create the impression that the three countries will be fighting
- [BES islands’ urgent appeal to the Netherlands: ‘determine social minimum’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/09/28/bes-islands-urgent-appeal-to-the-netherlands-determine-social-minimum/) - KRALENDIJK – “The subsistence level has been a dot on the horizon for years. We can no longer explain this to the people,” says island council member Elvis Tjin Asjoe. He laid the groundwork for a motion that was adopted by all three of the BES islands. The motion demands that the yet to be
- ['Ball in Curaçaoan Parliament’s court after ground breaking court ruling on same-sex marriage'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/09/21/ball-in-curacaoan-parliaments-court-after-ground-breaking-court-ruling-on-same-sex-marriage/) - WILLEMSTAD – In a remarkable judgement on Monday a Curaçaoan judge ruled that it is ‘not legally acceptable to deny same-sex couples a civil marriage’. MP Giselle McWilliam, who for years has been fighting for the introduction of inclusive marriages (for all citizens, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, ed.) on the island, is happy
- [On Sint Maarten there is still no clarity about the cost-cutting measures of public civil servants](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/08/25/on-st-maarten-there-is-still-no-clarity-about-the-cost-cutting-measures-of-public-civil-servants/) - PHILIPSBURG – On St. Maarten there is still no clarity about the cost-cutting measures the island's government implemented in 2020 regarding the employment benefits of public and semi-public civil servants by 12.5%. Last week St. Maarten's Constitutional Court heard a landmark case regarding this long running case. This didn’t lead to a breakthrough. After hours
- [Sint Maarten's health minister is 'happy with every new vaccination'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/08/25/sint-maartens-health-minister-is-happy-with-every-new-vaccination/) - PHILIPSBURG - Like Aruba and Curaçao, Sint Maarten has been dealing with an increase in the number of corona infections for several weeks. This causes an increase in the number of corona patients in hospital. The island is doing a lot to keep the infections as low as possible, such as the introduction of a
- [President CBCS: Sint Maarten is too small to have its own Central Bank](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/08/19/president-cbcs-sint-maarten-is-too-small-to-have-its-own-central-bank/) - PHILIPSBURG – “The economy of Sint Maarten is not big enough to support its own central bank,” said the president of the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, Richard Doornbosch. Doornbosch was appointed director of the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten CBCS) a year ago. A year dominated by the effects of
- [Market Vendors Underrepresented and Await Solution to Philipsburg Marketplace](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/07/06/market-vendors-underrepresented-and-await-solution-to-philipsburg-marketplace/) - PHILIPSBURG - The Philipsburg market place has been in existence for over 20 years, selling goods to residents and tourists alike. The majority are migrant women who pay yearly tax fees to the government for the facility they’ve used to sell to thousands over the years. Right now, it is nothing like the vibrant marketplace
- [Unvaccinated crew forces homeporting cruise ship to abruptly change itinerary](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/06/23/unvaccinated-crew-forces-homeporting-cruise-ship-to-abruptly-change-itinerary/) - PHILIPSBURG - The under vaccinated crew of Windstar Cruise's Star Breeze, the second ship to homeport in St. Maarten, has forced the cruise line to change its itinerary because of Covid related entry requirements of the destinations. The cruise cancelled it scheduled 2 trips and will return to St. Maarten on July 10 after the
- [Ombudsman: Parliament has to finally deal with poverty and stop beating around the bush: John](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/06/20/ombudsman-parliament-has-to-finally-deal-with-poverty-and-stop-beating-around-the-bush-john/) - THE HAGUE – The National Ombudsman is desperately appealing to MP’s to finally deal with the poverty and inequality in the Caribbean municipalities. “Stop beating around the bush”, that’s what Reinier van Zutphen said in Parliament. Next Wednesday Parliament will discuss the severe poverty on Bonaire, Saba, and Statia once more. Ten years after they
- [Politicians Statia ‘insulted’ after visit by state secretary Knops](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/05/25/politicians-statia-insulted-after-visit-by-state-secretary-knops/) - ORANJESTAD – Politicians on Statia feel like they have been ‘insulted’ and are ‘deeply disappointed’ after a visit by state secretary Knops (Kingdom Relations) to the island. The island does have five duly elected council members, but they can only call meetings and ask questions. The Dutch government has been governing the island since 2018,
- [Shipwrecks left after hurricane Irma to be removed from Simpsonbay Lagoon](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/05/03/shipwrecks-left-after-hurricane-irma-to-be-removed-from-simpsonbay-lagoon/) - PHILIPSBURG – Almost 3,5 years after hurricane Irma, the removal of all the shipwrecks left in the Simpsonbay Lagoon on Sint Maarten has begun. The World Bank has allocated 12 million euros from the Sint Maarten recovery fund to remove tens of shipwrecks located on the Dutch side of the island. Story continues after the
- [Jorien Wuite (D66): ‘I hope that I will be able to help people connect to each other’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/04/19/jorien-wuite-d66-i-hope-that-i-will-be-able-to-help-people-connect-to-each-other/) - THE HAGUE – After nearly ten years, there’s a member of Parliament with Caribbean heritage: Jorien Wuite, representing the D66. The congratulations are pouring in for the former diplomat from Sint Maarten. What can the voter expect from her? “You know your party is doing well in the polls, but are those expectations realistic? Well,
- [MFK-leader Pisas brings upon major shift in politics on Curaçao](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/03/20/mfk-leader-pisas-brings-upon-major-shift-in-politics-on-curacao/) - WILLEMSTAD – “Believe me! We will be the biggest party. We’re going for 11 seats. No one can stop us.” The future prime minister of Curaçao, Gilmar Pisas, was extremely enthusiastic and was nearly shouting when he spoke to the media last Friday before he arrived to cast his vote in ‘his’ Banda’bou. Pisas was
- [Kenneth Cuvalay (UCF): 'In a fair society Black people would have the same chances'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/03/16/kenneth-cuvalay-ucf-in-a-fair-society-black-people-would-have-the-same-chances/) - THE HAGUE – With the upcoming elections for the Dutch parliament, Caribbean Network is having interviews with candidates about the Caribbean community. Kenneth Cuvalay of Ubuntu Connected Front (UCF), calls for a 'fair society': decolonize the education immediately and tackle the structures that discriminate against marginalized groups. What is the reason for you to participate
- [Bij1 candidate Lysanne Charles: 'It is time for radical changes within the Dutch Kingdom'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/02/21/bij1-candidate-lysanne-charles-it-is-time-for-radical-changes-within-the-dutch-kingdom/) - THE HAGUE – With the upcoming elections for the Dutch parliament, Caribbean Network is having interviews with candidates about the Caribbean community. What's grabbing the attention? Lysanne Charles (Bij 1) is one of the eligible persons from the Caribbean municipalities. You were born and raised in Saba, studied in Curaçao and then worked in Sint
- [Debate: ‘taking over the enforcement of the law won’t help, fighting poverty will’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/03/15/debate-taking-over-the-enforcement-of-the-law-wont-help-fighting-poverty-will/) - THE HAGUE – “We have to work towards a system where we tackle the underlying issues that lead to criminal behavior. Research has shown that it mostly has to do with poverty.” These are the words of Quincy Gario, candidate for BIJ1, in debate with CDA MP Chris van Dam about whether or not the
- [Government inaction prevents property buyers from closing sale](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/02/04/government-inaction-prevents-property-buyers-from-closing-sale/) - PHLIPSBURG - Almost all of the 144 brand new apartments in The Emerald at Maho are sitting empty. Buyers of these apartments have been waiting for up to four months to close on the sale of these units despite the fact that many have paid their final deposit. According to many buyers, the government has
- [Vaccinations in SXM: Doctors continue to hold conflicting opinions](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/01/30/vaccinations-in-sxm-doctors-continue-to-hold-conflicting-opinions/) - PHILIPSBURG - With the proposed vaccination programme on St Maarten due to be rolled out in mid February, medical professionals are concerned that the public has access to as much information as possible. Following the article published by Caribbean Network on Monday 25th January, the comment by Dr Frits Bus that ‘The vaccine alters your
- [St. Maarten makes U-turn on hosting carnival](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/01/28/st-maarten-makes-u-turn-on-hosting-carnival/) - PHLIPSBURG - Less than two weeks of greenlighting carnival, the Council of Ministers cancelled the event along with Heineken Regatta. The two festivals are widely recognized, economic drivers of St. Maarten’s tourism industry. This will be the second year carnival has been cancelled due to threats caused by Covid-19. Announcement of the carnival was met
- [Vaccines to arrive in Sint Maarten: 'better info campaign needed'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2021/01/25/vaccines-to-arrive-in-st-maarten-better-info-campagne-needed/) - PHILIPSBURG - The impending arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine on St Maarten has divided the community. Some islanders are positive they want the vaccine and believe it will offer the solution for them to regain the freedoms lockdown and isolation took away. There are others who remain hesitant and uncertain, doubting that a vaccine developed
- [Local musicians bring Christmas cheer to hospital patients and staff](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/12/23/local-musicians-bring-christmas-cheer-to-hospital-patients-and-staff/) - PHLIPSBURG - Every week day from mid December until Christmas Eve, socially distanced musicians serenaded SMMC’s patients and staff from the open-air patio. Music drifted down the wards and floated around the hospital allowing staff and visitors to enjoy the entertainment from wherever they were. Musicians came from The St Maarten Chamber Orchestra (string section),
- [Sint Maarten and the Netherlands reach agreement on corona aid: 30 million euros set aside for new prison](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/12/24/sint-maarten-and-the-netherlands-reach-agreement-on-corona-aid-30-million-euros-set-aside-for-new-prison/) - PHILIPSURG – The government of Sint Maarten and the Netherlands have reached a political agreement on the cusp of 2021: 61,2 million Antillean guilders (30,6 million euros) in budgetary support for a period from July 1st till December 31st 2020. An additional 30 million euros has also been made available for the construction of a
- [Local community gives gifts to most vulnerable](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/12/21/local-community-gives-gifts-to-most-vulnerable/) - PHILIPSBURG - With job losses, redundancies and reduced income, the covid-19 pandemic could severely dampen the Christmas spirit for many vulnerable children, adults and the elderly in St Maarten. Video by Tim van Dijk To help ease the numerous financial pressures some will be feeling this Christmas, The K1 Britannia Foundation is spreading winter warmth
- [Coronavirus Exasperates Homelessness on St Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/12/18/coronavirus-exasperates-homelessness-on-st-maarten/) - PHILIPSBURG - Homeless people are experiencing greater health risks and some claim less assistance is available to them as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge. A recent report into Covid-19 in the Caribbean by the United Nations expresses concerns that ‘Homeless people are overexposed to the risk of contracting COVID-19 because of their lack of
- [Where’s the protection for journalists and press freedom on the Dutch Caribbean islands?](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/12/16/wheres-the-protection-for-journalists-and-press-freedom-on-the-dutch-caribbean-islands/) - ORANJESTAD – During the World Press Freedom Conference (WPFC) which the Kingdom of the Netherlands helped organize, minister Stef Blok stated that the freedom of the press has ‘an absolute priority within the Netherlands’. But questions about if the freedom of the press is protected on the Dutch Caribbean islands remained unanswered. Multiple questions posed
- [Freedom of the press curtailed on most Caribbean islands during corona crisis](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/12/16/freedom-of-the-press-curtailed-on-most-caribbean-islands-during-corona-crisis/) - ORANJESTAD – The freedom of the press was under even more pressure from both the government and citizens during the corona crisis. However it is Aruba that took the crown, according to the media and journalists on the Dutch Caribbean islands. On Aruba, journalists did not receive a dispensation when the curfew was announced. After
- [Swimming ban after shark attack: 'the ban only creates unnecessary fear'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/12/14/swimming-ban-after-shark-attack-the-ban-only-creates-unnecessary-fear/) - PHILIPSBURG - A 38-year-old French tourist, on a sabbatical year in Saint-Martin, died of her injuries after sustaining multiple shark bites. The attack happened approximately 150 meters from the shore of Orient Beach on the French side of Saint Martin at around 2.30 pm on Thursday, December 10. Onlookers report two other women were with
- [D66 candidate Wuite: ‘We need to change the trend to portray St. Martin as everything is negative’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/12/03/d66-candidate-wuite-we-need-to-change-the-trend-to-portray-st-martin-as-everything-is-negative/) - PHILIPSBURG - Jorien Wuite, former Minister Plenipotentiary and seasoned public servant, is making history as the first person from St. Martin to contest the upcoming Second Chamber elections in the Netherlands. What agenda does she support and what’s important to accomplish for the island itself? And what about the recovery after Irma and the future.
- [Data breach affects thousands of tourists](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/11/26/data-breach-affects-thousands-of-tourists/) - ORANJESTAD – Thousands of immigration forms containing the private data of tourists (mostly Americans) including passport numbers, home addresses, and signatures were left in an open container over the weekend. “I estimate that there were hundreds of thousands”, an anonymous witness said. The container itself and its contents have been brought to the dump by
- [Saba will receive 1.5 million from The Hague to deal with corona crisis blows](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/11/10/saba-will-receive-1-5-million-from-the-hague-to-deal-with-corona-crisis-blows/) - THE HAGUE – Saba will receive 1.5 million dollars from the Dutch government to deal with the blows caused by the corona crisis. The island forwent a major portion of its income as it was closed off to tourists for a period of nine months. State secretary Raymond Knops (Kingdom Relations) announced the amount during
- [High turnout for elections Statia: PLP achieves absolute majority with 3 seats](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/10/22/high-turnout-for-elections-statia-plp-achieves-absolute-majority-with-3-seats/) - ORANJESTAD – The Progressive Labour Partij (PLP) has won the first election for the island council on Statia since the Dutch intervention in 2018. But the true winner seems to be the people of Statia, who turned out in massive numbers: 1617 individuals cast their votes, a turnout rate of at least 76,93 percent. Story
- [Government commissioner: ‘it has to be possible for Statia to regain democracy quicker’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/10/21/government-commissioner-it-has-to-be-possible-for-statia-to-regain-democracy-quicker/) - ORANJESTAD - Statia’s newly elected island council will be able to exercise control over executive decisions for the first time in two years after the Dutch intervention on the island. But the scope of their powers will be limited due to the recovery legislation. Because otherwise it could take longer before Statians are able to
- [Elections Statia: ‘we’re not participating just for show’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/10/21/elections-statia-were-not-participating-just-for-show/) - ORANJESTAD – “What’s most noticeable this time is that for the first time in a long time we have two female party leaders”, says Urisha Blake, a teacher and well-known blogger on the island. “It remains to be seen however, if they will have something to say. Because politics on the island have been dominated
- [Protests against rumored dolphinarium, government denies water rights](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/10/09/protests-against-rumored-dolphinarium-government-denies-water-rights/) - PHILIPSBURG - Over 100 protestors joined the Dolphin Defenders on Maho Beach, St Maarten at the weekend to demonstrate against rumoured plans for a dolphinarium at the hotel development at Burgeaux Bay, Beacon Hill. Two days after the protest Minister of VROMI Egbert Doran denied Alegria Real Estate NV (Alegria) rights to the water surrounding
- [St. Maarten' Pro Soualiga Foundation sues Dutch State](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/10/05/st-maarten-pro-soualiga-foundation-sues-dutch-state/) - PHILIPSBURG - On the cusp of St. Maarten’s 10th anniversary as a country within the Dutch Kingdom, Pro Soualiga Foundation, recently filed an injunction against the Dutch state citing that the Kingdom Charter does not comply with international law. The foundation is championing the island’s rights to self-government and the need for further decolonization by
- [Sint Maarten is about to lose half of its GP’s](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/10/02/sint-maarten-is-about-to-lose-half-of-its-gps/) - PHILIPSBURG – Almost half (eleven) of the GP’s (general practitioners) on Sint Maarten are going to reach retirement age within three years. The requirement that a GP has a Dutch BIG-registration (quality control) makes it difficult to recruit GP’s from the surrounding areas. The salaries are also considerably lower than those in the Netherlands according
- [Residents living near Sint Maarten’s dump have to move](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/09/16/people-of-pond-island-have-to-move-but-nobody-knows-where-and-how/) - PHILIPSBURG - The dump and surrounding land that overlooks Philipsburg in St Maarten is home to almost two hundred people that live in shacks and shipping containers. The Dutch Government allocated funds to redevelop this landfill after Hurricane Irma, but work can not begin until parts of this community are relocated. The National Recovery Program
- [Successful protest forces border opening](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/09/17/successful-protest-forces-opening-of-border/) - PHILIPSBURG - After citizens of both the Dutch and French part of St. Maarten protested again against the border closure, the French authorities decided to lift the closure. Soualiga United, a movement with leaders from both the Dutch and French communities, organized the protest. Hundreds of protesters turned up this Wednesday and with success: at
- [Years of discussions with the Netherlands but Saba’s budget ends in the red](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/09/07/years-of-discussions-with-the-netherlands-but-sabas-budget-ends-in-the-red/) - THE BOTTOM – “There has been an ongoing discussion which we are still having with Saba about the free allowance (vrije uitkering). But that’s totally different than hanging Saba out to dry”, reacts state secretary Raymond Knops (Kingdom Relations) after the alarm was sounded for yet another time about the precarious state of the government
- [14 nurses quarantined after resident and staff test positive for Covid-19](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/08/29/14-nurses-in-isolation-after-resident-and-staff-test-positive-for-covid-19/) - PHILIPSBURG - The Sint Martin’s Home is Dutch St Maarten’s only residential care home for the elderly run by White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF). Yesterday, they confirmed that two staff members and one resident have contracted the coronavirus and as a result 14 nurses have been placed into quarantine. Since these nurses have
- [Slave register on Curaçao fills a big gap](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/08/31/slave-register-on-curacao-fills-a-big-gap/) - WILLEMSTAD – The launch of the Slavenregister (slave register) fills a gap in the history of slavery on Curaçao, because now everyone can find out whether their ancestors were slaves. That’s what Frank Quirindongo, chair of the Slavernij Platform en Erfenis van de Slavernij, says. “Only through knowing your history, can you know yourself.” On
- [Corona crisis: NGO’s Sint Maarten struggling to stay afloat](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/08/20/corona-crisis-ngos-sint-maarten-struggling-to-stay-afloat/) - PHILIPSBURG - Ripples of the first corona wave continue its impact on the quality of life on St. Maarten, while the second wave seems close at hand. One sector that remains in dire need of support is the non-profit and non-governmental organizations. There are over 200 non-profit organizations on St. Maarten, which are providing constant
- [Daycares at Sint Maarten struggle after lockdown and lack of funding](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/08/11/daycares-at-st-maarten-struggle-after-lockdown-and-lack-of-funding/) - PHILIPSBURG – After two months of lockdown, early childcare facilities are still unable to operate at Sint Maarten. These schools rely on monthly transactions from parents to fund their operations and many parents stopped paying their contributions due to loss of income or uncertainty. According to Sophia Farell-Hassell, president of St. Maarten Early Childhood Development
- [Number of cases on the islands increase: ‘No reason to send naval vessel yet’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/08/17/number-of-cases-on-the-islands-increase-no-reason-to-send-naval-vessel-yet/) - THE HAGUE – The number of Corona cases on Aruba and Sint Maarten is rising exponentially. The minister of Defense, Ank Bijleveld, doesn’t see a reason yet to re-deploy the Karel Doorman to the Caribbean. On Aruba 905 individuals are currently infected with the corona virus. At the beginning of August that number was 108.
- [176 active Covid19 cases in St. Maarten: Corona spike provokes business closures](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/08/16/176-active-covid19-cases-in-st-maarten-corona-spike-provokes-business-closures/) - PHILIPSBURG - Less than 24 hours notice for a two week shut down was given to nightclubs, bars, coffee houses and adult entertainment venues in St Maarten on Saturday. These businesses have been ordered to close from Sunday 16th August until Monday 31st August 2020. St Maarten has reached a grim milestone with 176 active
- [Corona loans: will the islands and The Hague reach an agreement?](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/08/10/corona-loans-will-the-islands-and-the-hague-reach-an-agreement/) - THE HAGUE – Will The Hague provide financial help quickly? A definitive answer is not expected this week, but Friday could turn out to be an important day. A Kingdom Council of Ministers has been penned in for Friday. The islands need hundreds of millions, but can only turn to The Hague for this. The
- [Protest at Saint Martin border: ‘you are basically blocking us from living’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/08/09/protest-at-saint-martin-border-you-are-basically-blocking-us-from-living/) - PHILIPSBURG - The yellow, blue, red and green Unity Flag of St Martin island was held aloft by protestors marching against the controls, restrictions and closures at the French-Dutch border on Saturday morning. Around 100 protestors marched towards Dutch-side Cole Bay from Bellevue on the French side. They walked along RN7 to the control point
- [Ten years after 10-10-’10 on Bonaire: the island remains divided](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/08/05/ten-years-after-10-10-10-on-bonaire-the-island-remains-divided/) - KRALENDIJK- In about two months it will be exactly ten years ago that Bonaire became a special municipality of the Netherlands. Even though the heated protests against the change have subsided, signs can still be seen on the side road, one of which reads ‘Stop Dutch Apartheid’. The opinions on the question as to how
- [Community gardens in Willemstad: ‘we can’t keep on handing out food packages’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/08/04/community-gardens-in-willemstad-we-cant-keep-on-handing-out-food-packages/) - WILLEMSTAD – In the Curaçaoan neighborhood Otrobanda, several community gardens are being created by the inhabitants. They’re working together to grow fruits and vegetables for other neighbors. by Kim Hendriksen “We started handing out food packages during COVID-19. We see that there is a need for that but at the same time we realize that
- [Fewer Curaçaoan students move to the Netherlands to study](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/07/27/fewer-curacaoan-students-move-to-the-netherlands-to-study/) - WILLEMSTAD – Fewer Curaçaoan young individuals decided to move to the Netherlands to follow a course of study compared to last year. About 181 future students left for Schiphol on a slightly delayed KLM flight. The departure hall was closed for visitors due to the corona crisis. The bursalen – as the departing Caribbean students
- [Large outbreak on Aruba leads to stricter measures](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/08/05/large-outbreak-on-aruba-leads-to-stricter-measures/) - ORANJESTAD – During the past three days Aruba registered 49 new cases of the corona virus, a striking increase which did not even occur during the peak months of March and April. It is for this reason that Curaçao has decided to close its borders with Aruba and why Arubans are now required to wear
- [SXM opens to the US: ’70 persons’ tested at airport](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/08/03/sxm-opens-to-the-us-70-persons-tested-at-airport/) - PHILIPSBURG - On August 1st the St Maarten Government opened Princess Juliana Airport to US tourists under what they describe as a ‘strict protocol’. Passengers are instructed to complete an online health declaration and submit a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test completed maximum 72 hours before travelling to St. Maarten. Out of 700 passengers who arrived
- [Shipwrecks on Sint Maarten are a hazard for people and the environment](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/07/28/shipwrecks-on-sint-maarten-are-a-hazard-for-people-and-the-environment/) - PHILIPSBURG – Along the shores of Sint Maarten, partially sticking out of the ocean or completely submerged, 83 shipwrecks await salvage by their owners since hurricane Irma ravaged the island. They are a hazard to people and the environment. The leaking diesel tanks and oil reservoirs pollute the water and kill fish and plants. And
- [‘Sometimes I don’t feel like an Aruban because of my skin color’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/07/24/sometimes-i-dont-feel-like-an-aruban-because-of-my-skin-color/) - AMSTERDAM – How is it possible that a painting by Rembrandt can make such an impression on your own life and identity? It’s a question which Layzmina Emerencia (26) from Aruba asks herself constantly. “The Afro-Caribbean culture isn’t present on Aruba.” Layzmina would walk past the Rembrandthuis in Amsterdam on a daily basis to go
- [Student Chanté from Curaçao almost becomes homeless in Amsterdam](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/07/18/student-chante-from-curacao-almost-becomes-homeless-in-amsterdam/) - AMSTERDAM – Imagine this: becoming homeless during the corona crisis in the middle of Amsterdam without any family to turn to. One hour before Chanté from Curaçao had to leave her student housing room, she still didn’t have a place to go to. The past couple of days have been stressful for nine students who
- [‘Not taking nature into account for future development plans can cost islands millions’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/07/25/not-taking-nature-into-account-for-future-development-plans-can-cost-islands-millions/) - WILLEMSTAD – Nature organizations are warning that the islands might experience greater economic losses if attention is not paid to nature preservation and climate change in the negotiations with The Hague for the recovery of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. The income that Curaçao for example generates through (eco)tourism and fisheries, directly and indirectly linked
- [Corona crisis brings agriculture back to Sint Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/07/21/corona-crisis-brings-agriculture-back-to-forefront-of-sint-maarten-life/) - PHILIPSBURG - During the two months lockdown of the Sint Maarten, home gardening became widespread as people saw the need to grow their own food due to the uncertainty of food security. While this was a response to the supply disruption caused by Covid-19 the trend is here to stay. In June 2013 Zahira Hilliman
- [Buddies help the elderly in corona-isolation: ‘It means a lot that someone’s thinking about you’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/07/15/buddies-help-the-elderly-in-corona-isolation-it-means-a-lot-that-someones-thinking-about-you/) - ORANJESTAD – “It was horrible for someone like me who likes to talk a lot.” Rona Peterson ended up in social isolation during the months of confinement brought forth by corona. The same as many of Aruba’s elderly. door Sharina Henriquez The family ties are strong on the island. But because the elderly are part
- [‘The Netherlands’ demands are on the edge of what is legally allowed’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/07/14/the-netherlands-demands-are-on-the-edge-of-what-is-legally-allowed/) - THE HAGUE – Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten desperately need more loans to keep their economies afloat. The demands which The Hague has imposed upon them, are on the edge of what is legally allowed, says Gerhard Hoogers, professor of Constitutional Law, during the NTR program Kwesties on NPO Radio 1 on Sunday. CDA-MP Chris
- [Aruba ignores health advice for border opening with the US](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/07/09/aruba-ignores-health-advice-for-border-opening-with-the-us/) - ORANJESTAD – As the only country within the Kingdom, Aruba will open its borders tomorrow on July 10th, with the United States. By doing this, Aruba will be ignoring the advice of epidemiologists and physicians. But there are also signs that a lot of inhabitants and companies don’t follow the social distancing and hygiene rules.
- [Deaf individuals on Bonaire miss out on important information during crisis](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/07/06/deaf-individuals-on-bonaire-miss-out-on-important-information-during-crisis/) - KRALENDIJK – For the deaf and those who are hard of hearing it’s hard to stay informed on Bonaire. While this is of upmost importance during crisis situations such as the corona crisis. “What kind of virus is it? What do I have to do with my children?”, are questions that sign language interpreter Esther
- [Curaçao and Sint Maarten reject new Dutch demands](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/07/07/curacao-and-sint-maarten-reject-new-dutch-demands/) - ORANJESTAD – Curaçao and Sint Maarten reject the new demands that the Netherlands has attached to the third tranche of the emergency line of credit. Next Friday a decision will be taken during the Kingdom Council of Ministers. Both countries mostly have an issue with the new organization that the Netherlands wants to impose upon
- [Philipsburg blossoms with mural project](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/07/14/philipsburg-blossoms-with-mural-project/) - PHILIPSBURG - Be The Change Foundation launched the viewing of its “Color Me SXM” project to highlight the less popular areas of the island’s capital. Various murals can be found on different walls and alleys in Frontstreet and Backstreet. At present many businesses in Philipsburg are currently closed due to the shutdown of the airport
- [Study abroad for Sint Maarten students uncertain due to pandemic](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/07/14/study-abroad-for-sint-maarten-students-uncertain-due-to-pandemic/) - PHILIPSBURG - For over a hundred Sint Maarten students, their educational journey in the United States is currently threatened due to the recently announced immigration policy. As of the upcoming fall semester, students who will take all of their classes online are not permitted to remain in the U.S. This decision will disrupt the livelihoods of
- [The ever-changing adventure of trying to return home to Sint Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/07/13/the-ever-changing-adventure-of-trying-to-return-home-to-sint-maarten/) - Jenny Steel (37), well known radio personality in St. Maarten, had just finished studying journalism at The Nottingham Trent University in the UK, when she got caught in coronavirus lock down and travel restrictions. As so many Sint Maarteners she could not get back to her home island. She was happy to be on one
- [Why Aruba will continue to protest child abuse](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/07/04/why-aruba-will-continue-to-protest-child-abuse/) - ORANJESTAD – “The government should keep its promise to turn December 6th into a national day of mourning so that we remember that this can never happen again. They haven’t done that yet”, says Marie Anastacia, aunt of the brothers Rishandroh and Eugene who were murdered two years ago. The family joined the protest against
- [Islands issue warning: The Netherlands is demanding reform at ‘too high a rate’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/07/03/aruba-curacao-and-sint-maarten-issue-warning-the-netherlands-is-demanding-reform-at-too-high-a-rate/) - THE HAGUE – The rate at which Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten have to implement reforms in order to get emergency lines of credit from the Netherlands is ‘too high’. That is what the ministers plenipotentiary for Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten said after the Kingdom Council of Ministers meeting on Friday. Due to the
- [Desperate Curaçaoan unions still have hope for a solution out of The Hague](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/07/02/desperate-curacaoan-unions-still-have-hope-for-a-solution-out-of-the-hague/) - WILLEMSTAD – The civil servants unions on Curaçao have put all their hopes on the talks that the government will hold this week with The Hague about the problems surrounding the cuts on the island. The Netherlands is demanding cuts as a condition for providing emergency lines of credit. The question is whether or not
- [Minister on riots Curaçao: ‘criminal groups behind this’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/26/minister-on-riots-curacao-criminal-groups-behind-this/) - WILLEMSTAD – “Groups of criminals are behind the fires and destruction”, says minister for Justice Quincy Girigorie after Curaçao experienced its second day and night of unrest on Thursday, after a massive protest the day before. 55 individuals have been arrested thus far, including protest leader Lon Mutueel. Justice minister Quincy Girigorie on the riots
- [Parliament will continue to demand reforms from islands in exchange for funds](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/07/01/parliament-will-continue-to-demand-reforms-from-islands-in-exchange-for-funds/) - THE HAGUE – The Dutch government will be allowed to set more ‘stringent demands’ for Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten during the next few months in exchange for emergency lines of credit. The protests, petitions, and multitudes of letters have not changed the position of Parliament on this. The impact of corona is ‘huge’ and
- [New demand from the Netherlands comes as a shock to Aruba](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/29/new-demand-from-the-netherlands-comes-as-a-shock-to-aruba/) - ORANJESTAD – “We will not let foreign powers, not even the Netherlands, destroy our economy. Like it happened on Curaçao and Sint Maarten”, says Aruban prime minister Evelyn Wever-Croes after the Netherlands added a new condition to the list of demands for providing an emergency line of credit worth 204 million florins (a bit more
- [Concerns in Parliament about unrest and protests on Curaçao](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/26/concerns-in-parliament-about-unrest-and-protests-on-curacao/) - THE HAGUE – Parliament looks on with worry at the social unrest, the incidents of arson, and the protests on Curaçao. D66 and GroenLinks want state secretary Knops (Kingdom Relations) to provide assistance so that peace can return to the island. Because of the economic consequences brought on by the corona pandemic, thousands of people
- [Sint Maarten postpones opening border with the US: ‘alarming number of cases there’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/30/sint-maarten-postpones-opening-border-with-the-us-alarming-number-of-cases-there/) - PHILIPSBURG/ORANJESTAD – Sint Maarten will not open up its borders with the US tomorrow on July 1st. “There are an alarming number of cases there”, says minister Ludmilla de Weever, who only made the decision public this afternoon. The postponement is for two weeks. “We’ll be missing about 3000 passengers per week. It’s a difficult
- [Municipal council Amsterdam: Turn Keti Koti into a national holiday](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/07/01/municipal-council-amsterdam-turn-keti-koti-into-a-national-holiday/) - AMSTERDAM – If it’s up to a majority of the municipal council of Amsterdam, July 1st – the day on which the abolition of slavery in the Dutch Kingdom is remembered and celebrated – will become a national holiday like Kingsday and Liberation day. The motion was proposed by councilmember Nenita La Rose (PvdA) and
- [Protest on Curaçao ends in riots and looting, curfew in effect](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/24/protest-on-curacao-ends-in-riots-and-looting-curfew-in-effect/) - WILLEMSTAD – The protest of hundreds of individuals, demanding the resignation of the government of Curaçao ended in riots, looting, and a path of destruction. As a result, the government instituted a curfew till 6 AM on Thursday morning. Additionally the chief of police Mauricio Sambo handed in his resignation because he had not provided
- [Education Curaçao in crisis: Teachers ask the Netherlands for help](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/23/education-curacao-in-crisis-teachers-ask-the-netherlands-for-help/) - WILLEMSTAD – The financial situation of the education system on Curaçao was bad before the corona crisis hit. But now due to the cuts, the situation has worsened according to the school boards. A group of teachers doesn’t know what to do and asked the Netherlands for help. A notable choice, since it is the
- [Curaçaoan students face homelessness in the Netherlands](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/25/curacaoan-students-face-homelessness-in-the-netherlands/) - THE HAGUE — A group of Curaçaoan students are about to become homeless in the Netherlands in a few weeks. This could affect tens of students who have been in the Netherlands for barely one year and are being guided by student loan institution SSC. Their lease will not be extended. This has been causing
- [Journalist files complaint against unjust arrest on Aruba](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/22/journalist-files-complaint-against-unjust-arrest-on-aruba/) - ORANJESTAD/HILVERSUM – Caribbean Network correspondent Sharina Henriquez has filed a complaint against her unjust arrest and the defamation of her character. Henriquez was arrested on the 22nd of March while doing her job as a journalist, outside of the curfew which had been set by the government of Aruba during the corona crisis. According to Wensly
- [Prison guards strike leaves prison in unrest](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/29/prison-guards-strike-leaves-prison-in-unrest/) - PHILIPSBURG - Following a week of protests by various labor unions and civil servants on St. Maarten, the correctional officers of the Pointe Blanche prison held a protest against the working conditions they endured over recent years. The strike of the prison guards on Friday June 28, resulted in quite an unrest among inmates who
- [Inmates Pointe Blanche lose case against inhumane prison conditions](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/23/inmates-pointe-blanche-lose-case-against-inhumane-prison-conditions/) - PHILIPSBURG - " They are turning a blind eye", says lawyer Geert Hatzmann disapointed after the judge found the case of 37 inmates of Pointe Blanche inadmissible. The inmates fight against inhumane conditions in the prison on St. Maarten. "We'll file for a new summary procedure." by Tim van Dijk The judge dismissed the
- [Decline in tourism on Curaçao leads to more emigration](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/22/decline-in-tourism-on-curacao-leads-to-more-emigration/) - WILLEMSTAD – A large portion of the economy of Curaçao depends on tourism. The effect of the almost complete collapse of the sector is gigantic. And that means that people are leaving the island because of the corona crisis. Like Manon Nijssen, who until recently was the super of several vacation homes. After having lived
- [Five years after Mitch Henriquez: ‘officers are still barely prosecuted’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/17/five-years-after-mitch-henriquez-officers-are-still-barely-prosecuted/) - THE HAGUE – Mitch Henriquez (42) passed away on June 28th, 2015 after a rough arrest in The Hague. Five years on in the same month, Black Lives Matter protests are taking place and his name gets mentioned. The Office for the Public Prosecutor acknowledges that too much force was used during his arrest, but
- [Dutch aid millions will run out in a few months](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/15/dutch-aid-millions-will-run-out-in-a-few-months/) - ORANJESTAD/PHILIPSBURG – The millions of euros in aid which the Netherlands gave the islands because of the corona crisis are running out quickly. On Aruba, 12 thousand individuals have asked the Red Cross for help. On Sint Maarten, the aid organization says the trend where people are in need of food, has become the norm.
- [Aruba will start opening her borders on Monday](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/11/aruba-will-start-opening-her-borders-on-monday/) - ORANJESTAD – On Monday the 15th of June, Aruba will open her borders with Curaçao and Bonaire, and on July 1st with Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean region (with the exception of the Dominican Republic and Haiti). The border with the United States of America will open on July 10th. That is the country where
- [Black Lives Matter: ‘These have been difficult weeks, but I finally feel alive’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/15/black-lives-matter-these-have-been-difficult-weeks-but-i-finally-feel-alive/) - WAGENINGEN – Caribbean students are also getting ready for an anti-racism protest in Wageningen on Sunday. “Yes, these have been difficult weeks. But you know what? As a black man, I finally feel alive”, says former student Percy Cicilia Jr. On Sunday he’ll climb the podium, to give a speech to a group of protesters
- [Black Lives Matter: Bonaire joins the fight against racism and injustice](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/11/black-lives-matter-bonaire-joins-the-fight-against-racism-and-injustice/) - KRALENDIJK- The global wave of protests against racism and injustice has found its way to Bonaire. On Wednesday more than seventy individuals gathered at the Parke Wilhelmina to show their support in the fight against racism. Guerlian Gougon, a representative of the Black Lives Matter movement, organized this protest. “We think that nothing will change
- [Sint Maarten joins fight against racism](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/12/sint-maarten-joins-fight-against-racism/) - PHILIPSBURG - The sounds of beating drums accompanied dozens of Sint Maarten residents gathered in front of the Peace Monument at the former Philipsburg Jubilee Library to protest against racial violence and discrimination. Amongst the participants was Deputy Governor, Reynold Groeneveldt. He took the stage stating that it's time the world changes and it's unfortunate
- [Food Bank Curaçao: ‘More than 250 new requests per day’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/10/food-bank-curacao-more-than-250-new-requests-per-day/) - WILLEMSTAD – “The Food Bank on Curaçao still receives about 250 new requests for food packages per day”, says Sheryl Losiabaar, the spokesperson for the Food Bank. This means that the amount of new requests has gone down a bit. At the beginning of the crisis the Voedselbank would receive about 500 new requests per
- [Curaçao: Border partially open starting in July, no quarantine for Dutch visitors](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/08/curacao-border-partially-open-starting-in-july-no-quarantine-for-dutch-visitors/) - WILLEMSTAD – A maximum of ten thousand people from low risk countries are allowed to visit Curaçao in the month of July. Countries such as the Netherlands and other Western European nations, whose visitors will also not be required to go into quarantine. That is the goal of the government. The hard-hit tourism industry is
- [World Ocean Day 2020: More funds needed to save marine life](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/09/world-ocean-day-2020-more-funds-needed-to-save-marine-life/) - KRALENDIJK – As a ‘blue destination’, Bonaire also observed World Ocean Day on Monday. The protection of the largest and most biodiverse nature reserve in the Kingdom is underfunded. The 7 million euros that the Dutch government recently made available for the protection of marine life in the municipalities of Bonaire, Saba, and Statia is
- [Aruban government ignores agreement with judge: Extra fear for nuisance from dump](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/08/aruban-government-ignores-agreement-with-judge-extra-fear-for-nuisance-from-dump/) - ORANJESTAD – A judge gave the government three months to tackle the nuisance caused by the public dump Parkietenbos. That deadline passed weeks ago without a solution in sight. But the individuals who live around the dump can no longer turn to the court anymore. “There’s a different excuse every single time”, says Anouk Balentina,
- [Parliament demands speedier resolution for water shortage on Statia](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/05/parliament-demands-speedier-resolution-for-water-shortage-on-statia/) - THE HAGUE – The government has to act faster when it comes to finding a solution for the problems with potable water on Statia, was the stance of Parliament during a debate on Wednesday with state secretary Knops. Letting inhabitants wait for six months is not an option, different parties opine. Inhabitants have only been
- [Black Lives Matter Protest against racism also held on Curaçao](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/04/black-lives-matter-protest-against-racism-also-held-on-curacao/) - WILLEMSTAD – Under the name ‘Curaçao Can’t Breath’, a small group of young individuals protested racism on Wednesday on the Brionplein in Curaçao. ‘I can’t breathe’ were the last words of the black American George Floyd. The 46 year old man lost his life on Wednesday the 25th of May due to police brutality in
- [More mass layoffs to follow at Curaçaoan hotels if border doesn’t open before July](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/03/more-mass-layoffs-to-follow-at-curacaoan-hotels-if-border-doesnt-open-before-july/) - WILLEMSTAD – The requested mass layoff at the Santa Barbara Beach Hotel is a forerunner for the rest of the hotel industry on Curaçao. Especially if the border doesn’t open quickly. “If the border doesn’t open up in the next month for tourists, we will be forced to close our doors for an indefinite period
- [Pointe Blanche inmates fight for justice continues](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/08/pointe-blanche-inmates-fight-for-justice-continues/) - Philipsburg - The court on Sint Maarten will announce the verdict on June 19 of an injunction filed by 37 inmates of the Pointe Blanche prison demanding their transfer to a prison in Bonaire or the Netherlands. This transfer is to be done within a week in case of an affirming verdict. The case was
- [Curaçaoan music industry in crisis: ‘Who will protect our culture?’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/02/curacaoan-music-industry-in-crisis-who-will-protect-our-culture/) - WILLEMSTAD – The Association of Curaçaoan Musicians (AMAK) expects that a majority of musicians on the island will have to give up their jobs due to the corona crisis. A lot of musicians indicate that they weren’t in the best of situations before the crisis started and that they should’ve received help and the recognition
- [‘New normal’ far from ideal for business owners on Bonaire](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/06/01/new-normal-far-from-ideal-for-business-owners-on-bonaire/) - KRALENDIJK- The measures taken against the corona virus are slowly being lifted on Bonaire. That means that people in the Caribbean municipality can start returning to a normal life. But with no tourists and visitors anywhere on the horizon, the ‘new normal’ is looking far from ideal for business owners. Recreational flights to the island
- [Hundreds of Curaçaoan families shut off from water due to lack of money](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/05/26/hundreds-of-curacaoan-families-shut-off-from-water-due-to-lack-of-money/) - WILLEMSTAD – “This single mother has been shut off from water for four years”, says Alejandro van Putten who works for United Dominicans on Curaçao. This woman is not alone: Hundreds of families on Curaçao have been shut off from water due to financial problems. Human rights organizations are extremely worried. The woman, whom Van
- [New rules on Aruba pushing undocumented immigrants into poverty](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/05/28/new-rules-on-aruba-pushing-undocumented-immigrants-into-poverty/) - ORANJESTAD – “The new permit rules for the construction sector are ridiculous. I want to work and not ask for a hand out.” Venezuelan Luis* has been an undocumented immigrant on Aruba for six years and now he’s unemployed. It’s not only due to the corona crisis, he says. The government is loosening measures on
- [Thousands of families on Aruba depend on food aid](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/05/11/thousands-of-families-on-aruba-depend-on-food-aid/) - ORANJESTAD – Three months after the corona crisis started on Aruba, thousands of families depend on food aid from different aid organizations. A lot of them don’t get the Fase benefit provided by the government, especially for those who lost their jobs. Daniel Tecklenborg from Cede Aruba, the organization that collects funds for the food
- [Cuts on Sint Maarten: Unions and government closer to a resolution](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/05/30/cuts-on-sint-maarten-unions-and-government-closer-to-a-resolution/) - PHILIPSBURG - The unified unions on Sint Maarten discussed the government’s proposals on Friday and the members voted on a motion that would result in the 50 percent vacation cut as originally planned and the full allowance in 2022 that includes 25 percent from that period until 2025. Untill Friday civil servants were left wondering
- [Barely any tap water on Statia: Problems will only be solved in 2021](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/05/30/barely-any-tap-water-on-statia-problems-will-only-be-solved-in-2021/) - ORANJESTAD – The lack of tap water on Statia will most certainly last for months. Minister Van Nieuwenhuizen (Infrastructure and Water Management) promises an improvement by the end of 2020 and a proper solution in 2021. In the meantime people are getting worried, because more and more watermains are bursting. Utilities company Stuco could not
- [Poverty on Curaçao: Aid organizations overrun by hungry individuals](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/05/30/poverty-on-curacao-aid-organizations-overrun-by-hungry-individuals/) - WILLEMSTAD – The poverty on Curaçao is so dire that the Red Cross on the island fears looting while it is distributing emergency aid. The organization was already overrun by hungry individuals. To guarantee the safety of its employees, the Red Cross utilizes a motorcade to distribute food packages amongst different distribution points, from where
- [Curaçaoan fishermen skeptical about government’s post-corona plans](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/05/28/curacaoan-fishermen-skeptical-about-governments-post-corona-plans/) - WILLEMSTAD – Strengthening and broadening its own economy so that it is less reliant on tourism or aid from the Netherlands, that’s how Curaçao wants to move forward after the corona crisis. One of the sectors the government wants to see grow is the fishing industry. Hans Eikenaar doubts whether this will work in reality.
- [Curaçao residents aged 45 and up part of high risk group for corona](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/05/28/curacao-residents-aged-45-and-up-part-of-high-risk-group-for-corona/) - WILLEMSTAD – The majority of the population of Curaçao experiences health issues. According to the chair of the General Practitioners Association Walid Elhage, it is estimated that 15 to 20 percent of the population suffers from diabetes and that half of the population is obese. Physicians note that these are major risks during a pandemic.
- [Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten have to do what the Netherlands demands to get aid](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/05/21/aruba-curacao-and-sint-maarten-have-to-do-what-the-netherlands-demands-to-get-aid/) - THE HAGUE – The debate on Wednesday is a historic one when it comes to the relationship between the autonomous islands and the Netherlands. Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten will only receive help during the corona crisis, if they accept all of the Dutch conditions and implement them quickly. According to state secretary Raymond Knops
- [Deadline for millions in loans approaches: Government Sint Maarten wants to hear what its own parliament has to say](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/05/20/deadline-for-millions-in-loans-approaches-government-sint-maarten-wants-to-hear-what-its-own-parliament-has-to-say/) - THE HAGUE – Will Sint Maarten also approve the Dutch conditions attached to the millions in emergency loans, as Aruba did? The government of Sint Maarten wants to hear the opinion of its own parliament, but warns that not all of the Dutch conditions are feasible. Tomorrow, Wednesday at 17:00 o’clock (Dutch time) the Dutch
- [National Ombudsman sounds the alarm about water supply on Statia](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/05/18/national-ombudsman-sounds-the-alarm-about-water-supply-on-statia/) - THE HAGUE — Statians have not been able to rely on potable water flowing out of their pipes for weeks now. The National Ombudsman finds this ‘unacceptable’ and wants a speedy explanation from the Dutch government. Inhabitants in this Caribbean municipality can only get water from the tap for a few hours a day. Ombudsman
- [Government commissioner sees a long road ahead for self-governance on Statia](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/05/18/government-commissioner-sees-a-long-road-ahead-for-self-governance-on-statia/) - ORANJESTAD – Is Statia ready to govern itself after being governed for two years by the Hague? Island council elections are on the books for October 21st. But according to government commissioner Marnix van Rij (CDA) ‘there’s a long road ahead’. State secretary Raymond Knops (CDA) removed the local island council in 2018 and replaced
- [RIVM: ‘Fight against infectious diseases such as corona, structurally insufficient on islands’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/05/18/rivm-fight-against-infectious-diseases-such-as-corona-structurally-insufficient-on-islands/) - ORANJESTAD – Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint-Maarten have to work better together and with the Netherlands to combat infectious diseases. Because ‘the capacity to combat such diseases is structurally insufficient and vulnerable due to the size of the islands’. The corona crisis merely reinforces this statement, according to the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and
- ['Kingdom is missing structural cooperation in the medical field'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/05/10/kingdom-is-missing-structural-cooperation-in-the-medical-field/) - ZOETERMEER – Vereniging Antilliaanse Medici (AMA) received 80 registrations from medical staff with a Caribbean background in the Netherlands to help on the islands. Yet the islanders weren’t considered by the Dutch ministry when they were choosing the members of the crisis team that was heading to Curaçao. They did however choose medical staff from
- [Government commissioner Van Rij: ‘Problems with potable water on Statia unacceptable’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/05/07/government-commissioner-van-rij-problems-with-potable-water-on-statia-unacceptable/) - ORANJESTAD – Government commissioner for Statia, Marnix van Rij, finds the problems with the supply of potable water on the island ‘unacceptable’. He is considering using his authority to let technical staff onto the island, despite the lockdown, to help with the disruptions. The issues with the distribution of potable water have been plaguing the
- [How to stay focused and achieve your study goals while stuck at home](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/05/07/how-to-stay-focused-and-achieve-your-study-goals-while-stuck-at-home/) - ROTTERDAM – Due to the corona measures, students throughout the entire Kingdom are stuck at home. That might be the case till May 19th in the Netherlands, or even longer. How do you stay focused as a student in these uncertain times and achieve your study goals? Educator Jean-Marie Molina has some tips. As the
- [Caribbean healthcare heroes: ‘Honored to help in the Netherlands but Curaçao will remain my home’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/04/29/caribbean-healthcare-heroes-honored-to-help-in-the-netherlands-but-curacao-will-remain-my-home/) - BREDA – The Curaçaoan Kendrah Magloire (26) had just started her residency on the Intensive Care in Breda at the beginning of the year when the corona crisis hit. She’ll share her story with us. “Due to the crisis I started earlier on the IC department. There were a lot of people who had corona
- [Samen één Koninkrijk: ‘Join Jandino in support of the islands’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/05/06/samen-een-koninkrijk-join-jandino-in-support-of-the-islands/) - HILVERSUM – Actor and comedian Jandino Asporaat will call everyone to action, to fight the increasing levels of poverty on Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten, during his live benefit show on May 9th. Due to the lockdown on the islands they have lost their largest source of income, tourism. This has led to an increased
- [Statians angry and worried: ‘Even during the corona crisis water barely flows through the pipes’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/04/30/statians-angry-and-worried-even-during-the-corona-crisis-water-barely-flows-through-the-pipes/) - ORANJESTAD – In de Caribbean municipality of Statia, inhabitants are sounding the alarm. Even during the corona crisis, they only have fresh water flowing out of their pipes for a few hours a day. Inhabitants are worried about the public health and want the Hague to intervene. “We can only get water from the pipes
- [Caribbean healthcare heroes: ‘I would rather help out on Sint Maarten’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/04/25/caribbean-healthcare-heroes-i-would-rather-help-out-on-sint-maarten/) - NIEUWEGEIN – Tishelle Daniel, born and raised on Sint Maarten, is a resident in ophthalmology when the corona crisis begins in the Netherlands. She thinks about helping out on the Intensive Care department for three days. On her second day on the job she had to transfer a ‘very young’ deceased patient onto a gurney,
- [Democracy to return to Statia? Parliament looking for inhabitants’ opinions](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/04/24/democracy-to-return-to-statia-parliament-looking-for-inhabitants-opinions/) - THE HAGUE – Parliament is trying to contact Statians by phone and through Facebook. MP’s are trying to prepare themselves for a debate about Dutch control on the island. The Dutch government has been governing the special municipality since 2018, after a research commission concluded that there was an abuse of power and mismanagement. Before
- [Caribbean healthcare heroes: “My biggest fear is transmitting the virus’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/04/28/caribbean-healthcare-heroes-my-biggest-fear-is-transmitting-the-virus/) - TILBURG – The risk of transmitting the virus to someone else is the biggest fear of the so called ‘front liners’ in healthcare. Amongst these individuals, there’s a large group of Dutch Caribbean individuals who have to worry about something else: the situation on their islands. What are their experiences working during the crisis? We’re
- [Working from home with kids: ‘Create a schedule and it’s ok to ask for help’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/04/21/working-from-home-with-kids-create-a-schedule-and-its-ok-to-ask-for-help/) - ORANJESTAD – Due to the corona measures, schools in the entire Kingdom are closed and homeschooling presents challenges for parents. How do you combine working from home with homeschooling and discipline? And what do you do if you’re a single parent with a house full of children and work to do? High school teacher, Urisha
- [Long lines for supermarkets: ‘Very happy with this opportunity’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/04/20/long-lines-for-supermarkets-very-happy-with-this-opportunity/) - PHILIPSBURG – For the first time since Sunday April 5th, the supermarkets were open for Sint Maarteners on Thursday and Friday. And that meant long lines. A lot of people bought fresh fruits and vegetables, but also water, rice, eggs, and other essential goods. Some individuals purchased enough for two weeks, other as much as
- [Knops: ‘Nice gesture that politicians want to surrender a portion of their salaries, but it’s not enough’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/04/16/knops-nice-gesture-that-politicians-want-to-surrender-a-portion-of-their-salaries-but-its-not-enough/) - THE HAGUE – The fact that members of parliament on Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten want to surrender a portion of their salaries is ‘a nice gesture’. “But a lot more has to happen”, according to state secretary Raymond Knops (Kingdom Relations). Politicians on all of the three autonomous islands believe that they also have
- [First confirmed case of coronavirus on Saba: fear for more cases](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/04/12/first-confirmed-case-of-coronavirus-on-saba-fear-for-more-cases/) - THE BOTTOM – An individual on Saba has tested positive for the coronavirus. The patient has mild symptoms. The individual has not travelled during the last few weeks and thus contracted the virus on the island. According to medical experts on the special municipality this means that more cases could follow. All the individuals who
- [Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten receive inexpensive loan for upcoming weeks](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/04/10/aruba-curacao-and-sint-maarten-receive-inexpensive-loan-for-upcoming-weeks/) - THE HAGUE – Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten will receive an inexpensive emergency loan to bridge the upcoming six weeks. Minister Raymond Knops (Kingdom Relations) announced this after the Kingdom council of Ministers. With the emergency loan from the Hague the governments of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten will ensure that there are enough funds
- [Help for Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten: from ventilators to medical specialists](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/04/09/help-for-aruba-curacao-and-sint-maarten-from-ventilators-to-medical-specialists/) - THE HAGUE – The inhabitants of all the six Caribbean islands can count on an extra 42 intensive care beds and other forms of medical support from the Netherlands, writes minister Raymond Knops (Kingdom Relations) in a letter Tuesday to Parliament. The first IC-beds will be made available this week. Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire will
- [Supermarkets on Sint Maarten allowed to deliver during lockdown](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/04/08/supermarkets-on-sint-maarten-allowed-to-deliver-during-lockdown/) - PHILIPSBURG – Supermarkets on Sint Maarten will be allowed to deliver groceries ‘in emergency case’ starting on Tuesday. This was announced by prime minister Silveria Jacobs on Monday evening. Individuals with financial problems can ask the government for help or food packages. With the possibility of getting groceries delivered, the government wants to meet the
- [Caribbean youth encourage unity during corona crisis](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/04/07/caribbean-youth-encourage-unity-during-corona-crisis/) - THE HAGUE – Gilberto Morishaw was feeling down. Due to the corona measures, he no longer has a new job. He can’t finish his thesis either. So he decided to put all his energy into connecting and supporting the Caribbean community through his platform Keda Kas (Stay Home). The idea is to bundle new and
- ['EU help for islands during corona crisis is possible'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/04/05/eu-help-for-islands-might-not-a-given/) - BRUSSEL – Members of the European Parliament are also looking into how to support the islands during the corona crisis. Member of the European Parliament Samira Rafaela (D66) wants Brussels to release funds to accommodate this. Rafaela hopes that the islands will be included in the so called corona resolutions, the motions entered into the
- [Statia worried about first corona infections](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/04/03/statia-worried-about-first-corona-infections/) - ORANJESTAD – Statia reported on Tuesday that it had confirmed cases of the coronavirus, becoming the first Caribbean municipality to do so. The inhabitants of Statia are critical of the way that the government has been dealing with the crisis and are sad, scared, and angry. On Tuesday the government commissioner Marnix van Rij announced
- [Volunteers hand out thousands of airline meals on Sint Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/04/02/volunteers-hand-out-thousands-of-airline-meals-on-sint-maarten/) - PHILIPSBURG – While the concerns about lost income grow on the island, the inhabitants of Sint Maarten are trying really hard to help each other. Take for example the volunteers who handed out 10.000 ‘airline meals’ this week in the poor neighborhoods on the island. The food was donated by one of the airport catering
- [Ombudsman Sint Maarten: ‘Don’t forget those less fortunate during the corona crisis’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/04/01/ombudsman-sint-maarten-dont-forget-those-less-fortunate-during-the-corona-crisis/) - PHILIPSBURG – “There’s a lot of attention for the state of the companies during the corona crisis, but we should also pay attention to those individuals who already had problems making ends meet, like the elderly. They are often forgotten.” These are the words of the Ombudsman for Sint Maarten about the impact of the
- [Psychologist: Experiencing corona stress? Ask for help!](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/30/psychologist-experiencing-corona-stress-ask-for-help/) - WILLEMSTAD – Now that people are being fired, the economy is in a slump, and the end of the crisis is not in sight, it is extremely important to mind our mental health. “When people stress and feel like it’s becoming too much for them, they need to find help”, says psychologist and relationship therapist,
- [Concerns about coronavirus in prison Sint Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/28/concerns-about-coronavirus-in-prison-sint-maarten/) - PHILIPSBURG – Sint Maarten is preparing itself for a fight against the coronavirus, but ‘the measures taken in the Pointe Blanche prison amount to nothing’. These are the words of attorney Sjamira Roseburg. A prisoner was tested on Monday for the coronavirus. The first test was negative, the result of the second test is not
- [Financial support for Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten will not be a gift](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/29/financial-support-for-aruba-curacao-sint-maarten-will-not-be-a-gift/) - THE HAGUE – Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten need tens, if not hundreds of millions to keep the islands afloat. According to the Dutch government they can count on support, but not on a gift. “We will not abandon the autonomous countries”, minister Raymond Knops (Kingdom Relations) said after the Kingdom Council of Ministers meeting
- [Parliament: ‘Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten can count on Dutch support’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/28/parliament-aruba-curacao-and-sint-maarten-can-count-on-dutch-support/) - THE HAGUE – Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten can count on support from Parliament, now that the economies of the islands are collapsing due to the corona crisis. But requirements can also be heard. The budgets of the three autonomous islands have caused irritations during the past few months in the Hague. The islands were
- [Interns leaving Sint Maarten early because of coronavirus](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/25/interns-leaving-sint-maarten-early-because-of-coronavirus/) - PHILIPSBURG – Because of the coronavirus there’s a notable decrease in the number of foreign interns on Sint Maarten. A lot them have decided to stop their internships on the island, because of the threat posed by the coronavirus, and head back home. Before hurricane Irma ravaged the island in 2017, the only internship bureau
- [‘Shock’ in Parliament: Aruba also arrests journalists during curfew](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/25/shock-in-parliament-aruba-also-arrests-journalists-during-curfew/) - THE HAGUE – SP and GroenLinks are ‘shocked’ that the Aruban government also arrests journalists during the curfew. The parties have asked Parliamentary questions. In the fight against the coronavirus, the Aruban government has prohibited its residents from leaving their homes at night. Only individuals with a vital profession are allowed to leave their homes.
- [Dutch Association of Journalists sends scathing letter to Aruban Prime Minister](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/23/dutch-association-of-journalists-sends-scathing-letter-to-aruban-prime-minister/) - ORANJESTAD/HILVERSUM – The Dutch Association of Journalists (NVJ) is extremely concerned about the curfew imposed on Aruba, which is also applicable to journalists. Wensly Francisco, member of the board for the NVJ, says that the NVJ wants to provide Aruban journalists with emergency press passes. The Aruban press protested the decision on Friday and sent
- [Journalist Caribbean Network arrested during curfew on Aruba](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/24/journalist-caribbean-network-arrested-during-curfew-on-aruba/) - ORANJESTAD – Caribbean Network’s very own journalist Sharina Henriquez was arrested by the police on Sunday evening at approximately nine thirty, because she was outside during the curfew. The journalist also received a fine of one thousand florin (516 euros). “Ridiculous and just crazy“, is the reaction of Wensly Fransico, member of the board at
- [Companies in Caribbean municipalities will also receive financial aid package](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/21/companies-in-caribbean-municipalities-will-also-receive-financial-aid-package/) - THE HAGUE – The Caribbean municipalities can also count on a financial aid package from the Dutch government. Individuals and companies who suffer a loss of income due to the corona crisis will receive a compensation. “As the government, we are very concerned and are closely monitoring the situation on the islands”, according to minister
- [Corona crisis: Knops looking into how to help Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/21/corona-crisis-knops-looking-into-how-to-help-aruba-curacao-and-sint-maarten/) - THE HAGUE – Minister Knops (Kingdom Relations) wants to look into how Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten can be helped out financially. The islands will also experience economic setbacks due to the corona outbreak. The Caribbean municipalities Bonaire, Saba, and Statia can count on a financial aid package from the Hague. People and business who
- [Hospital Sint Maarten will send patients to Curaçao for emergency care](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/20/hospital-sint-maarten-will-send-patients-to-curacao-for-emergency-care/) - PHILIPSBURG – The Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) has signed an agreement with the Curaçao Medical Center to treat patients who need acute emergency care but cannot be treated in the SMMC. The reason for this agreement are the border closures of countries where the SMMC usually sends its patients. Dialysis patients from Saba and
- [White and Yellow Cross on Sint Maarten: ‘we are well prepared for corona’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/19/white-and-yellow-cross-on-sint-maarten-we-are-well-prepared-for-corona/) - PHILIPSBURG – Caregivers of the White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation on Sint Maarten continue their tireless work on the island of caring for the elderly and disabled individuals, even in the face of the coronavirus. The foundation says that it is well prepared for the outbreak of the virus. The foundation has a total
- [Diertens (D66) on corona crisis: ‘Islands will not be forgotten’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/19/diertens-d66-on-corona-crisis-islands-will-not-be-forgotten/) - THE HAGUE — Member of Parliament Antje Diertens (D66) has said that she empathizes with the inhabitants of the Caribbean islands. “I’m a mother myself. And I think: this must be hard for the parents on the island, that their children are in the Netherlands.” “The students aren’t allowed to go back to the islands.
- [Saba closed off from the world: ‘we are vulnerable and have limited resources’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/19/saba-closed-off-from-the-world-we-are-vulnerable-and-have-limited-resources/) - THE BOTTOM – The smallest of the Caribbean municipalities, Saba, has been closed off for air and sea travelers since Monday. An exception has been made for medical personnel and Sabans. Residents who return from a country other than the six islands have to go into quarantine for two weeks. The lieutenant governor of Saba,
- [Statia fears job losses due to corona measures](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/19/statia-fears-job-losses-due-to-corona-measures/) - ORANJESTAD – No cases coronavirus have been reported on Statia as of yet. The effects of the corona measures are immediately being felt by the island’s largest private employer: oil terminal GTI and its sub-contractors. On an island with just 3.138 inhabitants, everyone is worried about job losses. Especially in the hospitality- and catering sector.
- [Sint Maarten on lock down in fight against coronavirus: companies and schools also shut down](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/19/sint-maarten-on-lock-down-in-fight-against-coronavirus-companies-and-schools-also-shut-down/) - PHILIPSBURG – The first person on Sint Maarten to test positive for COVID-19 has been put into quarantine. This means that the measures against the novel coronavirus are being expanded. Flights are no longer allowed to land and all schools and ‘non-essential companies’ are no longer open. Residents on the French side of the island
- [Corona outbreak: flying back to Curaçao or the Netherlands. How does it work?](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/18/3210/) - THE HAGUE – Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Curaçao has decided to close its borders. Only residents of the island are allowed to return. During the last couple of days a lot of questions have been asked about when a passenger is allowed to return. How does it work? Curaçao sees Europe as a ‘high
- [Stronger corona measures on Curaçao: ‘Risks assessed constantly’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/18/stronger-corona-measures-on-curacao-risks-assessed-constantly/) - WILLEMSTAD – The government of Curaçao announced on extra measures on Monday to combat the coronavirus on the island. Three individuals on the island have tested positive for the novel corona virus. What happens when there are more cases of the coronavirus? Curaçao has a total of 300 hospital beds, seven or so functioning Intensive
- [Winward islands not well prepared for corona](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/16/winward-islands-not-well-prepared-for-corona/) - HILVERSUM – There is limited isolation capacity on the Winward islands, Statia doesn’t even have a possibility to quarantine a patient. This has been confirmed by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). The French side of Sint Maarten, the island neighboring Statia, had two confirmed cases of coronavirus at the
- [Hotels on Bonaire the ones who will feel the effects of the coronavirus](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/18/hotels-on-bonaire-the-ones-who-will-feel-the-effects-of-the-coronavirus/) - KRALENDIJK – Besides the European flights, Bonaire will no longer allow flights to land from the United States, Canada, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. The local hospitality industry will immediately feel the effects of this coronavirus measure. “Our current occupancy rate is only 20 percent of what it usually is”, says David Rietveld, manager of
- [‘Islands a blind spot for European Parliament’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/12/islands-a-blind-spot-for-european-parliament/) - AMSTERDAM/BRUSSELS – Samira Rafaela (D66) was voted into the European Parliament with preferential votes after an extensive campaign on the islands. What has she achieved so far? The Caribbean islands which are part of the Kingdom are seen as ‘overseas territories’. They’re thousands of kilometers removed from Brussels. Are they often forgotten? “The attention for
- [Why Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten are not well prepared for the coronavirus](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/07/why-aruba-curacao-and-sint-maarten-are-not-well-prepared-for-the-coronavirus/) - ORANJESTAD – While the government and health services of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten inform the public about their response to the novel coronavirus and the disease it causes Covid-19, it seems that in reality these countries are not ready to deal with an outbreak. This is due to the fact that the implementation of
- [Flare up in number of school fights: ‘Violence is common on Sint Maarten’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/03/04/flare-up-in-number-of-school-fights-violence-is-common-on-sint-maarten/) - PHILIPSBURG – 36 fights within 38 school days – a lot of school fights occurred during the start of the school year on Sint Maarten. These fights are being filmed and posted to social media. It seems to be a recurring social issue which is difficult to solve. The police created the ‘See something? Share
- [Complaints about probation office, director promises client satisfaction survey](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/02/20/complaints-about-probation-office-director-promises-client-satisfaction-survey/) - KRALENDIJK – Stichting Reclassering Caribisch Nederland (SRCN) wants to play in important role in the prevention of criminality on the BES islands, but the clients of the foundation have complaints. “I’m being intimidated by the probation office”, is one of the complaints heard in court. “I show up for my community service but I get
- [Knops ‘extremely worried’ about prison on Sint Maarten but it is the country’s ‘own responsibility’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/02/13/knops-extremely-worried-about-prison-on-sint-maarten-but-it-is-the-countrys-own-responsibility/) - THE HAGUE – Minister Raymond Knops of the Interior and Kingdom Relations is ‘extremely worried about the situation within the detention facilities on Sint Maarten’. But at the same time he emphasizes that ‘Sint Maarten should be the one to take measures to improve the situation’. The minister replied to questions posed by CDA-MP Chris
- [Detainees too long in police station cells: no room for detainees with psychiatric problems](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/02/12/detainees-too-long-in-police-station-cells-no-room-for-detainees-with-psychiatric-problems/) - PHILIPSBURG – The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has once more given the Kingdom a reprimand for the detention circumstances in Sint Maarten. Another detainee has been held for longer than the allowed ten days in a police station cell. Friday, one day after the decision of the ECHR, the local judge, together with
- [CDA demands that Sint Maarten takes action to improve prison](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/01/28/cda-demands-that-sint-maarten-takes-action-to-improve/) - The Hague – The CDA says it is considering an intervention, if the new government on Sint Maarten is not willing to deal with the issues which has been plaguing the prison on the island for years. During the Interparliamentair Koninkrijksoverleg (Ipko) in January it was decided that a taskforce should be set up to
- [Sustainable tourism on the islands? ‘We’ve been doing vegan food for a while’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/01/27/sustainable-tourism-on-the-islands-weve-been-doing-vegan-food-for-a-while/) - UTRECHT – The Caribbean islands are still very popular with tourists. The islands – except for Aruba and Statia – were extreme well represented at the Vakantiebeurs (vacation fair) in Utrecht last week. But how do the islands deal with phenomena such as flight shame and the growth in demand for ecotourism and sustainable experiences?
- [Senators: ‘Work trips are not jaunts to the islands’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/01/21/senators-work-trips-are-not-jaunts-to-the-islands/) - THE HAGUE – Several Dutch members of Parliament together with their delegations flew to the islands last week for meetings with their Caribbean counterparts. Are such work trips actually useful? According to senators, these trips cannot be considered as ‘jaunts’. Over the past several months it had been suggested that well-known party leaders in the
- [Elections Sint Maarten: no international observers, extra police from abroad](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/01/07/elections-sint-maarten-no-international-observers-extra-police-from-abroad/) - PHILIPSBURG – It will be an extra busy election day for Sint-Maarten on Thursday January 9th, because five cruise ships, all carrying an average of 3000 passengers and hundreds of crew members, will dock at the port. “Police officers from Curaçao, Bonaire, and Aruba will assist us in maintaining public order, safety, and directing traffic”,
- [National Alliance wins elections Sint Maarten, United Democrats biggest loser](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2020/01/10/national-alliance-wins-elections-sint-maarten-united-democrats-biggest-loser/) - HILVERSUM – Current premier Silveria Jacobs’ party the National Alliance St. Maarten (NA) has won the elections on Sint Maarten. The election win provides the party with an extra seat in Parliament, bringing their total to six. This is the party of the deposed former-premier William Marlin, who was ousted right after hurricane Irma. The
- [Ten years without a supervisory board for notaries on Sint Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/12/31/ten-years-without-a-supervisory-board-for-notaries-on-sint-maarten/) - PHILIPSBURG – Citizens who wish to file complaints as to whether a notary has followed the letter of the law, cannot do so with the Supervisory Board for Notaries. This board is currently not active because the board has been missing a notarial member since 2010. One of the victims of this situation is Demitrus
- [Sint Maarten rings in new year with alarming issues in its prison system](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/12/20/sint-maarten-rings-in-new-year-with-alarming-issues-in-its-prison-system/) - PHILIPSBURG – Container cells from Bonaire should’ve been the solution to the alarming cell shortage on Sint Maarten. But three months after the container cells arrived, they’re still not in use. Minister Raymond Knops (Kingdom Relations) says that ‘progress is taking (too) long’. He informed Parliament of this in a letter. The lack of cells
- [No fear of unrest making its way to the Dutch side of Sint Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/12/20/no-fear-of-unrest-making-its-way-to-the-dutch-side-of-sint-maarten/) - PHILIPSBURG – Neither police nor inhabitants fear that the unrest that has been plaguing French Saint Martin since last week, will make its way over to the Dutch side. “We prepared ourselves for all scenarios, but there was never a real threat that it would come our way”, says police spokesperson Ethelwoldus Josepha. The police
- [Drilling for rainwater to solve water shortage on Statia](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/12/20/drilling-for-rainwater-to-solve-water-shortage-on-statia/) - ORANJESTAD – The supply of drinking water on Statia is often rationed. This was the reason for hotel owner Claudia Wickert and her husband Bob Castelijn to explore other options. With the help of a Dutch drilling company, they found underground ‘veins’ in December; rain water which flows from the volcanic crater to the sea.
- [Knops: Slow progress rebuilding efforts Sint Maarten local politicians’ own fault](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/12/12/knops-slow-progress-rebuilding-efforts-sint-maarten-local-politicians-own-fault/) - THE HAGUE – The fact that the rebuilding efforts on Sint Maarten are taking so long is due to local politicians themselves. That is the reply of minister Raymond Knops to questions posed by Parliament. Parliament is concerned about the state of repairs of roofs and houses, the prison, and the airport on the island
- [Still no action after alarming report on social crisis on Sint Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/12/05/still-no-action-after-alarming-report-on-social-crisis-on-sint-maarten/) - PHILIPSBURG – The Ombudsman for Sint Maarten, Gwendolien Mossel, has yet to receive a formal response to her damning report on the social crisis after hurricane Irma. Neither from the government of Sint Maarten or from the Hague. “I know for a fact that in the Netherlands it is not allowed to let people endure
- [Ombudsman Sint Maarten sounds the alarm: few roofs repaired, a lot of harrowing situations](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/11/11/ombudsman-sint-maarten-sounds-the-alarm-few-roofs-repaired-a-lot-of-harrowing-situations/) - The Hague – Sint Maarten’s Ombudsman is once again sounding the alarm about the rebuilding efforts. Two years after hurricane Irma a lot of roofs have yet to be repaired creating a public health issue. Ombudswoman Gwendolien Mossel visited several homes in September. Her report, the interviews, and a video reflect the harrowing situations in
- [Prisoners Sint Maarten still on strike](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/11/08/prisoners-sint-maarten-still-on-strike/) - PHILIPSBURG – The prisoners being held at the Pointe Blanche prison on Sint Maarten have been on ‘strike’ for two weeks. Prison director Alwin Keli has responded to their list of twenty demands, but the prisoners want assurances from the minister himself. So says attorney Sjamora Roseburg, who speaks on behalf of the prisoners. The
- [Growing concerns about safety on Sint Maarten due to worsening state of prison](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/11/08/growing-concerns-about-safety-on-sint-maarten-due-to-worsening-state-of-prison/) - PHILIPSBURG – The ongoing lack of detention capacity on Sint Maarten negatively affects the safety on the streets of the island. So says Nico Schoof of the Voortgangscommissie Sint Maarten. “Criminals realize that they won’t spend a lot of time in prison. Crime and fear are on the rise.” The chronic lack of detention capacity
- [Prisoners Sint Maarten on strike: ‘this can’t be happening within the Kingdom in 2019’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/10/23/prisoners-sint-maarten-on-strike-this-cant-be-happening-within-the-kingdom-in-2019/) - PHILIPSBURG – An overflowing prison that’s crawling with roaches, almost no recreational facilities, and begging for medical assistance. The prisoners being held at the Pointe Blanche prison are tired of the situation. The prisoners who help in the kitchen, janitorial services, and repair shop are no longer going to ‘work’. “Within the Kingdom, in 2019,
- [Major concerns about acute cell shortage: fall of Sint Maarten’s government delays progress](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/10/18/major-concerns-about-acute-cell-shortage-fall-of-sint-maartens-government-delays-progress/) - PHILIPSBURG – “We are very concerned, we require more detention capacity quickly. The change of government will cause delays. The prison is overfull.” So says the chief prosecutor for Sint Maarten Mirjam Mol. A temporary solution seemed close last month: eleven container cells from Bonaire were transported to Sint Maarten by the Defense Department. Tjandra
- [Will Saba get an early Xmas ‘gift’ from the Hague?](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/10/14/will-saba-get-an-early-xmas-gift-from-the-hague/) - THE HAGUE – Saba has been waiting five years on a ‘gift’ from the Hague, to be able to issue its own worker’s permits, but the Dutch government doesn’t want to give them that power. The SP wants the government to make this possible before Christmas. Officials on Saba would like construction workers to come
- [Supermarkets on Sint Maarten too expensive: consumers import their own fruits and vegetables](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/10/08/supermarkets-on-sint-maarten-too-expensive-consumers-import-their-own-fruits-and-vegetables/) - PHILIPSBURG – “A watermelon for 6 dollars? It can’t be found anywhere else on the island for that price”, is one of the remarks heard during the fruits and vegetables market of the Sint Maarten Consumers Coalition. It’s the second market that the consumers coalition organized and it was visited by hundreds of Sint Maarteners.
- [Elections Sint Maarten postponed till January](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/10/07/elections-sint-maarten-postponed-till-january/) - PHILIPSBURG – The elections on Sint Maarten have been postponed till January 9th, 2020. The new date allows new parties to register for the elections. The revised decree has moved the date on which Parliament will be dissolved to February 10th, 2020. This happened after all of the members of the head polling station tendered
- [Parliament concerned: ‘The Netherlands has to intervene on Sint Maarten’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/10/05/parliament-concerned-the-netherlands-has-to-intervene-on-sint-maarten/) - The Hague – State secretary Raymond Knops (Kingdom Relations) should prepare himself for a heated debate with Parliament. The number of political parties that want him to intervene on Sint Maarten keep on growing. Parliament is ‘deeply concerned’, now that the island has fallen into a political and constitutional crisis. After the Romeo-Marlin coalition fell
- [Statia heads to polls in 2020, meanwhile the Dutch govern](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/09/26/statia-heads-to-polls-in-2020-meanwhile-the-dutch-govern/) - ORANJESTAD – Statia’s inhabitants will head to the polls in one year to choose their island council. The Dutch government will continue to govern the island, even after the elections. State secretary Raymond Knops (Kingdom Relations) announced this during a meeting with inhabitants Monday evening. The elections on the 21st of October 2020 should be
- [CDA and VVD contemplate intervention on Sint Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/09/24/cda-and-vvd-contemplate-intervention-on-sint-maarten/) - THE HAGUE – CDA and VVD are insisting on a governmental intervention on Sint Maarten. The two coalition parties are ‘extremely worried’ about the reconstruction efforts now that the coalition on Sint Maarten has lost its majority. The fact that the reconstruction efforts are being delayed due to a political impasse on the island frustrates
- [Sint Maarten heads to polls in November](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/09/24/sint-maarten-heads-to-polls-in-november/) - PHILIPSBURG – Sint Maarten will head to the polls on November 25th . A statement sent out by governor Drs. Eugène Holiday on Monday makes this clear. At the same time, oddly enough, the governor is investigating the possibility of forming a new government. The governor held an audience last Monday with the caretaker prime
- [Youth detention center Sint Maarten re-opens two years after hurricane Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/09/17/youth-detention-center-sint-maarten-re-opens-two-years-after-hurricane-irma/) - PHILIPSBURG – Two juvenile delinquents are the new ‘tenants’ at the re-opened Miss Lalie Center. The youth detention center got damaged during the hurricane of 2017 and had to close its doors. During the interim there was no possibility to lock up juvenile delinquents on Sint Maarten. “They were being monitored using alternative methods”, says
- [First container cells brought to Sint Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/09/08/first-container-cells-brought-to-sint-maarten/) - PHILIPSBURG – Half of the container cells from Bonaire, that have to – temporarily – solve the cell shortage on Sint Maarten, arrived on the island on Friday. This is according to Tjandra Lake of the ministry of Justice of SInt Maarten. Eleven containers were transported to Sint Maarten with the help of the Ministry
- [‘Making money from destructive hurricanes within five years’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/09/08/making-money-from-destructive-hurricanes-within-five-years/) - PHILIPSBURG – Two years after hurricane Irma hit Sint Maarten and one week after Dorian caused an immense amount of damage on the Bahamas, it’s hard to see how hurricanes can have a positive impact. But architect Damien Richardson (50), who’s also the head of the Social Economic Council (SER), truly believes that it can.
- [Elections to be held soon? ‘Bring back democracy to Statia’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/08/28/elections-to-be-held-soon-bring-back-democracy-to-statia/) - The Hague – Will state secretary Knops (Kingdom Relations) delay the island council election on Statia once more? The local parties do not see any reason to delay the election. The decision will be made in a few weeks. That’s when the State Secretary will inform Parliament whether or not his own team has made
- [Road safety needs more attention: ‘Some drivers seem not to value human life’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/08/20/road-safety-needs-more-attention-some-drivers-seem-not-to-value-human-life/) - PHILIPSBURG – Jean-Michel Carollo (62) rode a motorcycle for 40 years without being in a single accident. Until he tried to overtake a car on Sint Maarten in 2017 who turned without using its turn signal. Doctors considered amputating his leg twice: right after the accident and one year later after it had gotten infected
- [Detainees held longer in police station cells on Sint Maarten despite EU supervision](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/08/14/detainees-held-longer-in-police-station-cells-on-sint-maarten-despite-eu-supervision/) - PHILIPSBURG - Despite the fact that the Kingdom is under the supervision of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe due to the poor state of police station cells on Sint Maarten, detainees are still being held for longer than the allowed ten days. Chief Prosecutor Mirjam Mol confirms this. The reason for
- [Proposed parliamentary enquiry into ownership Mullet Bay Sint Maarten to cost 256.000 euros](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/08/12/proposed-parliamentary-enquiry-into-ownership-mullet-bay-sint-maarten-to-cost-256-000-euros/) - PHILIPSBURG – Parliamentarian Rolando Brison (United St. Maarten Party) has tabled a motion for a parliamentary enquiry – a first for Sint Maarten politics – into the ownership of Mullet Bay. The proposed enquiry would last 32 weeks and cost 519.200 guilders (almost 256.000 euros). The area used to be the location of the Mullet
- [‘Patience wearing thin’: Criticism towards Dutch intervention on Statia growing](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/08/10/patience-wearing-thin-criticism-towards-dutch-intervention-on-statia-growing/) - THE HAGUE – One and a half years after the Hague took over the governing of Statia, criticism is growing. Socially involved Statians have noticed a lack of progress and that the government isn’t communicating with islanders. The finances, infrastructure, and the records of the special municipality were such a mess, that since last year
- [Prison system on Sint Maarten: ‘human rights are violated on a daily basis’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/07/13/prison-system-on-sint-maarten-human-rights-are-violated-on-a-daily-basis/) - PHILIPSBURG – “The situation is bad. Truly dramatic. There’s no rehabilitation at all. Human rights are violated on a daily basis here.” Those are the words of criminal lawyer Shaira Bommel, who works on Sint Maarten, about the prison system on the island. The Kingdom is already under supervision of the Committee of Ministers of
- [Inmates Sint Maarten will repair hurricane damaged building themselves](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/07/13/inmates-sint-maarten-will-repair-hurricane-damaged-building-themselves/) - PHILIPSBURG – Minister of Justice Cornelius Weever wants to tackle the lack of rehabilitation in the Pointe Blanche prison on Sint Maarten by letting the inmates repair the hurricane damaged building. The minister made that clear at the end of the Justice Four-Partite Talks (JVO) on Wednesday. Minister Weever on the rehabilitation programs and container
- [Aruba expects to introduce ESTA in September, Sint Maarten is also interested](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/07/12/aruba-expects-to-introduce-esta-in-september-sint-maarten-is-also-interested/) - PHILIPSBURG – Aruba hopes to introduce ESTA, an electronic pre-clearance for travelers, in September for individuals travelling from Venezuela. Sint Maarten is also interested in the system. This became clear during a summit between the ministers of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the Netherlands this week on Sint Maarten. Minister of Justice for
- [Costs of living forces teachers on Sint Maarten to leave](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/07/04/costs-of-living-forces-teachers-on-sint-maarten-to-leave/) - PHILIPSBURG – For the past three years Manon van Herk taught at the Sister Regina Primary School. She’s leaving in two weeks. The biggest reason: finances. “Living on the island is expensive and the salaries aren’t higher than in the Netherlands.” She’s already found a new job. “There’s a teacher’s shortage in the Netherlands so
- [Journalists get support one and a half years after Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/06/03/journalists-get-support-one-and-a-half-years-after-irma/) - PHILIPSBURG – “Sometimes saying nothing is the best thing you can do as a journalist”, according to presenter Elles de Bruin from Omroep Max concerning interview techniques. She is one of the three guest lecturers who for six days provided local journalists and the local media with workshops on Sint Maarten. Together with Freek Staps,
- [Dutch government makes ‘false start’ in solving disputes with islands](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/05/30/dutch-government-makes-false-start-in-solving-disputes-with-islands/) - The Hague – The Dutch government made a ‘false start’ with a resolution to solve disputes with the islands in the future. Experts advised the Dutch government on Wednesday during a public hearing to start re-writing the law. Who has oversight over the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom (Rijksministerraad) when they make an important
- [Politician Theo Heyliger received millions in bribes](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/05/28/politician-theo-heyliger-received-millions-in-bribes/) - PHILIPSBURG – MP Theo Heyliger accepted nearly ten million dollars in bribes over a period of ten years from road construction company Winward Roads, bridge builder Volker Stevin, and dredger Devcon TCI. This became clear after the subpoena of the Office of the Public Prosecutor was released on Monday. Heyliger was arrested in February as
- [World Bank: more than half of the recovery trust fund already spent on rebuilding Sint Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/05/21/2899/) - PHILIPSBURG – According to the average joe on Sint Maarten the rebuilding efforts are taking too long. But a lot has been achieved in one and a half years, said Axel Trostenburg, the World Bank Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean, during his visit to the island. More than half of the 550
- [Sint Maarten braces for upcoming hurricane season with the help of an academic disaster center](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/05/21/sint-maarten-braces-for-upcoming-hurricane-season-with-the-help-of-an-academic-disaster-center/) - PHILIPSBURG - “Sint-Maarten was not prepared in 2017. The morning before the hurricane made landfall, planes were still landing at the airport. I found lists online and purchased a lot of canned goods. People told me that I was crazy. In the end we only had two cans left”, says islander Krista van ‘t Goor.
- [50th anniversary of carnival on Sint Maarten: safe sex still not taken seriously](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/05/02/50th-anniversary-of-carnival-on-sint-maarten-safe-sex-still-not-taken-seriously/) - PHILIPSBURG – Sint Maarten will celebrate carnival for the fiftieth time this year and that means a bigger party than usual. But also an uptake in the amount of sexually transmitted infections. Sint Maarten still has the highest number of HIV patients in the Kingdom, according to the Sint Maarten Aids Foundation. Story continues after
- [Solar Park Saba: good for the environment, not yet great for the wallet](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/04/22/solar-park-saba-good-for-the-environment-not-yet-great-for-the-wallet/) - THE BOTTOM – 6288 Solar panels provide Saba with electricity. On sunny days they produce 2.1 megawatts: 40 percent of the island’s needs. On such days the diesel generator is turned off from eight in the morning till five thirty in the afternoon. However the generator will have to run more than usual to provide
- [This is how Saba tries to make their vulnerable coral reef climate-proof](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/04/21/this-is-how-saba-tries-to-make-their-vulnerable-coral-reef-climate-proof/) - THE BOTTOM - The Saba Bank and the coral reef around Saba, one of the largest reefs in the world, has had to deal with anchoring, algae growth, aggressive fish species and coral bleaching in recent years. Only eight percent of Saba Bank was stable in January 2018 , according to Ayumi Kuramae, Saba Bank
- [Detention under hospital orders (tbs) treatments also not possible on Bonaire, Statia, and Saba](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/04/19/detention-under-hospital-orders-tbs-treatments-also-not-possible-on-bonaire-statia-and-saba/) - KRALENDIJK – The legal code for Criminal Justice BES has had statutes for detention under hospital orders (tbs) since 2010 but the special municipalities of the Netherlands are not able to provide treatments due to lack of available services. “Old statutes are still in effect on the BES islands”, confirms Suliën Zimmerman from the Public
- [Juvenile delinquents reign supreme on Sint Maarten due to lack of jail cells](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/04/15/juvenile-delinquents-reign-supreme-on-sint-maarten-due-to-lack-of-jail-cells/) - PHILIPSBURG – A juvenile delinquent who received a 12 month jail sentence from the court in Sint Maarten, gets to go home after the trial. Sometimes they receive an ankle monitor but more often than not they don’t due to a lack of monitors and the fact that the Justice Department isn’t equipped to monitor
- [Shortage of cells on Sint Maarten: prisoners temporarily jailed in containers](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/04/15/shortage-of-cells-on-sint-maarten-prisoners-temporarily-jailed-in-containers/) - PHILIPSBURG – Sint Maarten’s minister of Justice, Cornelius de Weever has reached an agreement with the Dutch minister for Legal Protection, Sander Dekker, to ship sixteen container-cell units from Bonaire to Sint Maarten. After hurricane Irma half of the cells in the prison were no longer usable. Since then, dozens of detainees have been housed
- [Saba youngest female (21) campaigns in Island Elections](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/03/20/saba-youngest-female-21-campaigns-in-island-elections/) - THE BOTTOM - “Being in this election, it has not been easy, especially being the youngest person. I appreciate those who have congratulated me and those who remind me regularly of how brave it was for me to get involved", said Esmeralda Johnson, number seven on the Windward Island People’s Movement list (WIPM). Twenty-one-year-old Johnson
- [Saba completes DOET events in Dutch Kingdom](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/03/18/saba-completes-doet-events-in-dutch-kingdom/) - THE BOTTOM - The success in establishing Saba DOET was done by “making the link last year with a project that we did under the Saba Lion’s Club, via the SXM DOET that gave us a little bit more insight and at least a contact to Oranjefonds to continue", stated Carl Buncamper Coordinating Member of
- [Saba prepares itself for the island council elections with a new party](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/03/18/saba-prepares-itself-for-the-island-council-elections-with-a-new-party/) - THE BOTTOM – The political arena on Saba could look very different after the elections on March 20th. For years the blue Saba Labour Party (SLP) and the orange Windward Island People’s Movement (WIPM) have duked it out between each other. Now a third party has joined the race; the green United People Movement (UPM)
- [What will happen to the shipwrecks in Simpson Bay?](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/03/18/what-will-happen-to-the-shipwrecks-in-simpson-bay/) - PHILIPSBURG – The shipyards of SeaCure Marine in Simpson Bay contain nearly twenty fiberglass yacht wrecks which are awaiting their turn to be crushed. They were salvaged after hurricane Irma. “When one of those ships gets crushed, where am I supposed to bring the material?”, asks Jens Plage, a salvager for SeaCure Marine. The dump
- [Downtown Philipsburg forgotten: ‘not everyone benefits from cruise tourism’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/03/14/downtown-philipsburg-forgotten-not-everyone-benefits-from-cruise-tourism/) - PHILIPSBURG – Thousands of cruise passengers disembark in Phillipsburg on a daily basis. The water taxis can barely handle the flow of tourists and crew from the cruise ships. It’s very busy on the boardwalk but not everyone benefits equally from cruise tourism. Frontstreet is the most famous street in Philipsburg. It starts Downtown with
- [Former sugar plantation to become social housing neighborhood on Statia](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/03/10/former-sugar-plantation-to-become-social-housing-neighborhood-on-statia/) - ORANJESTAD – Thanks to a Dutch couple, Statia will get 70 plots of land on the former Cherry Parc sugar cane plantation. This will benefit mostly young women, a lot of whom are single parents. They usually can’t afford plots due to the high price of the land. Story continues after the video by Tim
- [Hundreds of undocumented Venezuelans on Sint Maarten : ‘no risk of being deported’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/03/10/hundreds-of-undocumented-venezuelans-on-sint-maarten-no-risk-of-being-deported/) - PHILIPSBURG – Almost six hundred Venezuelans have fled to Sint Maarten. They are staying on the island illegally but are not afraid of being deported by the authorities. A group of them is desperately seeking the government’s help in obtaining the necessary papers to make their stay legal as long as Maduro is in power
- [Not a lot of interest for Senate elections on Bonaire, Saba, and Statia](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/02/27/not-a-lot-of-interest-for-senate-elections-on-bonaire-saba-and-statia/) - THE HAGUE – For the first time inhabitants on Bonaire, Saba, and Statia are allowed to vote during the elections for the Senate. There’s a lack of attention for the elections both on the islands and in The Hague. John Samson, reporting from The Hague [English subtitles] On March 20th inhabitants in the European part
- [Heyliger, politician accused of corruption, ‘will remain in custody for now’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/02/20/heyliger-politician-accused-of-corruption-will-remain-in-custody-for-now/) - PHILIPSBURG – Theo Heyliger, the leader of political party United Democrats Party who was arrested on Tuesday, will appear before a judge on Thursday. The Office of the Public Prosecutor assumes that he ‘will remain in custody for now’. Story continues after the video By Tim van Dijk [English subtitles] Heyliger is under investigation for
- [Lack of diversity leaves Saba nightlife in decline](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/02/23/lack-of-diversity-leaves-saba-nightlife-in-decline/) - THE BOTTOM - Saba, a five square-mile island has roughly 14 different kinds of restaurants/bars while other means of night entertainment is limited. Local music producer Madwillo la Cura explained, “Apart from bar hopping or going to a restaurant, there is nothing else to do.” “When people come to the Caribbean they think about the
- [Sint-Maartener becomes first youth mayor of Amsterdam](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/02/22/sint-maartener-becomes-first-youth-mayor-of-amsterdam/) - AMSTERDAM – The first youth mayor of Amsterdam is a Dutch Caribbean islander from Sint Maarten. On Monday Avianka Aventurin (28) was inducted as the new youth mayor by the mayor of Amsterdam Femke Halsema during a ceremony at a packed Theater de Meervaart. Citizens could cast their votes for a month on one of
- [One year after the government takeover in Statia: Statians want elections](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/02/09/one-year-after-the-government-takeover-in-statia-statians-want-elections/) - ORANJESTAD – “We were pushed aside by the Netherlands”, says Lynette Anson-Leerdam passionately. She works as a baker on Statia. It has been a year since the State Secretary for Kingdom Affairs Raymond Knops took over the government of the special municipality of Statia. The intervention happened after a devastating report which alleged that the
- [Media on Bonaire: ‘We can do better, but we need help’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/02/06/media-on-bonaire-we-can-do-better-but-we-need-help/) - KRALENDIJK – The media outlets on Bonaire recognize that they need help in order to improve to the quality of journalism on Bonaire. That much became clear during the celebration of the fifth anniversary of Caribbean Network on Bonaire. “The media on Bonaire is good and adequate but I will be the first to say:
- [Library on Sint Maarten still closed: ‘Everyone has good intentions, but nothing is happening’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/02/06/library-on-sint-maarten-still-closed-everyone-has-good-intentions-but-nothing-is-happening/) - PHILIPSBURG – “Imagine, a piece of the ceiling crashes down, or there’s a short somewhere because of exposed cables, we can’t risk that”, says Paul Martens, President of the Board of Philipsburg Jubilee Library. He is talking about the emergency closure of the library that was instated on December 10th. “The decision to close was
- [Independent journalism is still a challenge on Curaçao](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/02/06/independent-journalism-is-still-a-challenge-on-curacao/) - WILLEMSTAD – In a small community such as Curaçao, it can be very hard to find independent journalists. Hard but not impossible. All the panelists agreed on this during the celebration of the fifth anniversary of Caribbean Network last Thursday on Curaçao. Journalists Jo Anne Da Costa Gomez (TV Direct), Oscar van Dam (ANP, Extra,
- [Statia finally gets a new road-system](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/01/27/statia-finally-gets-a-new-road-system/) - ORANJESTAD – After more than half a century Statia will finally get a new road-system. The State Secretary for Kingdom Affairs made this announcement during his last visit to the island. Some Statians are more excited about the news than others. Some inhabitants would have rather seen the money go towards more important endeavors such
- [Rutte about social minimum: a job is better than welfare in the fight against poverty](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/01/21/rutte-about-social-minimum-a-job-is-better-than-welfare-in-the-fight-against-poverty/) - KRALENDIJK – During a short visit to Bonaire, Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte emphasized that a person who is living in poverty is best helped with a job and not a higher welfare payment. And that’s why lowering poverty on the BES islands is not just the responsibility of the Dutch government but a shared
- [Saba opens new medical center but wishes for a new helipad](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/01/19/saba-opens-new-medical-center-but-wishes-for-a-new-helipad/) - THE BOTTOM – After almost a year of renovating, Saba with its nearly 2000 inhabitants, will have a new medical center. The Netherlands allocated 1.2 million dollars (about 1.1 million euros) for this project. The new medical center has eight beds in total and is manned 24/7 to provide first aid. Surgical and specialist procedures
- [Medical waste from operating room burned atop the dump](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/01/15/medical-waste-from-operating-room-burned-atop-the-dump/) - PHILIPSBURG - For years the Sint Maarten Medical Center in Philipsburg disposed of medical waste from the operating room and surgical materials by transporting it to the nearby dump to be burned. This happened on top of the 44 meter high dump. Syringes, pills, and laboratory flasks are still there for the taking. Story continues
- [Van Ark ‘moved’ by poverty on Bonaire but makes no promises](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/01/12/van-ark-moved-by-poverty-on-bonaire-but-makes-no-promises/) - KRALENDIJK – The State Secretary for Social Affairs and Employment (SZW), Tamara van Ark hopes to present a timeline for whether or not the research into the determination of the social minimum for Bonaire, Statia, and Saba (BES) can be sped up or not, before the summer. The head of Social Affairs and Employment says
- [High rents leave Sabans with few options](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2019/01/02/high-rents-leave-sabans-with-few-options/) - The BOTTOM - The lack of affordable housing remains a major challenge for renters on Saba. "There is no information whatsoever from the government available about rights and responsibilities of renters and tenants, so it's kind of like the 'wild west’", stated renter Rhiannon Jorna. The National Ombudsman stated in 2016, “There is no rental
- [Dutch Caribbean islanders want more media attention for the islands](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/12/21/dutch-caribbean-islanders-want-more-media-attention-for-the-islands/) - AMSTERDAM – “Dutch media only pay attention to the islands when there’s a disaster or some sort of corruption going on but they should also cover developments and inequalities on our islands.” This was one of the common complaints presented during the journalistic event organized by Caribbean Network last week. To commemorate its fifth anniversary,
- [Ombudsman to start enquiry into poverty on Bonaire, Saba, and Statia in 2019](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/12/28/ombudsman-to-start-enquiry-into-poverty-on-bonaire-saba-and-statia-in-2019/) - The Hague – The National Ombudsman will be conducting more investigations into the functioning of the government in Bonaire, Saba, and Statia in 2019. He will be investigating the police, immigration service, and poverty. The investigation into the poverty on the islands is remarkable to say the least seeing as several reports by UNICEF, Regioned,
- [Foster children of the BES receive half the financial support compared to those in the Netherlands](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/12/20/foster-children-of-the-bes-receive-half-the-financial-support-compared-to-those-in-the-netherlands/) - KRALENDIJK – If you want to foster a child in one of the Caribbean municipalities, you’ll receive 9 dollars and 47 cents a day to do so. For that amount you can only buy a carton of milk and six eggs on Statia. “It hardly does justice to the needs of the child, especially those
- [Podcast: ‘I’m afraid I’m going to lose my island’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/12/07/podcast-im-afraid-im-going-to-lose-my-island/) - AMSTERDAM – “The Dutch media spends a lot of time reporting on corrupt politicians on the islands, but pays no attention to the harrowing situation in the Caribbean municipalities of the Netherlands.” The Statian Urisha Blake from Rotterdam and the Bonarian Alfrida Martis from Amsterdam are fed up and are sounding the alarm. They want
- [Teacher shortage on Sint Maarten continues](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/11/30/teacher-shortage-on-sint-maarten-continues/) - PHILIPSBURG – “Teacher shortages are a worldwide problem”, says Angela Richards-Huggins, HR manager at the Stichting Voortgezet Onderwijs Bovenwindse Eilanden (SVOBE). But it has only gotten worse on Sint Maarten since hurricane Irma. Story continues after the video: By Tim van Dijk and Marcia van Oers (English subtitles available) “We didn’t immediately notice that the
- [Reconstructed airport Sint Maarten to open in December](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/11/20/reconstructed-airport-sint-maarten-to-open-in-december/) - PHILIPSBURG – The original goal was to open the airport in November, but that goal won’t be met. The re-opening of the reconstructed Princess Juliana International Airport on Sint Maarten is planned for mid-December 2018. The airport, which was damaged and in disuse since hurricane Irma ravaged it in 2017, won’t be fully open to
- [Political parties on Statia disappointed by delayed elections](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/11/19/political-parties-on-statia-disappointed-by-delayed-elections/) - ORANJESTAD — The political parties on Statia are ‘disappointed’ by the decision of State Secretary Knops (Kingdom Relations) to definitely postpone the Island Council elections. By Tim van Dijk (English subtitles) In February the government in the Hague took over the governing of the special municipality because the Island Council was neglecting its duties. The
- [Statia Day: Islanders celebrate with mixed feelings](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/11/18/statia-day-islanders-celebrate-with-mixed-feelings/) - ORANJESTAD – The Special Municipality of the Netherlands, Statia, celebrated Statia Day last Friday. How do locals feel about the holiday since the Netherlands took over governing the island at the beginning of the year? By Tim van Dijk (English subtitles) The Netherlands took over the governing of Statia back in January due to a
- [SP, VVD: confidence in Sint Maarten’s ability to rebuild reaches new low](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/11/13/sp-vvd-confidence-in-sint-maartens-ability-to-rebuild-reaches-new-low/) - The Hague – The rebuilding of Sint Maarten is taking way too long thanks to the island’s politicians, according to the VVD and the SP. They are preparing for a debate with Sint Maarten’s politicians in January. “It’s going to be a heated debate because the disappointment in the Netherlands is quite high”, says Van
- [Senate not done with social minimum for the BES-islands](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/11/07/senate-not-done-with-social-minimum-for-the-bes-islands/) - The Hague – The Senate will once more be addressing State Secretary Van Ark (Social Affairs and Employment) and Knops (Interior and Kingdom Relations) about the failure to determine the social minimum for Bonaire, Saba, and Statia (BES). A letter describing the senators’ dissatisfaction will be produced next week. The Senate had hoped that the
- [House of Representatives wants a yearly subsidy for the national slavery commemoration](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/11/02/house-of-representatives-wants-a-yearly-subsidy-for-the-national-slavery-commemoration/) - The Hague – Will we get a subsidy, or not? The organizer of the national slavery commemoration lives with this uncertainty every year. The House of Representatives wants to ensure that they receive a yearly subsidy from now on. The volunteers who make the commemoration possible will ‘finally be able to take a breath’, according
- [Hurricane-proof hospital Sint Maarten will cost 25 million dollars](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/10/31/hurricane-proof-hospital-sint-maarten-will-cost-25-million-dollars/) - PHILIPSBURG – 25 million dollars, that’s the total amount of the ‘grant agreement’ that the Sint Maarten Medical Center and the World Bank agreed on. These funds are destined for the Sint Maarten Hospital Resiliency and Preparedness Project. The funds will not be paid out in one lump-sum payment but will be paid out in
- [How can a small island like Sint Maarten tackle breast cancer](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/10/29/how-can-a-small-island-like-sint-maarten-tackle-breast-cancer/) - PHILIPSBURG – ‘Pink October’ is breast cancer awareness month. Becoming ‘Breast Aware’ is the goal of this month. 28 medical facilities on the island are offering free preventive breast cancer checks. One of the questions on everyone’s mind is if Sint Maarten is properly equipped to treat breast cancer. Patients regularly have to fly to
- [Senators annoyed by undetermined social minimum on Bonaire, Saba, and Statia](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/10/18/senators-annoyed-by-undetermined-social-minimum-on-bonaire-saba-and-statia/) - The Hague – The patience of the members of the Senate are being tested. State Secretary Van Ark (Social Affairs) and State Secretary Knops (Kingdom Relations) did not manage to convince the senators on Tuesday as to why the social minimum has not yet been established. The members of the commission are considering whether they should
- [Local fundraisers help sustain the island during the slow rebuild](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/10/14/local-fundraisers-help-sustain-the-island-during-the-slow-rebuild/) - PHILIPSBURG – Small fundraisers are desperately needed in Sint Maarten to help the island get back on its feet after hurricane Irma. It’s been little more than a year since the category 5 hurricane ravaged the island. Rebuilding has been a slow process because the World Bank has to ensure that the funds provided by
- ['Prime minister of Sint Maarten summoned to the Hague to explain human rights violations'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/10/10/prime-minister-of-sint-maarten-summoned-to-the-hague-to-explain-human-rights-violations/) - The Hague – The VVD wants the prime minister of Sint Maarten to be summoned to the Hague to explain the human rights violations suffered by the casino boss Francesco Corallo during his detention. The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Corallo was detained under inhumane circumstances on Sint Maarten. He was held for six
- [Insufficient child allowance for small families on BES-islands](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/10/03/insufficient-child-allowance-for-small-families-on-bes-islands/) - THE BOTTOM/ORANJESTAD - “I believe the Dutch Government should increase the child allowance because grocery stores on Statia are getting more and more expensive. I think a lot of people are suffering besides me", stated Statian Gina Hassell. Hassell continued, “I started receiving child allowance for my children around April 2016. It comes at the
- [Sint Maarteners take on State, and dump](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/09/28/sint-maarteners-take-on-state-and-dum/) - PHILIPSBURG – “The dump is my biggest concern. It is a monster. I consider it a giant murderer.” With these famous words, uttered by the minister of public housing, spatial planning, environment and infrastructure, Miklos Giterson, Camiel Koster begun his opening statement in the summary procedure centered around the dump on Thursday. This case takes
- [Disappointed and bewildered: no social minimum for Bonaire, Saba, and Statia in the upcoming years](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/10/03/disappointed-and-bewildered-no-social-minimum-for-bonaire-saba-and-statia-in-the-upcoming-years/) - The Hague – The Government of the Netherlands has received an additional two years to determine the minimum amount of money a person needs to survive in one of the Caribbean municipalities. This left the inhabitants of the islands disappointed and bewildered. ‘This can’t be explained’, says Nina den Heyer (MPB), a former representative from
- [Citizens take on the Government of Sint Maarten in court-case about the dump: ‘The smoke has to stop now’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/09/26/citizens-take-on-the-government-of-sint-maarten-in-court-case-about-the-dump-the-smoke-has-to-stop-now/) - PHILIPSBURG – “I suffer from chronic sinusitis, and allergies. If you go to the doctors they will tell you that it is related to the dump.” Barbara Cannegieter faces the Government of Sint Maarten, and the exploiter of the dump in the center of Sint Maarten in court tomorrow. Story continues after the video By
- [Opposition wants the Government of the Netherlands to determine the social minimum](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/09/25/opposition-wants-the-government-of-the-netherlands-to-determine-the-social-minimum/) - The Hague – How much money does a person on Bonaire, Saba, and Statia need to survive? The opposition parties SP, and Groenlinks want to force the Government of the Netherlands to determine the social minimum. The Government of the Netherlands refuses to say what the amount is while both the Senate, and Parliament have
- [Four weeks to complete metamorphosis at Saba’s airport](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/09/23/four-weeks-to-complete-metamorphosis-at-sabas-airport/) - THE BOTTOM – Saba’s inhabitants’ proverbial wings have been clipped for four weeks. This is also the case for tourists, students, and business travelers who wish to visit Saba by air. The Juancho Yrausquin Airport is getting a new runway, and it’s terminal is also being renovated. On September 10th, WinAir carried out its -for
- [Minimum wage, and social security to increase on Bonaire, Saba, and Statia](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/09/18/minimum-wage-and-social-security-to-increase-on-bonaire-saba-and-statia/) - The Hague – The residents of Bonaire, Saba, and Statia will see a small net improvement in their economic situation in 2019. The cabinet is going to reduce the employers’ social security contributions so that the minimum wage, and social securities can go up by five percent. That is one of the measures announced on Prinsjesdag
- [Venezuelan asylum-seeker: who is the refugee and who the fortune-hunter?](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/09/12/venezuelan-asylum-seeker-who-is-the-refugee-and-who-the-fortune-hunter/) - PHILIPSBURG – The sun is barely up when a team of men storm the construction site for Sonesta Maho. Their target: picking up undocumented Venezuelan laborers. Just like on Curaçao and Aruba, Sint Maarten is struggling with the influx of Venezuelans who left their home country, and are residing on the island illegally. And just
- [‘Fast forward’ fixing houses before hurricane Isaac arrives](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/09/11/fast-forward-fixing-houses-before-hurricane-isaac-arrives/) - PHILIPSBURG – People on Sint Maarten are worried when it comes to hurricane Isaac which is barreling down on the island. Because of this, Sint Maarten will most likely experience extreme weather on Thursday the 13th or Friday the 14th of September. Last Thursday, September 6th, was the one year anniversary of the devastation brought
- [Red Cross Sint Maarten will continue to help Irma victims for two more years](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/09/07/red-cross-sint-maarten-will-continue-to-help-irma-victims-for-two-more-years/) - PHILIPSBURG – “We are much better prepared now if a hurricane passes over the island compared to last year when Irma passed”, says Joost Ruigrok from Red Cross Sint Maarten. By Tim van Dijk (Dutch, and English spoken) Ruigrok explains that disaster relief is no longer being provided, and that the organization is not distributing
- [Sint Maarten: no time to remember Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/09/06/sint-maarten-no-time-to-remember-irma/) - PHILLIPSBURG – The two minutes of silence at 09:06 to commemorate the passing of hurricane Irma one year ago, passed without much fanfare on the island. It seemed like people didn’t have time for it. By Tim van Dijk (Dutch, and English spoken) Some companies, schools, and other institutions such as the Algemeen Pensioenfonds Sint
- [1 year after hurricane Irma: to remember or to forget?](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/09/05/1-year-after-hurricane-irma-to-remember-or-to-forget/) - PHILIPSBURG – “People want to move on. Why would you want to remember a disaster. They are glad that they survived", says Daniel Gumbs, a retired teacher. The repair project that Gumbs coordinates every Sunday, brings him to a lot of family homes. He noticed that there isn’t a lot of enthusiasm for the National
- [Not a lot of interest for Irma remembrance day](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/09/05/not-a-lot-of-interest-for-irma-remembrance-day/) - PHILIPSBURG - The government has decreed upcoming Thursday, exactly one year after hurricane Irma, as the National Day of Reflection. Except for 2 minutes of silence to be held at 09:06 local time (the exact time the eye of the hurricane crossed over the island), next to nothing has been planned. A lot of citizens
- [Knops: ‘It will take a lot of time to find a solution for the dump’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/09/05/knops-it-will-take-a-lot-of-time-to-find-a-solution-for-the-dump/) - PHILIPSBURG - "It’s a shame that the dump is still there”, says State Secretary for the Interior and Kingdom Relations Raymond Knops during his fifth working visit to Sint Maarten. Knops visited the prison, and the dump. He says he sees progress on the island after the devastation caused by hurricane Irma. He does however
- [1 year after Irma: most houses have not been fixed](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/09/03/1-year-after-irma-most-houses-have-not-been-fixed/) - PHILIPSBURG – While the local government assisted by the Netherlands, and the World Bank is still busy with the filing of reports, contracts, tenders, and other bureaucratic steps, a lot of blue tarps still flutter in the wind all over Sint Maarten. By Sharina Henriquez According to the government about 80% of the houses on
- [Surviving Irma only to be poisoned by burning dump](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/09/02/surviving-irma-only-to-be-poisoned-by-burning-dump/) - PHILIPSBURG – The dump in the center of Philipsburg, the capital city of Sint Maarten, has become a bigger problem since hurricane Irma. The safety, and wellbeing on the inhabitants all over the island are at risk. Carlos Mendez has been working at the dump for nearly 20 years. Since hurricane Irma, he has also
- [Anti-Dutch sentiments at protest for a stronger Sint Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/08/30/anti-dutch-sentiments-at-protest-for-a-stronger-sint-maarten/) - PHILIPSBURG – “We are still slaves.” “Let our leaders lead.” “Go away the Netherlands.” The silent protest ‘Stand for SXM’ for a stronger Sint Maarten on Wednesday, proved to be a loud protest against Dutch meddling in Sint Maarten. “The Netherlands is known to be one of the biggest drug countries on the planet. I
- [Studying, and assimilating without losing yourself. How do you do that?](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/08/30/studying-and-assimilating-without-losing-yourself-how-do-you-do-that/) - AMSTERDAM – Around fifty first-year students from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands were welcomed in Amsterdam last week with riveting speeches, and games. The most important message conveyed to them: assimilate, but do stay true to who you are. But how do you actually do that? By Natasja Gibbs (English subtitles
- [IT-experts: ‘How can the ministry know that information was not stolen?](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/08/26/it-experts-how-can-the-ministry-know-that-information-was-not-stolen/) - The Hague – For years the cyber-security protecting government information systems on Bonaire, Saba, and Statia was substandard. These information systems also contained information about citizens and companies. IT-experts are questioning whether or not any information was stolen. Up until April, individuals with bad intentions could ‘easily access’ the network of Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland (RCN).
- [Wikipedia wants more articles about Caribbean history and culture](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/08/20/wikipedia-wants-more-articles-about-caribbean-history-and-culture/) - ROTTERDAM – Wikipedia lacks articles, and images containing the history and culture of Surinam, and the Caribbean. In May the online encyclopedia started producing more articles on these topics with the help of volunteers. Last Friday, on Dia di Tula (Tula Day), special attention was paid to this initiative by Wikipedia. Wikipedia put information about
- [Podcast: What is the impact of a diminished advice on the future of pupils?](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/08/18/podcast-what-is-the-impact-of-a-diminished-advice-on-the-future-of-pupils/) - AMSTERDAM – The new school year is just about to begin but twelve year old Gabriella from Amsterdam has not been enrolled at any school. If it were up to her, she would be heading to a VMBO-kader school, just as her Cito score indicated she would be able to, unfortunately she can’t. Since 2015,
- [Reforestation effort set in motion on Statia, while goats devour the island](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/08/13/reforestation-effort-set-in-motion-on-statia-while-goats-devour-the-island/) - DEN HAAG – Almost a year after hurricane Irma ravaged the Caribbean municipality of Statia, the island is receiving 800.000 euros from the Hague to restore the damaged environment. More plants are to be planted, while free-roaming goats continue to devour the island. Hurricane Irma, and Maria caused major damage to the environment around the
- [Dancehall: What’s the deal with the sexist, and homophobic lyrics?](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/08/08/dancehall-whats-the-deal-with-the-sexist-and-homophobic-lyrics/) - AMSTERDAM – “Well, inna bed, weh man and woman shoulda hug and caress. So fire bun di people weh deh with the same sex.” This is a lyric from the dancehall hit ‘Nuttin No Go So’ from the Jamaican artist Norman Howell, also known as Notch. He is not an exception to the rule: dancehall
- [Research into murder and deadly gang violence on the islands](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/08/06/research-into-murder-and-deadly-gang-violence-on-the-islands/) - LEIDEN – Why do so many homicides occur on the Caribbean islands? And how can this number be lowered? With the help of a new database, researchers are hoping to find the answers to these questions. It could help the justice, and police departments on the islands to lower these numbers. “The preliminary numbers show that
- [European Parliament wants Dutch Caribbean citizens at EU-polls](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/08/02/european-parliament-wants-dutch-caribbean-citizens-at-eu-polls/) - THE HAGUE – A think-tank, lobbying group, and even a parliamentary motion have all been put in play this year to get the Dutch Caribbean citizens to the polls in May 2019 to vote for the members of the European Parliament. But why exactly, and how will it benefit them? “These are extremely important elections”,
- [Serving meals on Sint-Maarten: ‘Yes, fruits and vegetables’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/08/03/serving-meals-on-sint-maarten-yes-fruits-and-vegetables/) - PHILIPSBURG – The devastating hurricane Irma, which pounded the Leeward Islands last September, also left a mark on the lives of DJ Jansen, and Joost de Jong. They desperately tried reaching friends, and family from their home-base in the Netherlands. After this the couple launched helpsxm.org, and decided to sell all of their possessions in
- [HIV taboo: “Not less of an issue in the Netherlands than in the Dutch Caribbean”](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/07/25/hiv-taboo-not-less-of-an-issue-in-the-netherlands-than-in-the-dutch-caribbean/) - AMSTERDAM – The film ‘Aan Niets Overleden’ premiered last week in the Netherlands. It is the first film by the Curaçaoan actor, and director Raymi Sambo. Sambo touches upon a sensitive subject with this film, namely the taboo surrounding HIV, the virus which if left untreated, can lead to AIDS. This week in Amsterdam scientist,
- [Caribbean community angry about statements Blok: Apologize and resign](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/07/20/caribbean-community-angry-about-statements-block-apologize-and-resign/) - THE HAGUE - 'The Minister of Foreign Affairs is unworthy', according to the Dutch Caribbean Consultative Body (OCaN) regarding the statements made by Minister Stef Blok (VVD) about Suriname and the multicultural society. The foundation demands excuses on behalf of the Caribbean community and a meeting with the government. Blok said last week during a
- [More awareness needed on how to deal with addiction and domestic violence](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/07/14/more-awareness-needed-on-how-to-deal-with-addiction-and-domestic-violence/) - THE BOTTOM - How do you deal on a small island with alcohol, drugs and domestic violence where everyone knows each other. More awareness is needed, acknowledges governor Jonathan Johnson. “Social control has changed over the years in Saba, being a part of the broader world, with social media and such people are more focused
- [Coast Guard has not yet recovered from hits Hurricane Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/07/05/coast-guard-has-not-yet-recovered-from-hits-hurricane-irma/) - THE HAGUE - The hurricane season may have started, but the Coast Guard has not yet recovered from the damage caused by Hurricane Irma. Minister of Defense Ank Bijleveld announces that the material only will be fully in order again this autumn. Among other things, the IT system was hit hard and has not yet
- [Cabinet comes with measures against poverty on Bonaire, Saba, and St. Eustatius](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/07/04/cabinet-comes-with-measures-against-poverty-on-bonaire-saba-and-st-eustatius/) - THE HAGUE - The benefits and basic pension on Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius will increase as of 1 January 2019. The Dutch cabinet has announced the long-awaited plan against poverty in the Caribbean municipalities on Friday. The government is coming up with a package of measures to reduce poverty and improve employment after a
- [Secretary of State Knops rewards Saba with more independence](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/06/26/secretary-of-state-knops-rewards-saba-with-more-independence/) - THE HAGUE - While the Netherlands is taking over the management of St. Eustatius, the Saba authorities will gain more independence in the near future, state secretary Raymond Knops of Kingdom Relations declares. The government praises the local government and the financial affairs of the island. The intention is for the special municipality of Saba
- [Violent assault on a small island: difficult to deal with](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/06/21/violent-assault-on-a-small-island-difficult-to-deal-with/) - THE BOTTOM/ORANJESTAD - “I was punched in the face repeatedly and also my son was attacked. My son was frightened after the experience and took the blame.” Brittany Johnson is a victim of physical assault on Saba. Feeling safe and protected is difficult on a small island. “The man who attacked me was released the
- [Library hopes to rebuild with Trust Fund](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/05/29/library-hopes-to-rebuild-with-trust-fund/) - PHILIPSBURG - “When it rains outside, it rains inside the library as well,” explains Sint Maarten Library Director Monique Alberts. The library’s building was heavily damaged during hurricane Irma. The library still has not received enough funds to move to a temporary building. By Laura Bijnsdorp Although the library has done its best to safely
- [A quarter of tested school children need glasses](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/05/19/a-quarter-of-tested-school-children-need-glasses/) - PHILIPSBURG - Seventeen optometrists from the United States and Canada are in Sint Maarten this week to implement the Eyes for a Brighter Future project of the Lions Club. The eye doctors started on Monday morning with the testing of primary school children. Up to and including Wednesday, 1344 children had undergone the test. 364
- [Praise Dutch Prime Minister Rutte for government SXM](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/05/17/praise-dutch-prime-minister-rutte-for-government-sxm/) - PHILIPSBURG – Prime Minister Mark Rutte praised St. Maarten’s Prime Minister Leona Marlin-Romeo extensively during his visit to the island on Monday. “I hope that she stays on in the next government,” Rutte said, adding that he had every confidence in her. Rutte repeated this remark several times on Monday and even suggested that her
- [Poor turnout visit Dutch Prime Minister](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/05/15/poor-turnout-visit-dutch-prime-minister/) - THE BOTTOM - Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s Meet and Greet at Windwardside, Saba received a poor turnout with simply the Executive Council, Island Council,and a few Saban locals. A concerned Saban said: “This was a wasted trip when coming here on Mother’s Day and leaving the next day in the morning. He should have
- [Need to go to the notary? This is not possible on Saba and Saint Eustatius](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/05/04/need-to-go-to-the-notary-this-is-not-possible-on-saba-and-saint-eustatius/) - ORANJESTAD - Buying a house, completing a difficult divorce or creating a will? For residents of Sint Eustatius and Saba this can be a difficult task, because there is no notary available on their island. On Monday, the residents of Sint Eustatius expressed their concerns during a visit by Raymond Knops, the state secretary of
- [Sint Maarten struggles with a non-conclusive budget](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/04/25/sint-maarten-struggles-with-a-non-conclusive-budget/) - PHILIPSBURG - According to the draft budget for 2018, which parliament will discuss on Thursday, Sint Maarten will have to work with non-closing budgets up to and including 2020. The deficits amount to 486.2 million Antillean guilders. Only in 2021 does the government foresee a small surplus of 4.1 million. In the coming years, Sint
- [New law helps decreasing absenteeism however not all students happy](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/04/19/new-law-helps-decreasing-absenteeism-however-not-all-students-happy/) - ORANJESTAD - “For me personally, I don’t really like when it doesn’t make that much sense. They don’t know where the student was or what the student was doing”, says GvP student Shadrach Blair(15) from Statia. GvP student Shadrach Blair GvP student Erika Simmons “I find sometimes it’s unfair depending on the situation. For
- [Reconstruction of St. Maarten can begin: the Netherlands signs deal with World Bank](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/04/17/reconstruction-of-st-maarten-can-begin-the-netherlands-signs-deal-with-world-bank/) - WASHINGTON - The great reconstruction of St. Maarten can finally start. The Netherlands has signed a final agreement with the World Bank for managing a multi-million fund. As of today, 112 million euros have been made available for urgent projects and programs. The intention is for the government of St. Maarten to come up with
- [A new government is still on hold](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/04/16/a-new-government-is-still-on-hold/) - PHILIPSBURG - The formation of a new government is proceeding according to a process unique to St. Maarten. There is agreement regarding the formation of a coalition between United Democrats and the St. Maarten Christian Party, but the new ministerial team has yet to be formed and might take some time. Going to the grapevine,
- [Statia: most complaints about health insurance and IND](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/04/15/statia-most-complaints-about-health-insurance-and-ind/) - ORANJESTAD/THE BOTTOM - Investigators of the Nationale Ombudsman (public defensor) were visiting the BES islands last month for assisting the public with problems with the government. Most complaints on Statia concern health insurance ZVK and the immigration and naturalisation service IND. Daniël Parreira, investigator for the Nationale Ombudsman Daniël Parreira, investigator for the Nationale Ombudsman
- [The Netherlands guarantees sufficient hiding places during hurricane season](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/04/14/the-netherlands-guarantees-sufficient-hiding-places-during-hurricane-season/) - THE HAGUE – Raymond Knops, the state secretary of kingdom relations, guarantees that in the event of another hurricane threatening St. Maarten in the upcoming months, there will be plenty of hiding places where people can safely go. According to Knops, it will not be possible to repair all roofs on St. Maarten before the
- [Human rights office for complaints on all three BES islands](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/04/13/human-rights-office-for-complaints-on-all-three-bes-islands/) - THE BOTTOM - Netherlands Institute for Human Rights wants to establish small offices on all the three BES islands where citizens can file complaints regarding human rights. Problems with education, health care, housing and maybe the situation in the local prisons, are mentioned by the chair of the institute Adriana van Dooijeweert this week at
- [Sabans tired of complaining and in need of more action](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/04/12/sabans-tired-of-complaining-and-in-need-of-more-action/) - THE BOTTOM - “We were promised many things and I was at every town hall meeting. I am just tired of town hall meetings and going around in circles. I need to see action! It’s nice for us to sit down and talk but now less talk.” The town hall meeting on human rights held
- [Low voters turnout on Saba](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/03/23/low-voters-turnout-on-saba/) - THE BOTTOM - As expected the turnout was low on the day of the referendum on the new law also known as ‘sleepwet’ Wednesday. People that did come out to vote, complained about lack of communication. Teacher Rhiannon Jorna on the low turnout Preliminary results Citizens also could vote by letter at the Dutch representation
- [Saba raising awareness on children’s rights](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/04/05/saba-raising-awareness-on-childrens-rights/) - THE BOTTOM - Saba among all of the other Dutch islands will join the finale on Curaçao where several schools of various islands battle to win the first edition of the Unicef Child Rights Film Festival. Cadella Marten and Elizabeth Henry about the Film Festival “The children rights movement is still fairly new here
- [Targeted donations still direly needed for Sint Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/03/28/targeted-donations-still-direly-needed-for-sint-maarten/) - PHILIPSBURG - “It’s been really rough,” says teacher Colleen Cato with tears in her eyes as she leads Cyriel Pfennings-Richardson and John Sandiford through the daycare center where she had been working for 27 years prior to hurricane Irma. All 34 daycare facilities that cater to kids from 0-4 years old on Sint Maarten were
- [Saba same-sex marriages increase: 'we feel more comfortable here'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/03/05/saba-same-sex-marriages-increase-we-feel-more-comfortable-here/) - THE BOTTOM - “Since we are living on Saba I feel more comfortable. When we lived in the Netherlands, in public I had a feeling of persons staring at us, while on Saba this feeling is totally gone”, says Pieter van Amsterdam. Article continues after the video By Esther Henry In Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and
- [Misinformed Saban voters head to referendum new intelligence law](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/03/20/misinformed-saban-voters-head-to-referendum-new-intelligence-law/) - THE BOTTOM - “I wouldn’t have known about this referendum if I haven’t followed Dutch news media. There may be a lack of interest and this will result in a poor voter turnout. This is not well communicated on the island as in the Netherlands.” Mariette Naber has been living on Saba for 3.5 years.
- [Heyliger appointed formateur new government St. Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/03/20/heyliger-appointed-formateur-new-government-st-maarten/) - PHILIPSBURG - Governor Eugène Holiday has appointed Theo Heyliger, leader of the United Democrats (UD), as a formateur. He must now form the government that can count on the widest possible support in the new parliament. Limited options Heyliger's options are limited because the Christian SMCP party has indicated that does not want to cooperate
- [For the first time after hurricane: Ombudsman research on Saba and St. Eustatius](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/03/17/for-the-first-time-after-hurricane-ombudsman-research-on-saba-and-st-eustatius/) - THE HAGUE - Anyone who has problems with government agencies on Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius can personally file a complaint about this next week. The National Ombudsman is sending a research team to the islands. It is the first visit to Saba and St Eustatius after the havoc of Hurricane Irma. In addition to
- [714 signatures for Statia pro elections petition](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/03/13/714-signatures-for-statia-pro-elections-petition/) - ORANJESTAD – The Brighter Path Foundation is taking a grass-roots approach of spreading the word about their petition for elections on Statia next year. “We are very satisfied within four weeks, collecting 714 signatures. We’re aiming for a thousand in total", says Xiomara Balentina of the Brighter Path Foundation. Xiomara Balentina about the response to
- ['Need for Saba DOET next year'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/03/14/need-for-saba-doet-next-year/) - THE BOTTOM – Saba, the only Dutch island without a DOET volunteer program, participated within SXM DOET on Saturday for the first time. “It is in our nature as Sabans to give a helping hand. I feel joining the DOET is a good fit for us”, says Leo club member Jade Every. “Due to late
- [Statia DOET covers forty projects, but budget is limited](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/03/14/statia-doet-covers-forty-projects-but-budget-is-limited/) - ORANJESTAD - “The funding for projects via ‘Statia Doet’ and the additional help from volunteers annually is a big help for us, because we can finally get the needed manpower of volunteers to help out", says Misha Spanner of the Simon Donker Club. Still, the budget of $650 per project is not always enough. Materials
- [SXM DOET volunteers tackle damage by hurricane Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/03/13/sxm-doet-volunteers-tackle-damage-by-hurricane-irma/) - PHILIPBURG - Six months after hurricane Irma devastated Sint Maarten, the annual Kingdom-wide event ‘DOET’ took place for the 4th time on Sint Maarten. This year the event experienced a 46 percent increase in registered projects. Article continues after the video By Laura Bijnsdorp As expected, a large number of projects this year focused on
- [Acceptance homosexuality increased on Saba](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/03/06/acceptance-homosexuality-increased-on-saba/) - THE BOTTOM - With twenty-two marriages performed with only Dutch nationals on Saba since 10 October 2012, the acceptance of homosexuality has increased within the Saban community. “Saba Day’s theme for us for the last few years was ‘Celebrate Diversity’, part of which being battling sexual discrimination”, says Body, Mind & Spirit Programs Coordinator Johan
- [Petition to keep Island Council elections in St. Eustatius](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/21/petition-to-keep-island-council-elections-in-st-eustatius/) - ORANJESTAD - "We do not want to wait until the decision to keep elections on St.Eustatius is made. We want to mobilize the people to fight for their democratic right to elect their own representatives. Therefore, this is an infringement”, says Xiomara Balentina President of the Brighter Path Foundation. On Tuesday, February 13, a petition
- [Recycling on Saba remains problematic](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/28/recycling-on-saba-remains-problematic/) - THE BOTTOM – Even though Saba has a recycling plant since 2015 - making Saba the first of the three Dutch BES-islands to recycle waste material - a lot of Sabans still don’t recycle. “I’ve witnessed people leaving bottles on the wall, as well as garbage collectors combining both recyclable and non-recyclable garbage together”, says
- [Van Putten requests suspension Dutch from UN Security Council](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/03/01/van-putten-requests-suspension-dutch-from-un-security-council/) - ORANJESTAD – A petition to suspend the seating of the Netherlands in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was sent to all members of the UNSC by ‘Island Council Member and Leader of the Coalition of St. Eustatius’ Clyde van Putten. Tensions between the Netherlands and St. Eustatius have been ongoing for some time now
- [Critical erosion and deterioration closes main road St. Eustatius](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/28/critical-erosion-and-deterioration-closes-main-road-st-eustatius/) - ORANJESTAD – Soil erosion could escalate into a major problem for St. Eustatius. Cliffs surrounding the historic monument Fort Oranje and the main road Bay Path have been gradually eroding, mainly due to the loose roaming cattle and human interference in the area. Hurricanes Irma and Maria have stripped the cliff walls of most vegetation
- [Politicians in The Hague positive about election results St. Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/28/politicians-in-the-hague-positive-about-election-results-st-maarten/) - THE HAGUE - Politicians in The Hague generally react positively about the election results of St. Maarten. According to State Secretary Raymond Knops (Kingdom Relations), this result offers 'prospects for collaboration'. The United Democrats party won the most seats during Monday's elections. St. Maarten went to the ballot box early, after former Prime Minister William
- [Theo Heyliger of United Democrats dominates during St. Maarten elections](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/27/theo-heyliger-of-united-democrats-dominates-during-st-maarten-elections/) - PHILIPSBURG – Theo Heyliger, the popular yet controversial leader of the newly formed United Democrats, dominated yesterday’s tense elections held in St. Maarten. While being on the same ballot, Heyliger with 1289 votes got almost twice as many votes than the former Prime Minister Sara Wescot Williams, with 566 votes. The UD, a merger of
- [First CN-Express flight connecting the BES Islands](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/26/first-cn-express-flight-connecting-the-bes-islands/) - THE BOTTOM - The first CN-Express flight from Winair was on Monday, starting from Bonaire to St.Eustatius ending on Saba. “I originally left Curaçao to St. Maarten and had a straight connection from St.Eustatius to Saba. It was a fairly good range price”, expressed Eli Alives, Solar Park PV. Ruud Peters, head of the shared
- [Sint Maarten experiences a lower voter-turnout, as expected](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/26/sint-maarten-experiences-a-lower-voter-turnout-as-expected/) - PHILIPSBURG - At 8pm on February 26th, 2018, the polls closed on Sint Maarten. The snap elections were seen by many as a ‘poor decision’ made in the wake of hurricane Irma. Initial numbers counted that 13,932 eligible voters of 22,559 cast a ballot. As expected, the number of votes casted was less than the
- [No celebrations on election day at Sint Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/26/no-celebrations-on-election-day-at-sint-maarten/) - PHILIPSBURG - On Monday Sint Maarteners went to the poll for the third time since 2010. Unlike previous elections, the atmosphere around the polling stations was hushed. “Normally there is loud music and celebrations, now there is nothing", a voter comments walking out of a polling station located in Cole Bay. Article continues after the
- [Dutch government commissioner Franco wants to earn Statia’s trust](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/26/dutch-government-commissioner-franco-wants-to-earn-statias-trust/) - ORANJESTAD - Dutch government commissioner for St.Eustatius, Marcolino 'Mike' Franco, made his first public appearance at PJB50 Radio Statia Sunday afternoon. “I don’t want to ask for trust, I want to work and then earn it”, expressed Franco. Franco was appointed as government commissioner of the island, after the Dutch government took over the public
- [Saba out of gasoline: no public transport](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/26/saba-out-of-gasoline-no-public-transport/) - THE BOTTOM - Saba’s only gas station ran out of gasoline on Saturday morning, leaving the island also without public transport. “It has a large impact on us since it’s our livelihood. There’s nothing we can do about it but wait,” expressed Donna Cain, taxi driver for 13 years. Cain continued: “Before there were two
- [No election fever in St. Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/24/no-election-fever-in-st-maarten/) - PHILIPSBURG – The elections that nobody wanted will take place on Monday in St. Maarten. For the first time ever there does not seem to be a lot of election fever. The election campaign has been limited to some public meetings and to social media announcements and almost everyone refrained from littering the island with
- ['European Dutchman as Attorney General is more independent than a local'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/23/european-dutchman-as-attorney-general-is-more-independent-than-a-local/) - WILLEMSTAD – Again a European Dutchman has been selected as the Attorney General for the five islands Curaçao, St. Maarten and the BES (Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba). Will a local ever be considered suitable for this position? “One considers the skills and abilities first, when selecting an Attorney General”, answers Attorney General Roger Bos,
- [Saban fisherman responded to capsized boat](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/20/saban-fisherman-responded-to-capsized-boat/) - THE BOTTOM - The Greg Slyngstad’s Bieker 53 multihull Fujin has capsized during the RORC Caribbean 600 on Saba. “The captain and crew of the vessel were very professional and treated me with dignity and respect,” stated Nicholas Johnson local fisherman for more than 25 years. On Monday 19th February at 20:20 AST, Fujin capsized
- ['Silent march Statia was against influx of Dutch policemen'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/11/silent-march-statia-was-against-influx-of-dutch-policemen/) - ORANJESTAD - Over 50 marched in silence to an influx of Dutch policemen that came to the island in preparation of the Town Hall meeting Wednesday afternoon. The protest was made silent to lessen any confrontation between the Statians and armed forces, as the march would not be ‘seen' as violent but ‘peaceful’. The march
- [Dutch support for problem with St. Maarten landfill](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/10/dutch-support-for-problem-with-st-maarten-landfill/) - PHILIPSBURG - State Secretary Raymond Knops will help St. Maarten to find a solution to the problems with the landfill. Last week, fires at the dump caused major problems in Philipsburg. The discussion about an incineration plant - that also has to generate electricity for the island - has been going on for many years,
- [State Secretary Knops meets crowd at airport St. Eustatius](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/07/state-secretary-knops-meets-crowd-at-airport-st-eustatius/) - ORANJESTAD – State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Raymond Knops arrived at St. Eustatius on a Winair private charter this morning, meeting a crowd, both for the intervention of the administration and against it. “See you this afternoon”, Knops said to the crowd at the airport. This week the State Secretary submitted a bill to the
- [Silent protest against Dutch intervention St. Eustatius](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/08/silent-protest-against-dutch-intervention-st-eustatius/) - ORANJESTAD – A group of Statians, who have opposed the Dutch intervention in their local government, organized a silent protest from the airport to the special town hall meeting with State Secretary Raymond Knops on Wednesday. “We want a fair and honest dialogue! We have dreams for our island just like the Dutch have for
- [Residents on Sint Maarten suffering for the fifth day due to dump fire](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/08/residents-on-sint-maarten-suffering-for-the-fifth-day-due-to-dump-fire/) - PHILIPSBURG - “My wife and I decided to sleep elsewhere with our three kids last night. The smoke was unbearable", says Sint Maarten resident Alston Lourens. Lourens lives in Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten. Just a little over a kilometer away is the island’s garbage dump, which caught on fire five days ago. The
- [St. Eustatius officials furious with Dutch Government](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/07/st-eustatius-officials-furious-with-dutch-government/) - ORANJESTAD - State secretary Raymond Knops of Kingdom Relations who will arrive in St.Eustatius (Statia) on Wednesday morning, better prepare to meet furious and upset Statia government officials. Charles Woodley, commissioner of Finance, calls the plan to remove the Statian government "a hijack of democracy". "Why don't they call an election instead of intervening in
- [CN salaries increase while pensioners keep struggling](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/06/cn-salaries-increase-while-pensioners-keep-struggling/) - THE BOTTOM - “Salaries from Dutch Government continues to increase, however, myself as a pensioner receiving a very minimum pension, I'm struggling to make ends meet. It’s very difficult”, says pensioner Syliva Woods. Due to an economic surplus in the Netherlands, all Central Government civil servants in the Caribbean Netherlands will benefit with an increase
- [Persons evacuated due to toxic fire in Sint Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/06/persons-evacuated-due-to-toxic-fire-in-sint-maarten/) - PHILIPSBURG - Most of the Dutch side of Sint Maarten was clouded in smoke Monday, due to a large fire on the island’s dump. Schools, businesses and the government administration building closed down due to the hazardous smoke. “Again we are faced with a situation where the community is brought in danger by this significant
- [March against homophobia and discrimination: Antilleans are fed up](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/01/mars-against-homophobia-and-discrimination-antilleans-are-fed-up/) - AMSTERDAM - "Within the gay community in the Netherlands, we are often seen as a pleasure object or used as a ‘diversity mascot’. We do not feel safe with the police through ethnic profiling. And in our own black community, we are still a taboo.” The Curaçao Naomie Pieter of Black Queer & Trans Resistance
- [The Dutch cabinet takes over Sint-Eustatius](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/05/the-dutch-cabinet-takes-over-sint-eustatius/) - THE HAGUE - State Secretary Raymond Knops (Kingdom Relations) will take over the management of the special municipality of St. Eustatius. A devastating report reveals how local politicians don't comply with the legislation. The financial mismanagement also appears to be extensive. Favoritism, threats, lust for power, discrimination, intimidation and arbitrariness. The list of what a
- [Local businesses St. Eustatius waiting for relief fund](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/02/local-businesses-st-eustatius-waiting-for-relief-fund/) - ORANJESTAD - Local businesses of St. Eustatius are waiting to hear back from the 2.6 million euro relief fund from the Ministry of Economic Affairs in the Netherlands. “I’ve sent my application but still no response. There is the need for more government assistance", says Blue Bead restaurant owner Marva Welcome Welcome said, “It was
- [CBA students Sint Maarten face daily struggles](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/01/cba-students-sint-maarten-face-daily-struggles/) - PHILIPSBURG - “When it is a windy day, our whole school shakes,” Chanel Almonte explains. Almonte is among the 150 students that attend the Charlotte Brookson Academy (CBA). Hurricane Irma destroyed their school five months ago. With nowhere else to go, they moved into a large pavilion, which was provided by the Netherlands. In the
- [Food prices St. Eustatius on the rise after Hurricane Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/01/food-prices-st-eustatius-on-the-rise-after-hurricane-irma/) - ORANJESTAD - “The prices did go up! It’s unreasonable for such a large jump", says a pensioner shopper at the Duggin’s Supermarket in St.Eustatius. "It’s understandable due to the difficulty of getting the supplies right after the hurricane, however local government should really invest in farming. Vegetables and fruits are expensive, but we should grow
- [Dutch cabinet is not going to help media on Sint-Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/02/01/dutch-cabinet-is-not-going-to-help-media-on-sint-maarten/) - THE HAGUE - Several journalistic media on Sint Maarten are experiencing financial difficulties because of the devastation of Hurricane Irma. State Secretary Raymond Knops is not planning to assist them for now. The newspaper Today has already been killed after hurricane Irma and the same can happen in the course of the year with The
- [Restoring coral reefs Saba Bank continues post-Hurricane Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/01/23/restoring-coral-reefs-saba-bank-continues-post-hurricane-irma/) - THE BOTTOM - The Saba Conservation Foundation continues to bring life to the coral reefs on the island of Saba, post-Hurricane Irma. Artificial habitats are projects now taking place to allow the restoring of reefs. “Eight percent coverage is still stable within the reefs", says Ayumi Kuramae, Saba Bank Officer and Science Coordinator of the
- [Another earthquake of a 4.0 Magnitude](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/01/30/another-earthquake-of-a-4-0-magnitude/) - THE BOTTOM – Due to a possible increase of earth movements, a team of the seismological department of the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute(KNMI) visited Saba January 26 to place extra seismic measurement instruments on the island. Today, a 4.0 Magnitude earthquake left the island with no damages. Sabans who were sleeping during the time of
- [Saba churches raise funds for renovations after Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/01/30/saba-churches-raise-funds-for-renovations-after-irma/) - THE BOTTOM - Hurricane Irma left a number of churches on the island of Saba with structural damages. “Some government assistance was received but extra money is still needed. Once we receive material from government, we can speed up the process of fixing the roof", says the Rev. Canon John Rohim of Christ Church. Christ
- [Food prices increase on Saba after hurricane Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/01/26/food-prices-increase-on-saba-after-hurricane-irma/) - THE BOTTOM - “After the hurricane the grocery prices continue to go up. I am in shock", says grocery shopper Xiomara Coffie on Saba. In October, November and December 2017 (Q4), many goods and services went up in price, especially food products. Fresh fruit is currently almost 25 percent more expensive than one year previously;
- [Mosquito control intensifies on Saba](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/01/26/mosquito-control-intensifies-on-saba/) - THE BOTTOM- In the aftermath of the hurricanes many areas have experienced more mosquitoes than ‘normal’. “To fight against mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya, we gave pregnant women free mosquito nets", says Head of The Department of Agriculture, Hygiene and Vector Control Randall Johnson. In June 2016, the Caribbean region experienced the
- [WIB continues ATM maintenance after hurricane Irma on Saba](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/01/26/wib-continues-atm-maintenance-after-hurricane-irma-on-saba/) - THE BOTTOM - After the hurricane, there were some power outages and an increase in cash transactions from the Windward Island Bank(WIB) clients. “We understand their frustrations and we do our utmost best for better service", stated Miguel Arrindell Technical Coordinator for Security & Investigation at WIB. WIB officially closed on Saba in January last
- [Airport Saba closed for renovation during hurricane season](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/01/23/airport-saba-closed-for-renovation-during-hurricane-season/) - THE BOTTOM - A team from the Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management, Rijkswaterstaat and the Public Entity Saba decided to plan the renovating of the Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport during the hurricane season from September 10 to October 9. Commercial airlines such as Winair and Windward Express are not allowed to fly during the
- [Children’s Ombudsman must stand for the Caribbean Netherlands from a distance](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/01/23/childrens-ombudsman-must-stand-for-the-caribbean-netherlands-from-a-distance/) - KRALENDIJK - Children's ombudswoman Margrite Kalverboer thinks she can do a lot for children on Bonaire, even though her office is not located on the island. A previously proposed information center on Bonaire likely will be differently shaped. That is a conclusion that Kalverboer draws after a visit last week. "Children on Bonaire have no
- [Chamber of Commerce Saba and St. Eustatius gets accelerated recovery plan](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/01/22/chamber-of-commerce-saba-and-st-eustatius-gets-accelerated-recovery-plan/) - THE BOTTOM - State Secretary for the Interior and Kingdom Relations Raymond Knops, responded to a letter of further financial assistance from the Chamber of Commerce Saba & Statia. Post-Hurricane Irma, the business community on Saba and St. Eustatius continue to face financial burdens and the influx of tourists to the islands has decreased. “In
- [Saba Triathlon succeeded Post Hurricane Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/01/21/saba-triathlon-succeeded-post-hurricane-irma/) - THE BOTTOM - “I must say the trail was very clean. I compliment the island for being ready and quickly repairing the island for such a grand event. I will see Saba again next year", expressed Gregory Pigeon first male individual and overall winner of the Saba Traithlon. The Saba Triathlon attracts participants from all
- [Saba High School wins student Skills Competition](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/01/20/saba-high-school-wins-student-skills-competition/) - THE BOTTOM - The first Skills Competition for students from the BES islands - a battle of carpentry skills between students - was done on Saba. Students from St. Eustatius participated, but students of Bonaire were not able to attend. The battle between the students at Saba Comprehensive and the Gwendoline van Putten School was
- [University welcomes missed medical students after hurricane Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/01/18/university-welcomes-missed-medical-students-after-hurricane-irma/) - THE BOTTOM - Saba University School of Medicine (SUSOM) opened its doors on January 8 after hurricanes Irma and Maria. Not all students made it back to the island yet. Third year student SUSOM Danika Delay: “I was stuck in Puerto Rico. The school had to charter a boat in St. Kitts to get us,
- [Seniors in Sint Maarten live in uncertainty due to low pension](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/01/16/seniors-in-sint-maarten-live-in-uncertainty-due-to-low-pension/) - PHILIPSBURG - “At our age you are supposed to be able to relax,” says Christina Hodge, who is in her seventies. Christina’s kitchen was destroyed during hurricane Irma: “I am not sure how I am going to be able to rebuild it.” Raymond Jesserun, vice-president of the St. Maarten Seniors and Pensioners Association (SMSPA) notes
- [Saban graduates struggle to find appropriate positions](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/01/15/saban-graduates-struggle-to-find-appropriate-positions/) - THE BOTTOM - An increasing amount of graduates and undergraduates are returning to Saba with the hope of finding a job within their study, to then have to leave and find work elsewhere. Positions are quickly being filled by non-locals and limited available offers, leaving local undergraduates with no chance to build experience within their
- [Custom Office Saba allows locals to apply for a job](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/01/15/custom-office-saba-allows-locals-to-apply-for-a-job/) - THE BOTTOM- The Customs Caribbean Netherlands is seeking three persons on the island of Saba, allowing for diversity within the organization. One of the biggest critiques since Saba became a public entity of the Netherlands, is that high paying jobs with government departments as the custom office, police and fire department mainly go to outsourced
- [New playground for children of Saba after hurricane Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/01/15/new-playground-for-children-of-saba-after-hurricane-irma/) - THE BOTTOM - The Child Focus Foundation playground was damaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria. To ensure that children can enjoy outside play as soon as possible, Child Focus started a renovation project. The new playground equipment was selected with the help of drawings that a group of children made. The playground is an important
- [Saba and Statia representatives not present at Vakantiebeurs](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/01/10/saba-and-statia-representatives-not-present-at-vakantiebeurs/) - THE BOTTOM - St. Eustatius and Saba have their own joint stand at the Vakantiebeurs in The Netherlands this year. But both islands’ representatives are not present due to the local island governments’ limited finances. This year, TVC Marketing Manager Bart Kin represented St. Eustatius and Saba at the fair. The familiar faces from the
- [Winair ends CN-Express agreement due to financial obligations](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/01/11/winair-ends-cn-express-agreement-due-to-financial-obligations/) - THE BOTTOM - After Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Saba and St. Eustatius developed urgency for air transportation to regain the tourism sector, medical referrals and work traffic. Winair has now ended the agreement of the CN-Express, direct flight between Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, due to financial obligations. This connection between the three islands of
- [Rebuilding projects are important to First and Second Chamber Presidents](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/01/10/rebuilding-projects-are-important-to-first-and-second-chamber-presidents/) - THE BOTTOM - Presidents of the First and Second Chamber, Ankie Broekers-Knol and Khadija Arib visited St. Eustatius on Sunday and Saba on Monday and Tuesday to witness the devastation caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria, as well as the status of the rebuilding projects. After the island tour was given on St. Eustatius, acting
- [Businesses on St. Maarten reopen despite lack of government incentives](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/01/09/businesses-on-st-maarten-reopen-despite-lack-of-government-incentives/) - PHILIPSBURG - "I started my gym twenty years ago and within a few hours it was gone", Marci Cooke says as she looks at her torn down business. Just a few buildings away Lidiuska Meyers nail salon ‘Georgina’s Nails’ also suffered the same fate. Cooke will likely not be reopening her business due to her
- [Hospitality industry on Saba trying to recover after Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/12/28/hospitality-industry-on-saba-trying-to-recover-after-irma/) - THE BOTTOM - Post-Hurricane Irma, the business community on Saba slowly begins to receive tourists back to their respective companies. But companies continue to face financial burdens. With the timing of the holiday season, the business community claims to suffer from the poor communication and execution plans from the local government. “Dutch ministries, local government,
- [Local contractors start with renovation of homes on Saba after Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/12/27/local-contractors-start-with-renovation-of-homes-on-saba-after-irma/) - THE BOTTOM – The Public Entity Saba received speedily funds to see to that damaged homes after hurricane Irma are renovated quickly. With strong winds from Irma, the island’s capital The Bottom and nearby village St. Johns suffered the most damaged homes. Local contractors on Saba bid on different homes to renovate. “Based on the
- [No damages from Magnitude 5.2 Earthquake on Saba](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/12/24/no-damages-from-magnitude-5-2-earthquake-on-saba/) - THE BOTTOM - After the most devastating hurricane season, Saba along with Leewards Islands experienced a 5.2 Magnitude earthquake leaving this island with no damages. Sabans who are busy getting ready for Christmas and some at different church services felt this shake at 11:12 A.M. The underwater earthquake was 27 kilometers from St. Maarten. According
- [Low-income areas face most difficulty to rebuild after Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/12/22/low-income-areas-face-most-difficulty-to-rebuild-after-irma/) - PHILIPSBURG - “I give clothes and food to the elderly man who lives here", community police officer Arcella Leonard gestures towards a torn-down home. Within the demolished structure one can see a small room, no larger than 6 m2, which is fashioned from plywood, zinc and a bed sheet. Leonard is one of the eight
- [Relief efforts will focus on hospitality industry on Saba](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/12/13/relief-efforts-will-focus-on-hospitality-industry-on-saba/) - THE BOTTOM – The business community of Saba and St. Eustatius will receive a 2.6 million euro relief fund from the Ministry of Economic Affairs in the Netherlands. That payment will be given twice due to the negative affects to the businesses after hurricane Irma. Companies who are not within the hospitality industry will not
- [High cost of living remains an issue for young families on Saba](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/12/11/high-cost-of-living-remains-an-issue-for-young-families-on-saba/) - THE BOTTOM – It’s been 7 years since Saba’s constitutional change to becoming the smallest special municipality of the Netherlands. With a population of 2000, some persons still continue to fight this island’s high prices, low salaries along with high taxes. Single parents are forced to work two or more jobs to survive on the
- [Emotional relief much needed as many still face difficulties on Sint Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/12/10/emotional-relief-much-needed-as-many-still-face-difficulties-on-sint-maarten/) - PHILIPSBURG - Antonia Meija and her daughter live in Cay Bay, a neighborhood that contains mostly lower-income household including a few shack-areas in Sint Maarten. As many other areas, the residents were hit hard by hurricane Irma and are still dealing with the aftermath. Before the storm, Antonia worked at various homes and businesses as
- [Clyde van Putten: State Secretary Knops is a modern napoleon](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/12/07/clyde-van-putten-state-secretary-knops-is-a-modern-napoleon/) - KRALENDIJK – Clyde van Putten deemed the new State Secretary of Kingdom Relations Raymond Knops (CDA) ‘arrogant’ and a ‘modern Napoleon’. Knops made these remarks during a pro-autonomy symposium last weekend in Bonaire. Van Putten refused to meet with the State Secretary during his first visit to St. Eustatius last week. Clyde van Putten about
- [Rehabilitation center St. Maarten puts programs on hold after hurricane damage](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/12/05/rehabilitation-center-st-maarten-puts-programs-on-hold-after-hurricane-damage/) - PHILIPSBURG - The second floor of Turning Point, the sole medical drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation center on St. Maarten, was badly damaged by hurricane Irma. Due to this, the rehabilitation center’s outpatient programs such as assessments, counseling, and after-care sessions have been put on hold. Pastor Vernon Illidge who is the executive director
- [King Willem-Alexander praises resilience of Saba](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/12/02/king-willem-alexander-praises-resilience-of-saba/) - THE BOTTOM – Even though Saba received minimum damages from the hurricane season in comparison to St.Maarten, this island still faces it's challenges, making the royal visit this week also an economic boost. The 5 square mile, 'Unspoiled Queen', is experiencing a slow season within its hospitality industry, leaving companies troubled for the near future.
- [2 million euro fund for Saba after hurricane Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/11/30/2-million-euro-fund-for-saba-after-hurricane-irma/) - The BOTTOM – Saba will receive 2 million euro from the Dutch Government for reconstruction post Hurricanes Irma and Maria, State Secretary for the Interior and Kingdom Relations Raymond Knops announced on Wednesday. Already on Saba, the local government held several meetings executing the rebuilding of homes, confirming contracts especially done by local contractors. “Local
- [Marlin resigns under pressure from the Netherlands. Was the Kingdom Council justly?](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/11/27/marlin-resigns-under-pressure-from-the-netherlands-was-the-kingdom-council-justly/) - THE HAGUE – The vote to eliminate William Marlin from Parliament in St. Maarten, “is against the limits of what is permissible in our democracy,” said Professor Gerhard Hoogers, who is affiliated with Rijksuniversiteit in Groningen. Under great pressure from the Netherlands outgoing Prime Minister Marlin took it upon himself to tender his recognition immediately
- [Unclear how many people are in need of a home at St. Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/11/27/unclear-how-many-people-are-in-need-of-a-home-at-st-maarten/) - PHILIPSBURG – Many people are still looking for homes on St. Maarten, after hurricane Irma struck the island in September. But how many, is not clear. Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) and the ministry of Public Housing (VROMI) are still gathering information. Initial estimations made by the Red Cross cited that
- [Theater group brings laughter to kids after hurricane Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/11/14/theater-group-brings-laughter-to-kids-after-hurricane-irma/) - PHILIPSBURG – To bring laughter and joy to kids that have been affected by hurricane Irma. That’s the aim of the theater foundation called ‘Behind The Beyond’ from St. Maarten. They small theater group performed at six different schools last week. Their last performance was held at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Primary School. The
- ['Importance of independent media bigger than ever on St. Maarten'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/11/10/importance-of-independent-media-bigger-than-ever-on-st-maarten/) - PHILIPSBURG / HILVERSUM - "The troubled political situation mid the destructions done by hurricane Irma, make the presence of independent media on St. Maarten more important than ever." This is the opinion of the organization behind the Dutch benefit event 'Nieuwspoort for St. Maarten'. Thursday several prominent Dutch politicians and journalist gathered during the benefit event
- [Only archaeological center on St. Maarten completely destroyed](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/11/06/only-archaeological-center-on-st-maarten-completely-destroyed/) - PHILIPSBURG - “I had to climb, crawl and push my way through the debris to get to my office”, says Archaeologist Dr. Jay Haviser. He founded the Sint Maarten Archaeological Center (SIMARC) in 2002, but hurricane Irma destroyed everything. By Laura Bijnsdorp With the help of a few Dutch Engineers, a pathway was cleared to make
- [Possibly no agreement on support funds for St. Maarten pending new election](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/11/04/possibly-no-agreement-on-support-funds-for-st-maarten-pending-new-election/) - THE HAGUE – If a new election is permitted on St. Maarten in January, the agreement between the Netherlands and St. Maarten for one million euros in reconstruction funding will be annulled. The parliament of St. Maarten voted out the William Marlin government on Thursday, because Marlin does not agree with the stern conditions. However
- [The Netherlands warns St. Maarten for delaying support funds](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/11/02/the-netherlands-gives-st-maarten-extra-time-to-receive-support-funds/) - THE HAGUE – St. Maarten had until today to fully come to an agreement with the terms for receiving support funds from The Netherlands. State Secretary of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations Raymond Knops warned that the reconstruction delay would prolong if the island does not agree with the conditions. Knops announced today that the
- [Knops: Still unclear whether St. Maarten agrees with conditions](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/10/31/knops-still-unclear-whether-st-maarten-agrees-with-conditions/) - PHILIPSBURG – State Secretary of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations Raymond Knops says he is not yet convinced that the conflict between The Hague and St. Maarten has simmered after the Council of Ministers in Philipsburg agreed to significant changes in Boarder Control and the setup of an Integrity Chamber. Prime Minister William Marlin announced
- [Million-guilder fraud case against top banker Tromp continues tomorrow](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/10/26/million-guilder-fraud-case-against-top-banker-tromp-continues-tomorrow/) - WILLEMSTAD – Emsley Tromp, who has been president of the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten since 1991, has to defend himself in court tomorrow. He is namely accused of benefiting from money from private pension funds. The ‘damage’ Curaçao has suffered, is an estimated 5.5 million guilders (2.8 million euros) according to the
- [Marlin about recovery fund: ‘no need to introduce new measures’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/10/21/marlin-about-recovery-fund-no-need-to-introduce-new-measures/) - PHILIPSBURG – Prime Minister William Marlin of Sint Maarten remains resolute in his rejection to the two preconditions in order to receive reconstruction funds. Marlin dispatched a letter to Dutch Minister of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk on Friday. The Netherlands set the deadline at October 31, for Sint Maarten government to agree
- [Reconstruction conflict: Prime Minister Rutte plans to visit St. Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/10/25/reconstruction-conflict-prime-minister-rutte-plans-to-visit-st-maarten/) - DEN HAAG – Prime Minister Mark Rutte postponed his working visit to St. Maarten because of diplomatic unrest with the local government. According to the Netherlands St. Maarten Prime Minister William Marlin is misinterpreting the conditions for receiving the reconstruction funds post hurricane Irma. Rutte planned to visit the island at the start of November,
- [A former Dutch marine to become Minister Plasterk’s successor](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/10/24/a-former-dutch-marine-to-become-minister-plasterks-successor/) - DEN HAAG – For the first time since 2010, following the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles, a State Secretary will see over Kingdom Relations, instead of a Minister. Raymond Knops (46) of the CDA was officially interviewed by Mark Rutte Tuesday evening. The projected Minister for Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations is Amsterdam's Deputy Mayor
- [Plasterk on rebuilding Sint Maarten: we’re not giving a blank check](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/10/04/plasterk-on-rebuilding-sint-maarten-were-not-giving-a-blank-check/) - PHILIPSBURG - “I have a sense of urgency that we need to quickly agree on a strong program with the Sint Maarten government. This plan has to meet all the conditions required; which includes good procedures and integrity, because there is no way we are just going to give a blank check”, says Minister of
- [St. Eustatius won't discuss comments on 'killing and burning Dutch military'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/10/20/st-eustatius-wont-discuss-comments-on-killing-and-burning-dutch-military/) - ORANJESTAD – It was decided in a recent Island Council meeting on St. Eustatius to stop the ongoing debate on the comments of Island Councilman Clyde van Putten about the Dutch military. Majority of the coalition members voted on this agenda point Thursday. During a conference early this month Island Councilman Clyde van Putten (PLP)
- [The only public University on St. Maarten to close](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/10/19/the-only-public-university-on-st-maarten-to-close/) - PHILIPSBURG - Over 300 students might not be able to continue their studies at the University of St. Martin. The University, which is the only accredited tertiary form of education on the island, has been asking for additional funding from the Ministry of Education since 2005. Article continues after the video By Laura Bijnsdorp If
- [Petition ‘NO Confidence for Marlin Cabinet’ started](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/10/18/petition-no-confidence-for-marlin-cabinet-started/) - PHILIPSBURG - Yesterday morning a petition called: “Vote of NO confidence for William Marlin Cabinet” was started on the online petitioning website ipetitions.com. “In the current wake of the catastrophic hurricane Irma, we St. Maarten are sick and tired of the current incompetent government not doing their job…” states the first line in the petitions
- [Van Putten apologizes for statement on murdering and burning Dutch military](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/10/18/van-putten-apologizes-for-statement-on-murdering-and-burning-dutch-military/) - ORANJESTAD – Politician Clyde van Putten has apologized to residents of St. Eustatius for his highly criticized statement on murdering and burning the Dutch military. He said he would take ‘full responsibility’ if he has to appear before the judge in court. In the strive for more autonomy, the Island Councilman said last week that
- [Sint Maarten Zoo faces imminent closure](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/10/16/sint-maarten-zoo-faces-imminent-closure/) - PHILIPSBURG - The Sint Maarten Zoo board sent off a few of their last residents, eleven macaws and nine cotton-top tamarin monkeys, to Curaçao. A team of five experts connected to the Parke Tropikal Curaçao Zoo made sure the twenty animals were transferred safely on Saturday. Many of the board members of the St. Maarten
- [Reforestation program Sint Maarten after hurricane Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/10/15/reforestation-program-sint-maarten-after-hurricane-irma/) - PHILIPSBURG - Earlier this summer, Kippy Gilders, project manager at Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) Foundation started a project called: “Restoration of Key Biodiversity Areas of St. Maarten.” But with the passing of hurricane Irma, the project was put to a halt. The environment was devastated. Gilders: “When everyone, including myself emerged after the
- [167 animals evacuated from Sint Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/10/06/167-animals-evacuated-from-sint-maarten/) - PHILIPSBURG - Early in the morning on Friday, over fifty animal-loving volunteers gathered to finalize ‘SXM Animal Evac’, a project that aimed to evacuate homeless animals from Sint Maarten and surrounding islands. Corinne Mackie, founder of SXM Paws led the fundraising and put everything in place to make sure that the animals would arrive at
- [The Netherlands files charges against Statian Councilman Van Putten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/10/13/the-netherlands-files-charges-against-statian-councilman-van-putten/) - THE HAGUE – The Netherlands plans to file criminal charges against St. Eustatius Island Councilman Clyde van Putten, says Deputy Minister Ronald Plasterk (Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations). The Island Councilman said that ‘they’ will ‘murder and burn’ the Dutch military in the streets of St. Eustatius. The Second Chamber parliamentarians reacted with disbelief and
- [Coach Tom: rebuilding for the kids on Sint Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/10/10/coach-tom-rebuilding-for-the-kids-on-sint-maarten/) - PHILIPSBURG - The Little League Ball program on Sint Maarten was hit hard by hurricane Irma last month. Their clubhouse filled with materials and memories was blown away. Tom Burnett, better known as Coach Tom, spends most of his afternoons at the Little League Ball Field. Since 2012, he runs an after school baseball program
- [Counseling needed for teachers and pupils after hurricane Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/10/04/counseling-needed-for-teachers-and-pupils-after-hurricane-irma/) - PHILIPSBURG - “Schools are set to resume fully this Thursday, but it will take a lot of work, time and aid to get our school, teachers and students back to full health", says school manager Sonia Parotte-Warner of the Oranje School at Sint Maarten. The necessity for more counseling was also one of the main
- [Fort Bay harbor Saba damaged after Hurricane Maria](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/09/21/fort-bay-harbor-saba-damaged-after-hurricane-maria/) - THE BOTTOM – Saba’s Fort Bay harbor and surroundings have suffered significant obstruction as a result of Hurricane Maria. The fishermen’s pier which had already sustained considerable damage from hurricane Irma appears to have been wiped away following hurricane Maria. Considering the hilly terrain and the torrential rain, landslides sent large boulders tumbling onto the
- [Hurricane Maria passes South of St. Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/09/20/hurricane-maria-passes-south-of-st-maarten/) - PHILIPSBURG - On Wednesday morning people started appearing on the streets of St. Maarten again. Tropical Storm warning is still in effect for the area, it seems that St. Maarten has been spared any additional damage as most of the category 5 Hurricane Maria passed South of the island. While the sea is still rough,
- [St. Maarten braced for hurricane Maria](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/09/19/sint-maarten-braced-for-hurricane-maria/) - PHILIPSBURG - “Can’t we just catch a break” says Melanie Choisy, St. Maarten resident as hurricane Maria, heading to the Leeward Islands, strengthened from a category 3 to a category 5 in just a few hours. It has been just two weeks after Irma devastated St. Maarten. Irma's maximum winds were 185 mph as it
- ['The journey back to my island St. Maarten'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/09/18/the-journey-back-to-my-island-st-maarten/) - PHILIPSBURG - On Monday September 4th, I picked up my phone for the first time in ten days. I had been on vacation with no access to Internet. I had expected a worried message or two from my mother and maybe some work-related emails. I had not expected to hear that Irma, the strongest hurricane
- [More than half of Saba's nature affected by Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/09/16/more-than-half-of-saba-nature-affected-by-irma/) - THE BOTTOM - About 60 percent of Saba’s nature in general was devastated as a result of the recent hurricane Irma. According to Kai Wulf, Park Manager at the Saba Conservation Foundation, the top priorities of the foundation and it's team of volunteers are clearing the hiking trails and combating further damage by invasive to
- [Hurricane Irma also a disaster for pets](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/09/15/hurricane-irma-also-a-disaster-for-pets/) - PHILIPSBURG –A lot of pets have not survived hurricane Irma on St. Maarten. Luckily, there are many dogs who have managed to be evacuated together with their owners or with animal lovers. The four animal rescue organizations active on the island have managed to capture almost all dogs and cats that ran away, but for
- [Business owners St. Maarten slowly grasping magnitude of Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/09/14/business-owners-st-maarten-slowly-grasping-magnitude-of-irma/) - WILLEMSTAD - The inhabitants of St. Maarten continue to feel the effects of hurricane Irma, where the majority of the island is still in a state of emergency. The infrastructure of the island has severely been affected, where at many places, the supply of water and electricity has yet to be restored. Business owners of
- [Saba remains ‘unspoiled’ says King Willem-Alexander](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/09/12/saba-remains-unspoiled-says-king-willem-alexander/) - THE BOTTOM – Dutch King Willem Alexander visited Saba today to have a look at damages inflicted by hurricane Irma. “It’s amazing how Saba survived some big parts (of the hurricane), but obviously for individuals it doesn’t make any difference, because you lose everything. But the community sense here is spectacular, to see how everybody
- [NTR Caribbean Network participates in ‘Nederland helps St. Maarten’](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/09/13/ntr-caribbean-network-participates-in-nederland-helps-st-maarten/) - HILVERSUM – NTR Caribbean Network, branch of the Dutch public broadcasting, will participate in the national action day “Nederland helps St. Maarten” on NPO 1 on Friday. The national Dutch television channel NPO 1 will try to raise funds for the hurricane victims in St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius. Throughout the day there will
- [2.5 billion dollars estimated for St. Maarten recovery](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/09/13/2-5-billion-dollars-estimated-for-st-maarten-recovery/) - PHILIPSBURG – People on St. Maarten are feeling relieved from the emergency assistance, as well they are busy assessing the damages to their homes and cleaning up the debris. But we are not there yet: Alberto “Chos” Romero, the director of the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten received on Tuesday a preliminary estimate
- [St. Maarten: what about the children?](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/09/13/st-maarten-what-about-the-children/) - PHILIPSBURG –Eveline Henriquez is struggling with a huge moral dilemma: should she let her children be evacuated or not? “The oldest is old enough to let him leave to go to family in The Netherlands.” she says. “But the youngest is not and I don’t want to separate them from each other.” Eveline is manager
- [How Saba is coping post-Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/09/13/how-saba-is-coping-post-irma/) - THE BOTTOM - Following the hurricane Saba’s local government has been meeting with stakeholders to discuss a joint strategy in the aftermath of hurricane Irma. On Monday the Island Government met with grocery stores, restaurants, bars, hotels and hardware stores. As St. Maarten is Saba’s main route for the import of goods, the Island Government
- [St. Maarten hopes for more marines and help](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/09/09/st-maarten-hopes-for-more-marines-and-help/) - PHILIPSBURG / HILVERSUM – “We are very happy with the marines that were sent here, but this is still not enough. We hope that more help is coming,” expressed 30-year old Marvio Cooks from St. Maarten. He and his family have taken refuge in Little Bay. Around him he sees many people looting, many with
- [Evacuation of Dutch tourists out of St. Maarten started](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/09/10/evacuation-of-dutch-tourist-out-of-st-maarten-started/) - DEN HAAG – Dutch tourists and family members of Dutch civil servants who are working in St. Maarten were evacuated today. Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced this Sunday during a press conference at the National Crisis Centre in The Hague. A total 530 Dutch tourists will be evacuated in the coming days. Then priority will
- [Saba good on food supplies for now, but looking at alternatives](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/09/08/saba-good-on-food-supplies-for-now-but-looking-at-alternatives/) - THE BOTTOM - The devastation on St. Maarten will surely impact Saba, St. Maarten being Saba’s main hub to the outside world. For the moment Saba’s supermarkets have ample food supplies. However according to Island Governor Jonathan Johnson in terms of food supplies; “research is being done to seek out alternative destinations as to where
- [Hurricane Irma destroys St. Maarten: 'everything seems wiped away'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/09/07/hurricane-irma-destroys-st-maarten-everything-seems-wiped-away/) - WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG – Hurricane Irma, a hurricane of the heaviest category (5), raged over St. Maarten on Wednesday. The damage is so extensive. So far one death has been confirmed as a result of the hurricane. Four deaths have been reported on the French side of the island. Eveline Henriquez-Dijkhoffz got caught in the middle of
- [Sabans cleaning up and preparing for Hurricane José](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/09/07/sabans-cleaning-up-and-preparing-for-hurricane-jose/) - THE BOTTOM – Hurricane Irma sent shockwaves through Saba as it devastated the island on its path of horror. Although there were no serious bodily injuries nor deaths, Irma left several homeless and many with homes still intact scurrying to repair what may be diminished as the islands await yet another hurricane, José. Hurricane José
- [Saba braces for hurricane Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/09/06/saba-braces-for-hurricane-irma/) - THE BOTTOM – As the rain showers of hurricane Irma begin to trickle in, residents on Saba are settling in their homes to ride out the nights much anticipated weather. Hurricane broadcast by Saba governor Jonathan Johnson Sabans started preparing since the weekend for what is expected to be one of the worse hurricanes
- [PG Schram announces doubling up on the 'fraudulent money interception team'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/08/29/pg-schram-announces-doubling-up-on-the-fraudulent-money-interception-team/) - WILLEMSTAD – As his tenure in the post has come to an end and before returning to the Netherlands in the coming days, Attorney General Guus Schram announced in an interview an even stronger approach to combatting corruption and fraud in the higher layers of society. “Whether it is Schotte or Trump, we take on
- [Plasterk is ready to retire from politics](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/08/16/plasterk-is-ready-to-retire-from-politics/) - PHILIPSBURG - Minister of Interior and Kingdom Relations, Ronald Plasterk bade Sint Maarten and politics farewell during his last send-off tour through the Dutch Caribbean islands. “It is good to be here, presumably the last time as the Minister of Kingdon Affairs. Those of you who like statistics, a colleague reminded me that on August
- [Statia is happy to see minister Plasterk go](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/08/15/statia-is-happy-to-see-minister-plasterk-go/) - ORANJESTAD - “If you have not been getting along with someone, would you be sad to see them go?” asks R. Merkman, Island Council Member of St. Eustatius. The island council, coalition and opposition may have their own disputes, is in agreement that they are happy to see Ronald Plasterk, Minister of Home Affairs and
- [Plasterk says once islands have structure the Dutch will support](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/08/15/plasterk-says-once-islands-have-structure-the-dutch-will-support/) - THE BOTTOM – Ronald Plasterk, minister of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations, in exiting statements on Saba this morning said that properly organizing the islands’ operations is the way to gain more support from the Dutch Ministries. “Get your own things right and make sure the money is well spent,” he commented when asked what
- [Sint Maarten takes part in Kingdom-wide beach cleanup initiative](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/08/13/sint-maarten-takes-part-in-kingdom-wide-beach-cleanup-initiative/) - “I brought my kids with me today because I want to teach them to be responsible and be proactive in contributing to their society” explains Selene Derby, a volunteer at a beach cleanup, held on Sunday by The Sint Maarten Nature Foundation. The cleanup was organized in collaboration with Save Our Sharks and Boskalis Beach Cleanup
- [New ferry service for Saba](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/07/31/new-ferry-service-for-saba/) - THE BOTTOM – The “Big B” ferry made its first overnight trip to Saba last Friday. The visit was the start of what is supposed to be a regular ferry service out of St. Maarten. The 130 ft luxury ferry can carry 230 passengers and the trip is averaged at hour from St. Maarten to
- [The danger of St. Maarten's disappearing wetlands](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/07/31/the-danger-of-st-maartens-disappearing-wetlands/) - PHILIPSBURG - “When I arrived here in 1973 there was not one house surrounding the lagoon.” Elsje Bosch, former director of the St. Maarten National Heritage Foundation recalls. Today that is very different; little space is left undeveloped along St. Maarten’s Simpson Bay Lagoon. Kippy Gilders, project manager at Environmental Protection In The Caribbean (EPIC),
- [St. Eustatius threatened by erosion](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/07/27/st-eustatius-threatened-by-erosion/) - ORANJESTAD – Environmental inspector Gershon Lopes sounded the alarm following confirmation of erosion on St. Eustatius. He said that the soil erosion could escalate into a major problem. Initially wandering cattle was shamefully blamed; however it has become evident that because of human interference landslides have been taken place, especially on the eastern side of
- [Saba considering alternatives to control mosquito-borne diseases](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/07/27/saba-considering-alternatives-to-control-mosquito-borne-diseases/) - THE BOTTOM – While reports are circulating that Saba plans to import genetically modified mosquitos to help in the eradication of the Aedes Aegypti, this option is still being explored and has not been confirmed. The Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport is providing additional support for mosquito control to the Caribbean Netherlands and
- ['Case against Emsley Tromp is a political persecution'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/07/27/case-against-emsley-tromp-is-a-political-persecution/) - WILLEMSTAD – “My interest are not taken into account, only the Netherlands and its priorities. I waited a year. My story doesn’t seem to matter”, Emsley Tromp commented on the second day of the pre-trial review in the Saffier case. The president of the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten (CBCS), who is non-active
- [St. Maarten's lack of affordable housing creates 'hidden homeless'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/07/19/st-maartens-lack-of-affordable-housing-creates-hidden-homeless/) - PHILIPSBURG - Young professionals on St. Maarten find it extremely difficult to find a house for themselves. “The housing system on St. Maarten does not support single income households”, says Charlesea Emilia, a 24-year-old young professional. “Most of my friends live with their parents.” In 1996, the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF) was established
- ['Formal apologies for slavery only if it doesn’t cost anything'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/07/01/formal-apologies-for-slavery-only-if-it-doesnt-cost-anything/) - AMSTERDAM – As the annual commemoration of the abolition of slavery is observed, the discussion on dealing with this highly sensitive subject continues. At the United Nations Summit in 2001, the Dutch government expressed regret for the actions of the colony in the past. According to activist Leroy Lucas the Netherlands must extend formal apologizes.
- [Teachers avoid class discussions about slavery](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/06/30/teachers-avoid-class-discussions-about-slavery/) - ROTTERDAM - Attention to slavery seems to have decreased in secondary schools in the Netherlands. Teachers are apprehensive to the subject, so they avoid the subject. This became evident in discussions conducted by scientists with teachers and officials of the Ministry of Education. Reality plays a big role, such as the discussion on Zwarte Piet
- [Woman found dead in St. Eustatius](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/06/26/woman-found-dead-in-st-eustatius/) - ORANJESTAD – Police on St. Eustatius arrested a Colombian man on Sunday night on suspicion of involvement in the death of a woman. A roommate found a man and the dead woman in their home early Sunday morning. Upon arrival of the police the woman was pronounced dead. The injured man was brought to the
- [Statia Acting Governor must sign decisions of Executive Council](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/06/19/statia-acting-governor-must-sign-decisions-of-executive-council/) - ORANJESTAD – Acting Governor Julian Woodley must sign the democratically elected decisions of the two-member executive board of St. Eustatius. This was the ruling of the court in the short trial that was imposed by Government leaders Charles Woodley and Derrick Simmons against the governor. For some time now there has not been much back
- [Ombudsman function St. Maarten lacking adequate profile](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/06/15/ombudsman-function-st-maarten-lacking-adequate-profile/) - KRALENDIJK – The first ombudsman of St. Maarten, Nilda Arduin, will leave her post in October this year. She has done various pioneering work for the department, which her successor will have to continue with. In recruiting the new man or woman for the post, the function lacks a good profile. “Our legislation can be
- [Fear of arbitration when BES is enshrined in Dutch constitution](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/06/07/fear-of-arbitration-when-bes-is-enshrined-in-dutch-constitution/) - THE HAGUE – The outgoing cabinet of Rutte-2 will soon tackle the enshrinement of the status special municipality for the Caribbean Netherlands in the Dutch constitution. Politically speaking, the subject has not been declared controversial, but in the BES Islands (Bonaire, Saba and Statia) the enshrinement is being disputed. This enshrinement in the constitution imposes
- ['Caribbean pressure on The Hague must be commended'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/06/03/caribbean-pressure-on-the-hague-must-be-commended/) - THE HAGUE – Curaçao has a new government, thus a new representative in The Hague. The first official meeting with the new government and the Dutch Ministers was held on Friday. But how much power do the Caribbean islands actually have? History has shown how little influence the former Antilles had on The Hague. Former
- ['Why I don’t tell my mother that I have been racially profiled'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/05/26/why-i-dont-tell-my-mother-that-i-have-been-racially-profiled/) - THE HAGUE – While you have not done anything wrong, why are you being held by the police purely because of your appearance? This happens to Dutch Antilleans regularly, but few dare to speak about it. Often victims of racial profiling choose not to tell their family, because it may cause unnecessary worry. Thirty year
- [Last minute meeting between St. Eustatius delegation and Plasterk cancelled](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/05/19/last-minute-meeting-between-st-eustatius-delegation-and-plasterk-cancelled/) - THE HAGUE – The delegation of political leaders from St. Eustatius who had requested a last minute meeting with outgoing Minister Ronald Plasterk was refused this opportunity. The Netherlands refuses to meet with the delegation because of the disputed appointment of advisor Xavier Blackman for the Caribbean municipality. The appointment is not in approval of
- [Electrical bills to increase for some Saban consumers](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/05/17/electrical-bills-to-increase-for-some-saban-consumers/) - THE BOTTOM - Roughly 20 per cent of electricity consumers on Saba will see an increase on their electrical bill per July 1, as a result of an increase in tariffs. In a town hall meeting Tuesday night, the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) and the Saba Electric Company explained the new tariff structure.
- [St. Eustatius begins to lobby in The Hague without Minister Plasterk](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/05/16/st-eustatius-begins-to-lobby-in-the-hague-without-minister-plasterk/) - THE HAGUE – A delegation from St. Eustatius left for the Netherlands Saturday, where they want to discuss the political impasse St. Eustatius has with The Hague. However the delegation apparently does not have an appointment with the responsible Minister. In addition it appears that not all parties are aware of the visit. St. Eustatius
- [PCN highlights Sabans on plans to take Dutch government to court](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/05/11/pcn-highlights-sabans-on-plans-to-take-dutch-government-to-court/) - THE BOTTOM – Representatives of PCN (Pension funds Caribbean Netherlands) visited Saba this past Tuesday where they spoke with residents about PCN’s standpoint in the battle to make the Netherlands pay the approximately $77 million-$100 million deficit. PCN will take the Dutch government to court in July. The representatives explained that in court PCN will
- [Aruban slave register available online this summer](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/05/03/aruban-slave-register-available-online-this-summer/) - AMSTERDAM – The slave register of Aruba will be available online this upcoming summer for all to view, announced Director of the Foundation of Surinamese Genealogy Sjoerd Meijer. Meijer is working together with historian Okke ten Hove who grew up on Aruba. Over the last five years the two have been collecting and digitizing 498
- [St. Eustatius starts manhunt for green iguana](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/04/24/st-eustatius-starts-manhunt-for-green-iguana/) - ORANJESTAD – At the moment they only subsist in three places on earth. The fear that the Antillean iguana may become extinct on St. Eustatius has increased in recent months, warn environmentalist. The green iguana, a species not commonly found on the islands, has bred with the indigenous species. Various young, hybrid iguanas have been
- [Sabans speak up on PCN crisis](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/04/18/sabans-speak-up-on-pcn-crisis/) - THE BOTTOM – Concerned Saban residents showed up in numbers at Tuesday’s Island Council meeting, where the planned reduction in pension premiums was tabled. The WIPM faction of the Island Council requested this meeting, where amongst others were a large group of staff members of the local senior citizen’s home who came out in solidarity.
- [St. Eustatius: Prime Minister Rutte is ignoring us](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/04/13/st-eustatius-prime-minister-rutte-is-ignoring-us/) - HILVERSUM – Residents of St. Eustatius wants to do away with the status ‘special municipality of the Netherlands’. The Dutch government however refuses to react. Government leaders Clyde van Putten and Derrick Simmons think that prime minister Mark Rutte is ‘in an awkward position and does not know how to get out’. The government of
- [Plasterk's dispute regulation proposal hasn’t heard the last of the Caribbean](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/04/12/plasterk-dispute-regulation-proposal-hasnt-heard-the-last-of-the-caribbean/) - DEN HAAG – The State Council is expected in a few months to adopt an advice on means of resolving the so-called “dispute regulation” in the Kingdom. It is a proposed law developed by Kingdom Relations Minister Ronald Plasterk. The Dutch Minister does not want decisions on the dispute to be enforced by the National
- [Strikes can intensify on Bonaire](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/04/11/strikes-can-intensify-on-bonaire/) - KRALENDIJK – Several hundred people showed up on the Wilhelmina Square on Bonaire Monday, acting on the call from trade union Usibo to strike because of the planned pension reduction. The strike leaders said further action is being considered, where possibly the air traffic, tourism and other sectors in the economy will suffer. Commissioner Nina
- [Concerns over ‘instructions’ from The Hague](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/04/08/concerns-over-instructions-from-the-hague/) - THE HAGUE – The Netherlands will once again intervene in the autonomy of one of the Caribbean islands. The Council of Ministers wants to force St Maarten to implement a so-called integrity room, says St. Maarten’s Prime Minister William Marlin. Legal experts are concerned about the trend of receiving ‘instructions’ from The Hague. If the
- [Sabans sign petition against PCN pension reduction](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/04/02/sabans-sign-petition-against-pcn-pension-reduction/) - THE BOTTOM - Initiated by local political advocate Dave Levenstone a petition was signed on Saba against the reduction of the PCN pension. This petition was addressed to Minister of Interior and Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk. A copy of the petition was also submitted to Kingdom Representative Gilbert Isabella and the local government. A total
- [Bonaire united against pension reduction for the BES](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/03/23/bonaire-united-against-pension-reduction-for-the-bes/) - KRALENDIJK - The unions on Bonaire united in a demonstration this morning, against the reduction of pensions by 3.5 percent. This reduction is to be introduced as per April 1. Already a reduction by another 12 percent is projected for 2018. Kingdom Representative Gilbert Isabella was presented with a petition, where in caretaker Prime Minister
- [Statians flock behind CDA candidate Sneek](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/03/15/statians-flock-behind-cda-candidate-sneek/) - ORANJESTAD – Voters on St. Eustatius flocked behind “their own” candidate Koos Sneek in the Second Chamber election. He was the 49th candidate on the CDA voting list. The Democratic Party (DP) Islandcouncilman garnered 335 votes. A total of 436 from the 1,875 eligible voters casted their vote. On election night Progressive Labour Party (PLP)
- [VVD wins on Aruba and Curacao, D66 wins on St. Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/03/15/vvd-wins-on-aruba-and-curacao-d66-wins-on-st-maarten/) - ORANJESTAD – With 274 votes in Curacao and 112 votes in Aruba, the VVD became the largest party on these islands. In St. Maarten D66 scored 42 votes. At 3:00pm local time the voting boots were closed at the Dutch representation offices on three islands. There was a large turnout of voters on Aruba, just
- [Many Sabans vote for the first time in Second Chamber election](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/03/16/many-sabans-vote-for-the-first-time-in-second-chamber-election/) - THE BOTTOM – Majority of Sabans voted for social liberal party D66 in Wednesday’s Second Chamber elections. Saba saw a considerably large turnout of voters. With a population of about 2000, almost 900 residents were eligible to vote and a total 385 persons (more than 40 percent) casted their votes at both voting stations. The
- [The Netherlands will not intervene in human rights violations of Point Blanche Prison](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/03/14/the-netherlands-will-not-intervene-in-human-rights-violations-of-point-blanche-prison/) - HILVERSUM – "The Netherlands keeps St. Maarten in a vicious cycle of nonstructural assistance but continuous penalization.” This says the former St. Maarten Justice Minister Dennis Richardson in response to the approach of The Hague regarding the unsafe situation in the island’s prison. Minister Ronald Plasterk (Kingdom Relations) acknowledged on Thursday that human rights are
- [Committee of Wise Men wants to review situation on St. Eustatius](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/03/14/committee-of-wise-men-wants-to-review-situation-on-st-eustatius/) - ORANJESTAD – A Committe of Wise Men wants to evaluate the government of St. Eustatius. On top of that the government is receiving support from Dutch civil servants. Moreover, there are deliberations about St. Eustatius’ desire to be an independent state in free association with Netherlands. This is the most important point coming out of
- [St. Eustatius wants a new multiannual plan](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/03/13/st-eustatius-wants-a-new-multiannual-plan/) - ORANJESTAD – Leading lawyers, accountants, engineers, IT’ers and other specialists on St. Eustatius will team up in a private assembly this Wednesday to put together a development plan for the island over the coming year. The Netherlands has been informed of this initiative and has been invited to participate. Finance Commissioner Charles Woodley wants to
- [Dead humpback whale found off Saba shores](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/03/06/dead-humpback-whale-found-off-saba-shores/) - THE BOTTOM - Residents on Saba were astonished to discover a 12-meter adult dead humpback whale floating about 5 miles north-west off Saba this past Sunday. After receiving numerous calls from residents, Kai Wulf marine park manager for the Saba Conservation Foundation called the Dutch Coast Guard and a helicopter was deployed from St. Maarten
- [Why these black singles only want a black partner](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/03/01/why-these-black-singles-only-want-a-black-partner/) - AMSTERDAM – “My partner must be black, because they understand the discussion of racism, discrimination and prejudice better than a white partner would.” Curacaloean Levi Gijsbertha (25) who lives in Almere finds that color does matter: he would rather remain single than ‘settle’ for a white partner. Levi is not alone in his thinking. In
- [Tension continues to rise between St. Eustatius and The Hague](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/02/23/tension-continues-to-rise-between-st-eustatius-and-the-hague/) - ORANJESTAD – St. Eustatius and the Netherlands have not found common grounds. According to the local coalition government, Minister of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations (BZK) Ronald Plasterk has not been transparent about the visit of top civil servants from his Ministry to the island last week. There are now more reasons to distrust The
- ['InselAir has put itself in a corner'](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/02/17/inselair-has-put-itself-in-a-corner/) - ORANJESTAD – “The problem at InselAir is its maintenance schedule. They have put themselves in a corner, where all its aircrafts were simultaneously due for major overhauls.” This is according to the Canadian aircraft expert Bryce Fisher. He has been hired to design enforcement programs for Curaçao’s Aviation Authority CCAA. However, Fisher said the airline’s
- [St. Eustatius wants to resolve conflict with the Netherlands](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/02/17/st-eustatius-wants-to-resolve-conflict-with-the-netherlands/) - ORANJESTAD – St. Eustatius would like that the disagreements between its local government and the Dutch government be worked out as soon as possible. This disagreement concerns financial support from the Netherlands and the manner in which the Netherlands deals with the administering of the island. The government of St. Eustatius sent a letter to
- [CDA wants to stimulate economic development in the BES](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/02/13/cda-wants-to-stimulate-economic-development-in-the-bes/) - THE BOTTOM - Koos Sneek, former Island Council Member on St. Eustatius’ Democratic Party, now the 49th candidate on the Christian Democratic Party (CDA) in the Netherlands, held a meet and greet on Saba this past Thursday and Friday. He spoke one on one with residents about CDA’s campaign for the BES islands in the
- [VVD and SP says St. Maarten must promptly tackle prison setbacks](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/02/10/vvd-and-sp-says-st-maarten-must-promptly-tackle-prison-setbacks/) - HILVERSUM – According to VVD-Kamerlid André Bosman, his party which is the governing party in the Netherlands, has ordered St. Maarten to carry out all necessary steps to restore the Point Blanche prison. Socialist Party (SP) Kamerlid Ronald van Raak shares the same opinion. Prison Director Edward Rohan made an alarming assertion this week, where
- [St. Eustatius wants the International Court of Justice  to enforce autonomy](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/02/09/st-eustatius-wants-the-international-court-of-justice-to-enforce-autonomy/) - ORANJESTAD – The island council of Sint-Eustatius is considering to take the Dutch government to International Court. According to Clyde van Putten, a local coalition leader of PLP, the local government has been fighting for autonomy for years, but he says the Netherlands does not want to cooperate. Van Putten intends to take this case
- [Warden suspects night guards of corruption](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/02/07/warden-suspects-night-guards-of-corruption/) - PHILIPSBURG – The police found a firearm, countless phones and a selfmade weapon last week in the Point Blanche prison on Sint Maarten. According to Prison Director, Edward Rohan, the only explanation for this is that these items are being smuggled inside by night guards who receive some sort of payment in return. Warden Edward
- [Damaged Sint Maarten prison poses danger](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/02/08/damaged-sint-maarten-prison-poses-danger/) - PHILIPSBURG - It is not difficult to escape from or start a riot in Sint Maarten’s Pointe Blanche prison. Prison Director Edward Rohan feels compelled to share the risks his staff and him endure. The fences around the prison are broken and a large part of the prison wall is missing. This wall was destroyed
- [Study financing for BES students now available for studies in Canada](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2016/12/16/study-financing-for-bes-students-now-available-for-studies-in-canada/) - THE HAGUE – There is good news for students from the BES islands: study financing has been adjusted. With this adjustment students can now study in Canada. The Second Chamber decided on this revision. Saba had requested study financing become available for studies in Canada and the US, considering that many Saban and Statian students
- [Action plan to battle drop in tourism on Saba](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2016/09/14/action-plan-to-battle-drop-in-tourism-on-saba/) - THE BOTTOM – In efforts to boost tourism on Saba several local restaurants and hotels teamed up to organize for the first time in Saba a restaurant week. Hotel rooms were discounted 50 percent and 30 dollar full course menus were offered at the participating hotels and restaurants. The local government has put together a
- [First commercial helicopter flight to Saba](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/01/24/first-commercial-helicopter-flight-to-saba/) - THE BOTTOM - Saba having received the green light for commercial helicopter landings saw a helicopter from the French St. Martin based company Corail Helicopters make its first trip to Saba on Sunday. Company owners met with airport representatives on Sunday as part of the beginning stages of setting up this venture. Pricing for charters,
- [WIB closing gets 'special attention' from Dutch government](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2016/08/30/wib-closing-gets-special-attention-from-dutch-government/) - THE BOTTOM - Minister of Economic Affairs Henk Kamp said the closure of the Windward Islands Bank (WIB) on Saba has the high attention from his Ministry. Kamp met with the Island government of Saba during his visit to the island on Monday, where this issue was discussed at length. “In The Netherlands there are
- [Saba secondary school marks 40 years, while reaching basic quality education](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2016/11/23/saba-secondary-school-marks-40-years-while-reaching-basic-quality-education/) - THE BOTTOM - Apart from celebrating 40 years of existence the Saba Comprehensive School (SCS) had much to celebrate recently as it was the first school of the BES islands to reach the basic quality for vocational education and maintain the basic quality for secondary education. Looking back on the last 40 years, Education Commissioner
- [Education agenda signed for 2017-2018](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2016/12/01/education-agenda-signed-for-2017-2018/) - THE BOTTOM - Minister of Education, Culture & Science (OCW) Jet Bussemaker said her recent working visit to St. Eustatius also served as a joint celebration seeing that all BES-islands made evident improvements in their education systems over the last year. The third annual BES Education Conference was hosted in St. Eustatius this pass Monday,
- [WIB delays closure of Saba branch](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2016/12/12/wib-delays-closure-of-saba-branch/) - THE BOTTOM - The Windward Islands Bank (WIB) has delayed its closure of its Saba branch until the end of January 2017. The bank had initially set the closure of its Saba branch for November 30. In addition the Dutch government has agreed to cover the cost of keeping the ATM machine on island. The
- [Increases in social premiums falls short of reality](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2017/01/28/increases-in-social-premiums-falls-short-of-reality/) - THE BOTTOM - Reacting on the announcement of increases in social support on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, Commissioner of Social Affairs Rolando Wilson said this increase will still not be enough for those residents on Saba who are most in need. On Saba social support will increase from $72 to $181 per every two
- [Minister Kamp opens electricity plant on Saba](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2016/08/30/minister-kamp-opens-electricity-plant-on-saba/) - THE BOTTOM - Minister of Economic Affairs Henk Kamp has officially opened Saba’s new electricity plant on Monday during his visit to Saba. In February of this year, after 45 years Saba’s new automated electrical plant was switched on and Saba now has its own electrical power plant. “This opening marks another big success
- [Saba already laid out plan for prize money 'Most Beautiful Nature Area' competition](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2016/10/24/saba-already-laid-out-plan-for-prize-money-most-beautiful-nature-area-competition/) - THE BOTTOM - Film crews from Germany’s TV show Terra X and a crew from the Discovery channel were on Saba this past weekend to gather promotional material. This serves as essential attention for Saba as the nomination of Saba for the status of Dutch National Park has sparked much needed interest in Saba again,
- [AFM not responsible for WIB closure](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2016/10/25/afm-not-responsible-for-wib-closure/) - THE BOTTOM - The Authoriteit Financiele Markten (AFM) has no influence on the closure of the Windward Islands Bank (WIB) branch on Saba. This according, to AFM Manager Supervision Account Egbert Gerritsen, who paid a working visit to Saba to clear up some discrepancies communicated by WIB to the public. Gerritsen said WIB is
- [Sint Maarten Elections 2016](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2016/08/10/sint-maarten-elections-2016/) - Sint Maarten Elections 2016 by CaribischNetwerk on Scribd
- [WIB closure causing panic on Saba](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2016/08/14/wib-closure-causing-panic-on-saba/) - THE BOTTOM - Saba Business Association (SBA) says they are disappointed in the relatively short notification of Windward Islands Bank’s decision to close up shop on Saba. The Maduro and Curiel’s Bank (MCB) in Curaçao, the parent company of the WIB, confirmed earlier this week its intention to close WIB’s branch in Saba at the

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- [SCS](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/scs/)
- [Saba Comprehensive School](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/saba-comprehensive-school/)
- [Bruce Zagers](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/bruce-zagers/)
- [Jet Bussemaker](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/jet-bussemaker/)
- [Study financing](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/study-financing/)
- [Canada](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/canada/)
- [helicopter](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/helicopter/)
- [social premiums](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/social-premiums/)
- [social houses](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/social-houses/)
- [poverty](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/poverty/)
- [prison](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/prison/)
- [Point Blanche](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/point-blanche/)
- [Edward Rohan](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/edward-rohan/)
- [referendum](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/referendum/)
- [autonomy](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/autonomy/)
- [Clyde van Putten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/clyde-van-putten/)
- [CDA](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/cda/)
- [insel air](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/insel-air/)
- [black dating](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/black-dating/)
- [angela roe](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/angela-roe/)
- [humpback](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/humpback/)
- [whale](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/whale/)
- [Saba Marine Park](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/saba-marine-park/)
- [Charles Woodley](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/charles-woodley/)
- [Second Chamber](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/second-chamber/)
- [D66](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/d66/)
- [VVD](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/vvd/)
- [Koos Sneek](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/koos-sneek/)
- [pension](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/pension/)
- [PCN](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/pcn/)
- [instruction](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/instruction/)
- [Marlin](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/marlin/)
- [Plasterk](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/plasterk/)
- [dispute](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/dispute/)
- [curaçao](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/curacao/)
- [iguana](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/iguana/)
- [Stenapa](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/stenapa/)
- [slaves](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/slaves/)
- [slaveregister](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/slaveregister/)
- [slavery](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/slavery/)
- [electricity](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/electricity/)
- [racial profiling](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/racial-profiling/)
- [racism](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/racism/)
- [Minister Plenipotentiary](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/minister-plenipotentiary/)
- [The Hague](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/the-hague/)
- [ombudsman](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/ombudsman/)
- [Nilda Arduin](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/nilda-arduin/)
- [murder](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/murder/)
- [history lessons](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/history-lessons/)
- [rent](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/rent/)
- [affordable housing](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/affordable-housing/)
- [Emsley Tromp](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/emsley-tromp/)
- [Central Bank](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/central-bank/)
- [mosquito](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/mosquito/)
- [RIVM](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/rivm/)
- [cattle](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/cattle/)
- [erosion](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/erosion/)
- [wetlands](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/wetlands/)
- [pond](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/pond/)
- [flooding](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/flooding/)
- [ferry](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/ferry/)
- [Sint Maarten Nature Foundation](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/sint-maarten-nature-foundation/)
- [Sarah Wescot-Williams](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/sarah-wescot-williams/)
- [Save our Sharks](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/save-our-sharks/)
- [Boskalis Beach Cleanup Tour](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/boskalis-beach-cleanup-tour/)
- [Ronald Plasterk](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/ronald-plasterk/)
- [Minister of Kingdom Relations](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/minister-of-kingdom-relations/)
- [R. Merkman](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/r-merkman/)
- [K. Sneek](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/k-sneek/)
- [C. Woodley](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/c-woodley/)
- [D. Simmons](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/d-simmons/)
- [Statia](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/statia/)
- [farewell](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/farewell/)
- [Guus Schram](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/guus-schram/)
- [Roger Bos](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/roger-bos/)
- [corruption](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/corruption/)
- [fraud](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/fraud/)
- [hurricane Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/hurricane-irma/)
- [Francio Guadeloupe](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/francio-guadeloupe/)
- [Richard Gibson jr.](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/richard-gibson-jr/)
- [Eveline Henriquez](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/eveline-henriquez/)
- [Pets](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/pets/)
- [evacuation of dogs](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/evacuation-of-dogs/)
- [hurricane Maria](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/hurricane-maria/)
- [tarp](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/tarp/)
- [schools](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/schools/)
- [coach Tom](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/coach-tom/)
- [Little League](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/little-league/)
- [mangroven](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/mangroven/)
- [zoo](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/zoo/)
- [animals](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/animals/)
- [integrity chamber](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/integrity-chamber/)
- [University of St.Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/university-of-st-maarten/)
- [William Marlin](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/william-marlin/)
- [Raymond Knops](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/raymond-knops/)
- [Mark Rutte](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/mark-rutte/)
- [reconstruction funds](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/reconstruction-funds/)
- [Archaeological Center](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/archaeological-center/)
- [SIMARC](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/simarc/)
- [King Willem-Alexander](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/king-willem-alexander/)
- [Turning Point](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/turning-point/)
- [rehabilitation center](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/rehabilitation-center/)
- [clowns without borders](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/clowns-without-borders/)
- [comic relief](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/comic-relief/)
- [relief fund](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/relief-fund/)
- [hospitality](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/hospitality/)
- [earthquake](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/earthquake/)
- [rebuilding after Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/rebuilding-after-irma/)
- [post Irma](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/post-irma/)
- [vakantiebeurs](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/vakantiebeurs/)
- [Winair](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/winair/)
- [playground](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/playground/)
- [study](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/study/)
- [undergraduates](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/undergraduates/)
- [jobs](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/jobs/)
- [custom](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/custom/)
- [Skills Competition](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/skills-competition/)
- [students](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/students/)
- [Triathlon](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/triathlon/)
- [children's rights](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/childrens-rights/)
- [airport](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/airport/)
- [coral](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/coral/)
- [reef](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/reef/)
- [Saba Bank](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/saba-bank/)
- [zika](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/zika/)
- [prices](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/prices/)
- [heritage](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/heritage/)
- [monuments](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/monuments/)
- [churches](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/churches/)
- [gay rights](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/gay-rights/)
- [gay discrimination](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/gay-discrimination/)
- [media Sint Maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/media-sint-maarten/)
- [groceries](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/groceries/)
- [businesses](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/businesses/)
- [dump](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/dump/)
- [fire](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/fire/)
- [hazard](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/hazard/)
- [Xavier Blackman](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/xavier-blackman/)
- [Statia government take over](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/statia-government-take-over/)
- [boat](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/boat/)
- [capsized](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/capsized/)
- [Justitie](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/justitie/)
- [Openbaar Ministerie](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/openbaar-ministerie/)
- [elections St.Maarten 2018](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/elections-st-maarten-2018/)
- [gasoline Saba](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/gasoline-saba/)
- [CN-express](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/cn-express/)
- [recycle](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/recycle/)
- [gay marriage](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/gay-marriage/)
- [gay acceptance](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/gay-acceptance/)
- [LGTB](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/lgtb/)
- [Saba Doet](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/saba-doet/)
- [volunteers](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/volunteers/)
- [Statia Doet](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/statia-doet/)
- [SXM Doet](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/sxm-doet/)
- [new law AIVD](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/new-law-aivd/)
- [human rights](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/human-rights/)
- [hurricane season](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/hurricane-season/)
- [publice defensor](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/publice-defensor/)
- [Coast Guard](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/coast-guard/)
- [Stef Blok](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/stef-blok/)
- [HIV](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/hiv/)
- [Taboo](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/taboo/)
- [European Parliament](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/european-parliament/)
- [violence](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/violence/)
- [research](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/research/)
- [dancehall](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/dancehall/)
- [homophonic](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/homophonic/)
- [sexist](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/sexist/)
- [education](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/education/)
- [wikipedia](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/wikipedia/)
- [Caribbean history](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/caribbean-history/)
- [Tula](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/tula/)
- [cyber security](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/cyber-security/)
- [student](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/student/)
- [study abroad](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/study-abroad/)
- [assimilate](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/assimilate/)
- [Theo Heyliger](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/theo-heyliger/)
- [protest stronger sint maarten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/protest-stronger-sint-maarten/)
- [hurricane Isaac](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/hurricane-isaac/)
- [Venezuela](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/venezuela/)
- [Venezuelan refugees](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/venezuelan-refugees/)
- [Saba Airport](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/saba-airport/)
- [child allowance](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/child-allowance/)
- [breast cancer](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/breast-cancer/)
- [Sint Maarten Medical Center](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/sint-maarten-medical-center/)
- [foster care](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/foster-care/)
- [medical waste](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/medical-waste/)
- [Saba Medical Center](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/saba-medical-center/)
- [roads Statia](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/roads-statia/)
- [Senate](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/senate/)
- [elections](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/elections/)
- [Saba elections 2019](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/saba-elections-2019/)
- [tbs](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/tbs/)
- [Detention under hospital orders](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/detention-under-hospital-orders/)
- [solar park](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/solar-park/)
- [world bank](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/world-bank/)
- [disputes](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/disputes/)
- [teacher shortage](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/teacher-shortage/)
- [esta](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/esta/)
- [mullet bay](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/mullet-bay/)
- [Miss Lalie Center](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/miss-lalie-center/)
- [Youth Detention](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/youth-detention/)
- [Pointe Blanche](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/pointe-blanche/)
- [elections SXM 2019](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/elections-sxm-2019/)
- [strike](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/strike/)
- [water Statia](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/water-statia/)
- [10-10-'10](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/10-10-10/)
- [elections SXM 2020](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/elections-sxm-2020/)
- [IPKO](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/ipko/)
- [travel](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/travel/)
- [vacation](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/vacation/)
- [holiday](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/holiday/)
- [police cells](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/police-cells/)
- [corona](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/corona/)
- [freedom of press](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/freedom-of-press/)
- [interns](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/interns/)
- [Government commissioner](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/government-commissioner/)
- [Marnix van Rij](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/marnix-van-rij/)
- [self-governance](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/self-governance/)
- [Stuco](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/stuco/)
- [loan](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/loan/)
- [obesitas](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/obesitas/)
- [obese](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/obese/)
- [high blood pressure](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/high-blood-pressure/)
- [health](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/health/)
- [fishermen](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/fishermen/)
- [fishing](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/fishing/)
- [red cross](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/red-cross/)
- [corona crisis](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/corona-crisis/)
- [union protest](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/union-protest/)
- [Civil servants](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/civil-servants/)
- [bonaire](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/bonaire/)
- [toerisme](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/toerisme/)
- [music](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/music/)
- [art](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/art/)
- [AMAK](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/amak/)
- [culture](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/culture/)
- [CHATA](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/chata/)
- [Mass layoffs](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/mass-layoffs/)
- [unemployment](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/unemployment/)
- [BLM](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/blm/)
- [Black Lives Matter](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/black-lives-matter/)
- [Protest](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/protest/)
- [police violence](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/police-violence/)
- [parkietenbos](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/parkietenbos/)
- [Aruba](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/aruba/)
- [pollution](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/pollution/)
- [World ocean Day 2020](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/world-ocean-day-2020/)
- [World Ocean Day](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/world-ocean-day/)
- [closed borders](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/closed-borders/)
- [discrimination](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/discrimination/)
- [food bank](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/food-bank/)
- [voedselbank](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/voedselbank/)
- [journalism](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/journalism/)
- [caribbean students](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/caribbean-students/)
- [SSC](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/ssc/)
- [DUWO](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/duwo/)
- [DUO](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/duo/)
- [SITEK](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/sitek/)
- [Cuts](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/cuts/)
- [keti koti](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/keti-koti/)
- [abolition of slavery](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/abolition-of-slavery/)
- [One tete lokhay](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/one-tete-lokhay/)
- [1 july](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/1-july/)
- [riots](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/riots/)
- [corona cuts](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/corona-cuts/)
- [unions](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/unions/)
- [pedophilia](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/pedophilia/)
- [sex offender](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/sex-offender/)
- [Marie Anastacia](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/marie-anastacia/)
- [Mural](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/mural/)
- [Be The Change Foundation](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/be-the-change-foundation/)
- [Deaf](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/deaf/)
- [Sign language](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/sign-language/)
- [Esther de Veer](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/esther-de-veer/)
- [Evelyn Wever-Croes](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/evelyn-wever-croes/)
- [Emergency line of credit](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/emergency-line-of-credit/)
- [Covid 19](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/covid-19/)
- [Andin Bicker](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/andin-bicker/)
- [Dangui Oduber](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/dangui-oduber/)
- [USA](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/usa/)
- [open borders](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/open-borders/)
- [Gerhard Hoogers](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/gerhard-hoogers/)
- [Charter of the Kingdom of the Netherlands](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/charter-of-the-kingdom-of-the-netherlands/)
- [protests](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/protests/)
- [buddy](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/buddy/)
- [agriculture](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/agriculture/)
- [farmers](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/farmers/)
- [DCNA](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/dcna/)
- [Carmabi](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/carmabi/)
- [Tazio Bervoets](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/tazio-bervoets/)
- [Mark Vermeij](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/mark-vermeij/)
- [landspakketten](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/landspakketten/)
- [Chanté](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/chante/)
- [housing shortage](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/housing-shortage/)
- [Amsterdam](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/amsterdam/)
- [Layzmina Emerencia](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/layzmina-emerencia/)
- [San Nicolas](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/san-nicolas/)
- [shipwrecks](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/shipwrecks/)
- [NRBP](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/nrbp/)
- [daycare](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/daycare/)
- [child care](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/child-care/)
- [Eugene Rhuggenaath](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/eugene-rhuggenaath/)
- [shutdown](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/shutdown/)
- [Ank Bijleveld](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/ank-bijleveld/)
- [HMS Karel Doorman](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/hms-karel-doorman/)
- [Slavenregister](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/slavenregister/)
- [Frank Quirindongo](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/frank-quirindongo/)
- [Slavernij Platform](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/slavernij-platform/)
- [Erfenis van de Slavernij](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/erfenis-van-de-slavernij/)
- [The National Archive](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/the-national-archive/)
- [Jeanne Henriquez](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/jeanne-henriquez/)
- [Max Scriwanek](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/max-scriwanek/)
- [homeless](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/homeless/)
- [vaccin covid](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/vaccin-covid/)
- [carnival](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/carnival/)
- [Lysanne Charles](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/lysanne-charles/)
- [election Curacao 2021](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/election-curacao-2021/)
- [minimumloon](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/minimumloon/)
- [minimum wages](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/minimum-wages/)
- [Zomercarnaval](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/zomercarnaval/)
- [maternity leave](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/maternity-leave/)
- [zwangerschapsverlof](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/zwangerschapsverlof/)
- [Guanachat](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/guanachat/)
- [Kindertelefoon](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/kindertelefoon/)
- [Gershwin Bonevacia](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/gershwin-bonevacia/)
- [Izaline Calister](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/izaline-calister/)
- [Wensley Francisco](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/wensley-francisco/)
- [climate change](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/climate-change/)
- [KNMI](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/knmi/)
- [Eurovision](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/eurovision/)
- [Justin Niessen](http://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/tag/justin-niessen/)