Island Council Conducts Working Visit to the Netherlands
As part of its official working visit to the Netherlands, the Island Council of Sint Eustatius engaged in a series of meetings and activities focused on democratic governance, civic education, and the policy issues affecting the island.
On December 8, the Island Council visited ProDemos, the House for Democracy and the Rule of Law. ProDemos is an organization dedicated to strengthening democracy by educating citizens on democratic processes, the rule of law, and ways to exert political influence. During the visit, Council members gained deeper insight into their role and influence within the community and participated in interactive sessions demonstrating how students are taught about democracy.
ProDemos currently offers several civic education programs. At present, Sint Eustatius participates in three of these programs: Democracity, Democracy at the Secondary Level, and The Court House. Looking ahead, Sint Eustatius intends to participate in the Politically Active course, which is designed for adults with an interest in political engagement.
From December 9 to 11, the Island Council participated in the Inter Expo 36 Congress entitled Fifteen Years after 10/10/10, held at the Nieuwspoort in The Hague. On December 10, Councilman Derrick Simmons took part in a panel discussion on Equitable Education throughout the Kingdom of the Netherlands. On December 11, Councilman Clyde van Putten delivered a presentation entitled Fifteen Years after the Dissolution: Did Statia Truly Have Its Chance?
In addition, the Island Council met with the Second Chamber Committee on Infrastructure and Water Management to discuss the new legislation of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) and the recent increase in airfare prices affecting Sint Eustatius. The Committee received the Council’s concerns and indicated that the information would be brought to the attention of the Minister responsible.
The Island Council views this working visit as a valuable opportunity to strengthen engagement within the Kingdom and to advocate for issues of importance to the people of Sint Eustatius.
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