Standpoint Island Council Sint Eustatius WolBES FinBES
Sint Eustatius, [September 11th, 2025] - During its meeting held today, September 11, 2025, the Island Council of Sint Eustatius, together with the Commissioners stood united in protest against the unjust manner in which the Government of the Netherlands is seeking to revise the WolBES and FinBES Acts. As a symbol of solidarity, all members and Commissioners attended the meeting dressed in black.
In the meeting, each Island Council member reaffirmed their commitment to the joint press statement prepared during the BES Summit. Council members emphasized the urgent need for the Ministry of BZK to honor the agreements previously reached with former State Secretary A. van Huffelen. They further called on the Government of the Netherlands to invite the Island Councils back to the table for formal discussions on the newly presented proposals and to include the Island Councils in the formal process where it regards consultation. Reference was made to Article 209 of the WolBES, which explicitly states that Dutch Ministers must first consult with the island governments before adopting rules or policies that directly affect the BES islands.
The consultation period for the proposed amendments to the WolBES and FinBES is now open for public review and feedback until October 27, 2025. While the Netherlands has not provided sufficient opportunities for direct consultation with the islands, it is important that also the community of Sint Eustatius make their voices known during this process. Residents and Statians are strongly encouraged to submit their views and concerns on the proposal before the deadline.
For more information about the objections raised by the Island Councils of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba regarding both the consultation process and the newly proposed amendments, please contact the Registrar’s Office at the Government Guesthouse:
📞 +599-318-3395