The out­going Dutch government is exploring options for in­creasing financial support to large families in Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba (BES islands), following a recent evaluation of the Child Ben­efit Provision (Kinderbi­jslagvoorziening BES). A final decision on any ad­ditional support will be made by the next administration, wrote caretaker State …

Lem­onade B.V., a new Carib­bean startup based in St. Maarten with a mission to unlock the potential of the cultural and creative indus­tries, has begun work on a cultural practice research project entitled “Where Culture Lives.” The research, to be con­ducted over the next 10 months, will document and analyse …

The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee and Caribbean Netherlands Police Corps (KPCN) conducted a scheduled traffic enforcement operation on Samuel A. Charles Street on Tuesday, June 24th, from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Operation Results During the one-hour operation, officers inspected 12 vehicles and issued three citations: Two violations for driving without …

Secondary Education Support Through SZW Parents and guardians of children entering secondary school in the Caribbean Netherlands this fall can now apply for financial assistance to help cover essential school supplies. The allowance supports costs for uniforms, shoes, school bags, stationery, and other required materials. This program specifically covers secondary …

More than 1,600 young people from the Caribbean territories of the Kingdom of the Netherlands begin their studies in the European Netherlands each year. To ease this significant transition from island-based preparatory education to Dutch higher education, the government has launched a specialized digital tool that provides prospective students and …

The Ministry of Home Affairs and King­dom Relations BZK is tak­ing new steps to strengthen the involvement of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba in na­tional policymaking and leg­islation. The aim is to reduce the distance — both literal and bureaucratic — between the European and Caribbean parts of the Netherlands, …

Under the banner “The Best for the BES,” WeConnect organized a pivotal gathering on June 18 in The Hague, bringing the challenges and opportunities of Bonaire, Saba, and St. Eustatius into sharp focus. The BES islands are grappling with significant labor shortages, while dozens of BES students and young professionals …

Scheduled traffic check. On Friday, the 20th of June, a scheduled traffic check was held on Samuel A. Charles Street on Saba between 4 PM and 5 PM. Eighteen (18) vehicles were checked during the check, with two (2) fines issued. Both fines were issued for not wearing a seatbelt. …

The Dutch Parliamentary Committee for Kingdom Relations has agreed that current Kingdom affairs can proceed, despite the Netherlands being under a caretaker government. The committee did not classify any pending Kingdom topics as “controversial”. Ongoing policies and coop­eration are allowed to con­tinue. A final decision is ex­pected later this year …

The Island Councils of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba concluded a landmark Summit on June 16 in The Hague, demonstrating unprecedented unity and shared commitment to addressing the challenges facing the Caribbean Netherlands. The meeting, hosted at Igluu Meetings & Events, exemplified the collaborative spirit that emerges when island communities …