WILLEMSTAD - The Netherlands has sent almost 42 million euros, more than 85 million guilders for untied aid to the islands. The money does not have to be repaid.
These are humanitarian aid, such as food packages and medical support. The support for the state treasury has so far amounted to 350 million euros, about 715 million guilders. That money must be repaid but without interest.
The islands use this to continue paying civil servants' salaries and, for example, to finance the NOW scheme, so that companies can keep their employees employed.