THE HAGUE - It is not a foregone conclusion that the Dutch State will remain a shareholder in Winair. The Sint Maarten airline is in serious financial trouble. It needs several million dollars to survive and has therefore submitted a request for support to the Netherlands.
“It is primarily up to the major shareholder Sint Maarten to consider support. Now, support from the Netherlands is not (yet) on the agenda. Because of the Dutch interest in the accessibility of Saba and St. Eustatius, we keep a finger on the pulse," writes Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen in response to written questions from the Dutch Member of Parliament Aukje de Vries.
During the political reform of 2010, the Dutch government acquired 7.95% of the shares. Last year, a $3 million loan was given to keep Winair afloat. “I am currently evaluating the state shareholding in Winair. As a result, it is being examined whether this instrument is still the most suitable for safeguarding the public interest of the accessibility of the Caribbean Netherlands," said the Dutch minister.