THE HAGUE - State Secretary for Kingdom Relations, Van Huffelen, will visit Sint Maarten, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Curaçao, and Aruba from June 29th to July 4th. On July 1st, the State Secretary will attend the commemorations of the abolition of slavery on the three Windward Islands, Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius.
In addition, she will meet with the Prime Ministers and various officials of the three countries to discuss topics such as the refinancing of liquidity loans and the progress of the Country Packages. In Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten, she will visit various projects aimed at sustainable economic development of the countries.
Sint Maarten
The State Secretary will inaugurate the local office of the World Bank on Sint Maarten. The World Bank manages the trust fund allocated for the reconstruction after Hurricane Irma. Additionally, the State Secretary will visit the water and electricity company GEBE on Sint Maarten, where there is a need for investments in sustainable energy. On Saturday, July 1st, the State Secretary will participate in cultural activities commemorating Emancipation Day, which marks the abolition of slavery on Sint Maarten.
Saba and Sint Eustatius
On July 1st, the State Secretary will travel to Saba and Sint Eustatius. On both islands, she will deliver a speech in commemoration of the abolition of slavery. Various activities are organized under the theme of Emancipation Day on these islands.
Curaçao
On July 2nd, Curaçao celebrates its national holiday, "Flag Day," and cultural activities are organized throughout the island. The State Secretary will attend some of these activities, including those in Banda Bou, the western part of the island. In addition to meetings with various officials, a visit to the floating wind park is scheduled for Curaçao. This offshore wind park, located on a floating platform, aims to generate sustainable energy that will be converted into green hydrogen in the future.
Aruba
In Aruba, the State Secretary will meet with the Aruba Fair Trade Authority to discuss the establishment of the competition authority for Aruba, which will oversee competition rules and consumer rights. Furthermore, the State Secretary will visit the immigration detention center in Aruba and hold discussions with, among others, UNHCR and the Aruban Minister of Justice.