THE HAGUE – Newly appointed CDA Member of Parliament Tijs van den Brink has called for greater responsibility, continuity, and stronger cooperation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands during the parliamentary debate on the Kingdom Relations budget and the BES Fund.
Addressing the House as a newcomer to the Kingdom Relations portfolio, Van den Brink said he approached the debate with humility and respect for the history and expertise already present in Parliament. He stressed that the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom require careful policymaking and long-term commitment, adding that he intends to contribute with a fresh perspective rooted in dialogue, clarity, and a strong sense of shared responsibility.
Shared Kingdom, Shared Responsibility
Van den Brink highlighted the deep and enduring connection between the Netherlands and the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, describing it as a bond rooted not only in history but also in people. Families, students, workers, and entrepreneurs move back and forth between the islands and the Netherlands, he said, forming a living bridge between societies.
He pointed to Curaçao’s recent qualification for the FIFA World Cup as a moment of shared pride across the Kingdom, illustrating the talent, resilience, and ambition present in all its parts.
At the same time, Van den Brink emphasized that this connection also brings responsibility, particularly toward the Caribbean Netherlands. He noted that poverty among families and the elderly remains persistent on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, while the islands lack sufficient resources to address serious infrastructure deficits in areas such as roads, sewage systems, drinking water, and energy supply.
The CDA, he said, believes that economic prospects in the Caribbean Netherlands must be strengthened and that poverty should be tackled in close cooperation with the islands themselves. Referring to recent visits by Caribbean delegations to the Netherlands, Van den Brink acknowledged frustration over the difficulty of maintaining meaningful contact and urged the minister to make additional efforts to engage directly with island councils, particularly on Saba and Bonaire.
Security Challenges in the Southern Caribbean
Van den Brink also focused on security concerns, stressing that the Kingdom’s safety does not end at the North Sea. He warned that the Leeward Islands are increasingly affected by instability in Venezuela, including economic collapse, migration flows, geopolitical tensions, and rising drug trafficking and smuggling activities.
These developments, he said, have direct consequences for border control, energy security, food supply, and regional stability, and require preparation, cooperation, and support within the Kingdom.
Referring to recent motions adopted by the Parliament of Curaçao, Van den Brink asked the government to clarify its position on requests for Dutch military assistance to safeguard Curaçao’s airspace. He sought assurances on how airspace security in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom is being structurally guaranteed, both for civil and military aviation.
Regional and International Cooperation
While stressing that island security remains primarily a local responsibility, Van den Brink underlined the importance of cooperation with long-standing partners. He noted that the Netherlands works closely with countries such as the United Kingdom and France in the Caribbean on coast guard operations, countering organized crime, and strengthening border security.
He asked whether the Dutch government is currently able to maintain a permanent naval presence in the Caribbean through a stationed vessel, calling this an important element of regional stability.
Governance and Representation
In closing, Van den Brink raised questions about the proposed expansion of island councils and asked the minister to further explain why this is considered important.
He concluded by stating that the Kingdom needs stability, cooperation, and long-term perspective, but above all recognition of the deep connections experienced daily by people both in the Caribbean and in the European Netherlands.