St. Eustatius calls for equal opportunities: ‘Partnership with Wadden Islands makes us stronger’
HARLINGEN – While en route to a follow-up session with the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) on the island of Vlieland, the Caribbean delegation made a brief stop in Harlingen. There, the representatives of St. Eustatius spoke about the recently signed letter of intent between the three Caribbean special municipalities and the five Wadden Islands — collectively known as the E8.
The partnership, initiated by the King’s Commissioner of Fryslân, aims to strengthen the islands’ position in their dealings with the Dutch central government. For St. Eustatius’ Island Governor Alida Francis, the collaboration is about more than symbolic unity. “We face the same challenges — whether you’re located in the North Sea or the Caribbean: water management, good governance, integrity, connectivity,” Francis said. “By joining forces, we can speak with one voice to The Hague.”
Now in its third year, the cooperation is becoming increasingly concrete. “We’ve identified eight key themes — maybe even ten — which we will work out together,” said Francis. “Our Island Council will formally approve this soon, which gives us organizational backing.”
Island Commissioners Rechelline Leerdam and Reuben Merkman emphasized the need for tailored policy. “What works on Bonaire doesn’t necessarily work on Statia or Saba,” said Leerdam. “Yet in national policies, we’re often treated as one block. That prevents real solutions.”
Merkman pointed to practical inequalities faced by residents. “Importing a car from the Netherlands comes with 20% tax for us. And unlike the Wadden Islands, we have no public transportation between our islands — yet we’re held to the same standards.”
Still, both commissioners expressed optimism. “As small islands, we often don’t have enough influence individually in The Hague,” Leerdam said. “But now, by joining voices, we’re stronger. This partnership is the most meaningful step toward true representation that I’ve seen so far.”
