KRALENDIJK - Minister Gouke Moes (Education, Culture and Science) is visiting Bonaire from November 4-6, 2025, for the annual Ministerial Four-Country Education Consultation.
The minister is coming to the island to familiarize himself with the Caribbean part of the Kingdom and to hold discussions with colleagues from Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten.
Reception by Lieutenant Governor
On Tuesday evening, November 4, Island Governor John Soliano will receive the minister, together with Acting Kingdom Representative Jan Helmond. The following day, Moes will meet with the executive council of the Public Entity Bonaire.
On Wednesday, the minister will visit Kolegio Kristu Bon Wardador elementary school and Scholengemeenschap Bonaire. There, he will engage in discussions with teachers, school administrators, and students. He will also receive a tour of the Mangazina di Rei cultural park.
Four-Country Consultation
On Thursday, the Ministerial Four-Country Education Consultation will take place. The Netherlands represents Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba during this annual meeting. The other participants are Minister Gerlien Croes of Aruba, Minister Sithree van Heydoorn of Curaçao, and Minister Melissa Gumbs of Sint Maarten.
Education Programs Discussed
The consultation will address, among other topics, the Strategic Education Alliance (SEA) program. This Kingdom-wide program aims to increase the academic success of Caribbean students. The ministers will also discuss the "Kibrahacha" partnership, which focuses on jointly training teachers for primary education in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
Additionally, the joint nomination procedure for the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list on behalf of the entire Kingdom is on the agenda.
Library Visit
Finally, Minister Moes will visit Bonaire’s new library: Biblioteka Públiko Boneiru.
