House of Representatives approves expansion of island governments on Bonaire, Sint-Eustatius and Saba

KRALENDIJK – The House of Representatives has approved a bill aimed at strengthening the administrative capacity of the Caribbean public entities of Bonaire, Sint-Eustatius and Saba. The so-called Expansion Act increases the number of members of the island councils and executive councils, allowing the islands to better respond to their growing populations and increasing administrative responsibilities.

According to the bill, the island councils will receive more seats starting from the elections in March 2027. On Bonaire, the number of island council members will rise from nine to eleven. Sint-Eustatius and Saba will each go from five to seven council members. The executive councils will also be expanded: Bonaire will gain a fourth deputy, while Sint-Eustatius and Saba will each add a third deputy.

More administrative capacity and better representation

The expansion is part of a broader revision of the Public Entities (Bonaire, Sint-Eustatius and Saba) Act (WolBES). Since the constitutional reforms of 2010, the number of administrators and elected representatives has not kept pace with population growth on the islands. Local governments have therefore repeatedly indicated that the current capacity is insufficient to carry out all tasks effectively.

In the longer term, the number of island council members and commissioners. will be automatically linked to the population size of the islands, similar to the system that applies to municipalities in European Netherlands.

Evaluation after the first expansion

In addition to the bill, the House of Representatives also approved an amendment providing for an evaluation of the first expansion. Before any further increases in the number of seats can take place, the effects of the measure on the functioning of local democracy and island governance will be assessed.

Bill moves to Senate

The next step is consideration by the Senate. If a majority there also approves the bill, the law can enter into force in time for the island council elections of March 2027. This brings an important administrative strengthening for Bonaire, Sint-Eustatius and Saba one step closer.

Read the full bill on the expansion of the Executive Board and Island Council here