Former Island Registrar Cicilia Calls Internet Consultation “Unlawful” and Threat to Self-Governance

KRALENDIJK – Former Island Registrar for Bonaire, Willem A. Cicilia of Plataforma Boneiru Nobo i Mas Outónomo (PBNO), has called the current internet consultation on the revision of the WolBES and FinBES legislation “unlawful” and a hollowing out of the self-governance of the BES islands.

According to Cicilia, the agreements made in De Bilt in 2024 – including the abolition of the office of the Rijksvertegenwoordiger – have been ignored only a year later. Instead, the role of the Rijksvertegenwoordiger is being strengthened, while island councils and executive councils are sidelined.

He argues that the Netherlands is using what he describes as ‘Bonaire’s political instability’ as an excuse to impose structural restrictions. “Incidents should never serve as justification for undermining fundamental agreements on autonomy,” Cicilia said.

Renewed dialogue

PBNO is therefore calling on The Hague to immediately halt the internet consultation and to reengage in dialogue with the island councils, executive councils and island governors of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.