New plan aims to tackle democratic deficit on Bonaire, and ends with a referendum
KRALENDIJK – Platforma Boneiru Nobo i mas Outónomo (PBNO) has presented a roadmap containing proposals to address the democratic deficit that, according to the organisation, exists on Bonaire, and to strengthen the island’s position within the Kingdom.
The motivation stems in part from the recent discussions during the Inter-insular Parliamentary Consultation of the Kingdom (IPKO) regarding the limited influence of Caribbean citizens on decisions made in The Hague. According to PBNO, Bonaire, like the other Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, faces a democratic deficit, as residents lack sufficient direct influence over decisions that affect them.
Central to the Roadmap 2025–2035 is the introduction of a Bonaire Equality Index (BGI), an instrument designed to measure the development of material equality on the island. In addition, the plan proposes the establishment of an Independent Equal Rights Commission and annual reporting to both the Island Council and the Dutch parliament on progress made.
The plan also includes proposals for additional investments in areas such as sustainable development, education and cultural heritage. According to PBNO, these measures should contribute to an improvement of Bonaire’s socio-economic position.
As the final step in the roadmap, a referendum is proposed for 2035. At that point, the population would be able to express its views on Bonaire’s future constitutional status. According to PBNO, such a decision can only be made after a prolonged period of work to reduce social and economic disparities.
Further details
The proposals are elaborated in a book to be published shortly. It describes, among other things, the methodology behind the Bonaire Equality Index, financial analyses and various scenarios for the future administrative development of Bonaire.
PBNO is an initiative led by Willem A. Cecilia and focuses on promoting material equality and a greater degree of self-determination for Bonaire within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
