Eerste Kamer Also Approves Expansion of Caribbean Netherlands Island Governments
THE HAGUE – Following the Tweede kamer, the Eerste kamer has now also approved the Expansion Act. This makes the enlargement of the island councils and executive councils on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba definitive. The legislative amendment will take effect in time for the island council elections of 17 March 2027 and is intended to contribute to a stronger local democracy and more effective governance.
Under the new legislation, the number of island council members on Bonaire will increase from nine to eleven. On Sint Eustatius and Saba, the number will rise from five to seven. The executive councils will also be expanded: Bonaire will have a maximum of four commissioners instead of three, while Sint Eustatius and Saba will each go from two to three commissioners.
First amendment since 2010
The expansion forms part of the revision of the Public Bodies Act for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (WolBES). Since 2010, the number of island council members and commissioners has not been adjusted, even as the population has grown and administrative responsibilities have expanded. According to the island governments, the current staffing levels are therefore insufficient to properly fulfil all responsibilities.
Size linked to population
The new act also ensures that the size of the island councils will in future be tied to the population of each island. The number of commissioners will subsequently be determined based on the number of island council members. This brings the arrangement in line with the system that applies to municipalities in the European Netherlands, with the expansion being phased in gradually.
With the approval of both chambers, the Expansion Act is now final. From the elections in March 2027, the three islands will have more elected representatives and administrators, increasing the representation of residents and strengthening the governing capacity of the public bodies.
