THE HAGUE – The cabinet is tightening the application of the existing ‘comply or explain’ principle. Ministries will henceforth be required to assume as a default that new policies also apply to Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. Deviations will only be permitted on the basis of compelling and well-substantiated reasons. Through this measure, the cabinet aims to further strengthen equality between European and Caribbean Netherlands.
Ministries must, when developing new policies, explicitly assess how measures can be applied to the three Caribbean public bodies. Any deviations must be clearly justified. According to the cabinet, the special status of the islands must not automatically result in lower standards or fewer provisions for residents. Tailored approaches will nonetheless remain possible where local circumstances require them.
The tightened principle applies to the full scope of central government policy, including legislation and regulation, investments and policy programmes. In areas such as healthcare, education, climate policy, housing, economic development and public safety, achieving an equivalent level of services for Caribbean Netherlands is already an explicit priority.
Later this year, the cabinet will evaluate the application of the principle together with the island governments. This process will draw on existing research, legal analyses and advisory opinions on equality and discrimination. Consideration will also be given to how Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba can be involved earlier and more effectively in the preparation of new policies and legislation, including through more accessible consultation processes and improved implementation assessments.
