UPB expresses support for interim political leader Jolinda Craane

KRALENDIJK – The board of the Union Patriótico Bonairiano (UPB) has issued a statement expressing its full support for interim political leader Jolinda Craane. The party also emphasizes that her current position fits within a longer tradition in which political leaders are first appointed on an interim basis and only formally confirmed at a party congress.

The statement follows the recent political crisis within the coalition. According to UPB, Craane played an important role in the talks that ultimately led to the preservation of the coalition. The board expresses its appreciation for her conduct.

UPB describes the events as a "minor political crisis". However, in recent weeks the survival of the coalition was clearly under pressure, and there was serious consideration of the possibility that the executive council would fall. Craane, who is not an elected member of the Island Council and has not yet been confirmed as interim political leader by a party congress, played a notable role in this. As adviser to commissioner Joselito Statia, she urged him to resign from the executive council — something she later confirmed herself. This led to significant tensions within the coalition and caused considerable resentment among the other two coalition parties.

Interim party leader not without precedent

A key part of the statement is the emphasis UPB places on the way political leaders are appointed within the party. The party refers to earlier instances in which political leaders were initially designated as interim political leader before their appointment was ratified at a congress.

As examples, UPB cites Ramonsito Booi, who was designated interim political leader in 1996 and officially became party leader at the 1997 congress. Elvis Tjin Asjoe and later James Kroon also first served in an interim capacity, according to the party. Kroon was formally appointed political leader at the 2014 party congress.

Although the statement comes from the party board, the full UPB faction in the Island Council also appears to be rallying behind Craane. The statement was distributed along with a group photo showing Craane together with the faction.