ORANJESTAD (AAN) – The collaboration between the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten in the Country Packages, aimed at governmental reforms, has yielded clear results. An independent evaluation commission has concluded that while significant progress has been made, further structural reforms are still necessary.
At the end of 2020, discussions were held between the Netherlands and each of the islands regarding financial contributions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These discussions were linked to government reforms, which were part of the Country Packages. Since early 2021, Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten have been working on these reforms with the support of the Temporary Work Organization (TWO) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Kingdom Relations. The collaboration was formalized with the signing of the ‘Mutual Agreement of Collaboration for Reform’ in April 2023.
The goal of the Country Packages remains to strengthen the economic resilience and administrative capacity of the nations involved. The reforms included improving education quality, enhancing the investment climate, and modernizing tax and government services.
The commission’s report highlights that, despite challenges brought on by the COVID-19 crisis, progress is being made, and the previously difficult reforms are now becoming a reality. It also notes the distinctions between Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. For Aruba, reforms are part of its own management plan. Curaçao needs clarity on the timeline and priorities for administrative reforms, while Sint Maarten faces more significant challenges due to its smaller size and limited execution capacity.
An independent commission, appointed by each country, evaluated the collaboration efforts. The commission presented its findings to the prime ministers of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, as well as to the Secretary of State for Internal Affairs and Kingdom Relations, Eric van der Burg.
The report is now set to be presented in the Tweede Kamer and the Parliaments of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. Afterward, the Cabinet will provide a response to the conclusions and recommendations.
