ORANJESTAD: A tripartite meeting held this morning focused on the evaluation of the ‘Landspakket,’ revealing strongly positive results for Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Maarten. An independent expert analyzed the reforms introduced following the COVID-19 pandemic and deemed the implementation reliable.
The outcome is regarded as a victory for the islands, which previously opposed the imposition of a Kingdom Act (Rijkswet). During the pandemic, the Netherlands provided structural financial aid but tied it to strict conditions. The Netherlands initially sought to enforce these reforms through the Caribbean Reform Entity (CHE) and the COHO. However, the islands united with the support of the Dutch Parliament to reject these proposals.
Instead of a Kingdom Act, the countries utilized Article 38, paragraph 1 of the Statute to choose a mutual arrangement (onderlinge regeling). Eduard Pieters, leader of the PPA faction, highlighted that the islands stood firm against the Rijkswet. He stated that three years after signing the agreement in 2023, the data supports the decision to pursue a mutual arrangement.
The evaluation confirms that structural changes are being effectively implemented to strengthen finances and governance. The report specifically commends the efforts of Aruba’s civil servants, acknowledging their tireless work and clear vision in making these reforms a reality.
