Delegations from Curaçao, St. Maarten, and Aruba met at the Tripartite gathering held at the Babylon Hotel in the Netherlands to discuss several key topics, including expanding cooperation between the islands and advancing the long-debated geschillenregeling (dispute regulation).
Aruban parliamentarian Edgar Vrolijk (MEP) emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration in light of global developments. A working group has been formed, made up of two representatives from each island, to monitor progress and provide guidance on the dispute regulation law.
The regulation is currently under review by the Council of State. Once the advice is returned, the three islands will prepare a joint response and make adjustments if necessary. According to Vrolijk, the aim is for the islands to stand united when the Dutch House of Representatives, with its 150 members, votes on the law.
The discussion over the dispute regulation dates back to 2010, following an amendment to the Kingdom Charter requiring such a framework. Disagreements have persisted, especially over whether the Council’s decisions should be binding. With recent changes, the law is now closer to meeting the standard of an independent body, potentially providing binding rulings for both the islands and the Netherlands.
Vrolijk noted that unity among Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Maarten is essential to finally achieve this goal after 15 years of debate.
Photo credits: https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/a-institui-dos-persona-di-cada-isla-pa-cuminsa-cana-cu-e-trabaonan-riba-geschillenregeling
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