KRALENDIJK – A successful work session was organized on Bonaire from March 24 to March 28, 2025, by the Directie Samenleving en Zorg of the Openbaar Lichaam Bonaire, as part of the Programmaplan “Werken naar Welvaart en Welzijn van Bonaire.” This initiative aims to address various social issues on the island, particularly focusing on debt management and financial stability.
The work week brought together a dedicated team known as the Debt Task Force, which includes policy advisors from the Openbaar Lichaam Bonaire, the Social Work Finance department of Sentro Akseso, advisors from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW EU NL), and NVVK, the largest professional association for debt assistance and financial services in the Netherlands since 1932.
The primary goal of this work week was to brainstorm on short-term objectives. This included creating a module for intake and registration, early detection of financial issues, stabilization, and payment arrangements for those struggling with debt. Additionally, the team discussed work processes for financial guidance and cooperation between financial aid workers and creditors.
Looking ahead, the Debt Task Force will now focus on exploring alternative solutions to debt problems through well-developed plans. This proactive approach aims to provide much-needed support to individuals facing financial difficulties on the island.
Meanwhile, the Consumentenbond Unkobon is gearing up to resume a previously suspended lawsuit against the Dutch state, citing the lack of effective measures to combat poverty on Bonaire, Saba, and Sint-Eustatius. Harry Somers, a representative from Unkobon, stated, “We have temporarily paused the lawsuit while awaiting the cabinet's spring memorandum. However, if it does not indicate that the Netherlands is finally taking responsibility, we will proceed with the legal action.”
In 2024 and 2025, the minimum wage on Bonaire saw a significant increase, along with various benefits. However, the previous cabinet's decision to halt temporary subsidies—such as those for energy and internet costs—has led to a decline in household purchasing power. According to the Nibud, some residents could lose up to 10 percent of their purchasing power in 2025 due to these changes.
Unkobon, along with the Usibo union and several local entrepreneurs, has previously raised alarms about the rising costs of living. Somers emphasized, “It is no longer a question of whether incomes need to rise, but how we can lower costs. Without structural interventions in areas like housing expenses and public transport, security of existence remains out of reach.”
Housing subsidies and reliable public transport are deemed crucial by Unkobon. “People shouldn’t have to own a car just to access cheaper supermarkets. However, there has been little movement on both fronts,” Somers noted.
The upcoming spring memorandum, which must be submitted to the Dutch House of Representatives by June 1, 2025, is a pivotal moment for Unkobon. Somers expressed concern that the ongoing discussions about budget shortfalls in the cabinet might overshadow the needs of the islands. “I fear that this topic, especially with so many new members of parliament who are unfamiliar with the islands, may just fade into the background. That is very worrying,” he said.
Unkobon had previously initiated a lawsuit against the Dutch state, arguing that the residents of the islands lack sufficient security of existence. This case was temporarily halted while awaiting better policies from the previous cabinet, but if improvements do not materialize under the current government, Unkobon is likely to pursue legal action again. Somers pointed out, “There are now even more reasons to go to court. We see that the municipality of Bonaire struggles to reduce costs for its residents. The local government cannot handle this alone. Income policy and purchasing power are also a matter for The Hague.”
There is a growing frustration within Unkobon, as Somers explained, “We constantly have to explain what is happening here. The parliament has changed, so we start over each time. It takes energy. But we won’t give up. We will keep drawing attention to the fact that many people here still live in poverty, even if it’s not visible.”
Unkobon is advocating for a dedicated group or program to tackle social issues. “We’ve been calling for this for a long time, but it feels like shouting into the void. We have a climate table; why not one for poverty?” Somers questioned.
On April 10, 2025, Unkobon, in collaboration with Rabin Baldewsingh from the National Coordinator for Discrimination and Racism (NCDR), will hold a meeting focused on poverty within the BES islands. This event aims to address the root causes of poverty and discuss potential solutions.
Furthermore, a major conference on Bonaire is scheduled for the fall, focusing on inequality, with themes including security of existence and poverty. This event aims to bring together various stakeholders to discuss the pressing issues facing the islands and explore viable solutions.
As the situation evolves, both the Debt Task Force and Unkobon are committed to addressing the challenges faced by residents of Bonaire. Their efforts reflect a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive strategies to combat poverty and enhance financial stability in the region, ensuring that the voices of those affected are heard and that their needs are met.
