After more than a year, I am back on St Eustatius, the island in the Caribbean sea,
with approximately 3000 inhabitants, and belonging to the Netherlands, it is in fact "Caribisch Nederland"
This island with it's inhabitants is particularly badly affected by the Corona Pandemic.
This is also the reason that we pledged an additional support package of 2 million dollars for the Public Entity of St. Eustatius.
The Government Commissioner, Marnix van Rij and the Deputy Government Commissioner, Alida Francis,
will be working together with the elected Island Council towards a full restoration of democracy.
I spoke with all the members of the Island Council yesterday and during these meetings,
I have emphasized that I have confidence that they will perform their duties properly and will help to further develop their island.
The advantage of not having been here for a long time is that you can see how much has happened in the past period.
In terms of infrastructure, many roads have been built.
The airport is currently being rebuilt.
And the hospitainer that has been delivered.
In short, a lot has happened.
I am confident that we will work with the new Island Council members, to continue taking steps.
The involvement of the Netherlands will remain here, because the inhabitants deserve that.