Afrikan History, Spirituality, Culture, Education and Consciousness: Dutch Caribbean islands

Early history

In the 17th century the islands were conquered by the Dutch West India Company and colonized by Dutch settlers. From the last quarter of the 17th century, the group consisted of six Dutch islands: Curaçao in 1634), Aruba in 1636), Bonaire in 1636), Sint Eustatius in 1636), Saba in 1640) and Sint Maarten in 1648). During Dutch colonization for short periods of time other colonial nations took over power.

In 1954 the country Netherlands Antilles came into being, consisting of the six before mentioned islands. Together with Suriname and the Netherlands they formed the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Suriname became an independent country in 1975. Aruba had a 'status aparte' since 1986. The Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands is the legal instrument that sets out the political relationship between the Netherlands and the Netherlands Antilles.

Constitutional transition of the Kingdom on October, 10, 2010 (10-10-10)

In 2010 after several years of consultation each island held a referendum to determine its relationship with the Netherlands. Curacao and St. Maarten became 'autonomous' countries, Aruba kept its 'status aparte' and the three smaller islands Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius became public entities under Dutch government. Although the people of St. Eustatius wanted to stay within the country Netherlands Antilles, that country ceased to exist because of the outcome of the referenda on the other islands.

Colonial Situation

The previous mentioned Statute mentions equality and independence for the islands, but the reality is that the Dutch government in the past 30 years is increasingly dictating its policy for the islands making autonomy an illusion. As of 1990 this was in the areas of political-administrative integrity, sound budgeting, law enforcement. Recently, with post-Irma and COVID-19 relief funds are only available if the islands reform integrity chamber, pay cuts in civil servants' salaries, pension reforms, and that the Netherlands itself can determine where the funds can be allocated on the islands.

Since 2010 the situation for Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius has changed dramatically as well since they became public entities. Many people complain that they are treated as second class citizens. Dutch influence and presence on the islands are increasing over the years with the takeover of the government of St. Eustatius in February 2018 as all-time low. With the central Dutch government located in Bonaire, the composition of the population on Bonaire is changing with many white Dutch people settling on the island.

Location in the Caribbean

Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao are located near the north coast of South America. Languages spoken are Papiamento (main language, on Bonaire and Curaçao called Papiamentu), Dutch and English. St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius are located in the Eastern Caribbean and are close to St. Kitts, Nevis and Antigua, eastern of Puerto Rico. Languages spoken are English (main language), Spanish and Dutch.

See larger map here

Population

Curaçao 156,223 (2020)
Aruba 112,190 (2019)
St. Maarten 33,609 (2011)
Bonaire 20,900 (2020)
St. Eustatius 3,100 (2020)
Saba 1,900 (2020)

Source: Central Bureau of Statistics Curacao, Aruba, St. Maarten, The Netherlands

Area

Curaçao, capital Willemstad - 444 km2 (171.4 sq.mi)
Aruba, capital Oranjestad - 180 km2 (70 sq.mi)
St. Maarten, capital Philipsburg - 34 km2 (37 sq.mi)
Bonaire, capital Kralendijk - 294 km2 (113,5 sq.mi)
St. Eustatius, capital Oranjestad 21 km2 (8,1 sq.mi)
Saba, capital The Bottom - 13 km2 (5 sq.mi)

Powers of the countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

The Kingdom of the Netherlands was tradionally responsible for foreign relations, defense and Dutch nationality in all countries. In other areas, like healthcare, tourism and employment, countries could determine their own policy. Since 1990 the policy of the Dutch government was to interfere more in the islands affairs. They needed to conform to so called 'house rules' like integrity in politics, budgeting, and legal system.

In recent years, the Dutch cabinet is making strict demands when providing financial aid. It did so after hurricane Irma for the St. Maarten government (partly taking over border control, forcing the establishment of a Integrity Chamber), and recently in relation to COVID-19 relief for Curacao, Aruba and St. Maarten.

With the first aid package of 370 million euros for the islands, the government attached strict conditions in an ultimatum. Among other things, civil servants and directors of public companies had to accept pay cuts of 12.5 percent.

The 'negotiations' between the countries are still ongoing while active COVID-19 cases are rising on Aruba and St. Maarten. All islands rely heavily on tourism, and with the ongoing lockdowns and travel restrictions the islands are economically suffering.

Afrikan History, Spirituality, Culture, Education and Consciousness

August 09, 2020

Dutch Caribbean islands - short introduction