PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Liesbeth Spies will be visiting all islands of the Dutch Caribbean during an introductory visit, which will start in Aruba on Thursday, February 9.
The purpose of the minister's visit to Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius is to be introduced to the islands, and their administrators, inhabitants and culture.
This is the first visit of Minister Spies to the Dutch Caribbean, and is meant to build relations with the islands and its inhabitants. "Before you can talk about people you must first speak with people," said Spies, who became minister on December 16, 2011, after her predecessor Piet Hein Donner was appointed Vice-President of the Council of State.
On Bonaire, Saba and Statia, Minister Spies will not only have discussions with administrators, but will also meet with the community, make tours of the islands and pay a visit to the Carnival parades in Bonaire.
The Minister begins her visit on Thursday in Aruba, where she will have talks with Governor Fredis Refunjol. On Friday, February 9, she will meet with Prime Minister Mike Eman and the Council of Ministers.
On Friday afternoon, February 10, the visit will continue in Curaçao with a visit to Governor Frits Goedgedrag. That day, Minister Spies will also speak with Prime Minister Gerrit Schotte and the Council of Ministers.
On Saturday, February 11, a visit to the Isla refinery is scheduled, while the minister will also speak with representatives of the Foundation Clean Environment in Curaçao (Smoc). Afterwards she departs for Bonaire.
On Saturday, February 11, the minister arrives in Bonaire, where she will make a tour of the island and will visit the children's carnival parades in Rincon and Playa.
Representative of the Dutch Central Government Wilbert Stolte will organize receptions in Bonaire, Saba and Statia, where the minister will have the opportunity to meet representatives of different organizations.
On Monday, February 13, Minister Spies will hold talks with the Acting Governor, and the Executive and Island Councils. She will then depart for St. Maarten, to consult with Governor Eugene Holiday, Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams and the Council of Ministers.
Saba and Statia will be visited by the minister on Tuesday, February 14, and Wednesday, February 15. On both islands discussions with the Island Governor, the Executive and Island Council, as well as tours around the islands are part of the itinerary.
On Thursday, February 16, Minister Spies will return to Curaçao for an introduction to the Committee for Financial Supervision CFT and a visit to the Parera naval base. At the end of the afternoon Minister Spies will depart for Amsterdam.
