Dutch cabinet clears island governance reforms for advisory review

The Dutch cabinet agreed on 25 September 2026 to seek Council of State advice on reforms that would widen borrowing powers and change oversight arrangements for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. The proposals concern WolBES and FinBES, the laws governing the three Caribbean islands’ administration, finances and relationship with the central government. [1]

The decision authorises Eric van der Burg, state secretary for the interior and kingdom relations, to submit the proposed changes for advice. It is a step in the legislative process, rather than the introduction of the new rules. [1]

Borrowing and financial oversight

Under the proposal, island administrations would be able to borrow from banks to carry out their responsibilities, including investment in roads and energy infrastructure. Borrowing would be subject to conditions and supervision, which the government says are intended to limit financial risks. [1]

Financial supervision would also become tiered, allowing different arrangements for each island according to its circumstances and development. The ministry describes an approach that would be lighter where possible and more intensive where necessary; it has not assigned a supervision level to any island. [1]

The reforms also include stronger scrutiny by island councils and the establishment of a local audit chamber. The ministry says these measures are intended to improve democratic oversight and services for residents, businesses and civil-society organisations. [1]

Central government representative retained

The proposal would retain the Rijksvertegenwoordiger, the central government’s representative, but reshape the office around good governance and supervision of island administrations. The representative would also be able to raise issues in The Hague that were receiving too little attention from central government. [1]

Keeping the office is not a new departure in this version of the reforms. An earlier draft proposed abolishing it, but the version opened for public consultation in September 2025 retained it and envisaged stronger information-gathering and supervisory powers. [4]

That approach differs from a 2019 recommendation by the Council of State’s Advisory Division. As part of a broader package to strengthen island administrations, it recommended abolishing the office and transferring its duties to island governors and the minister. [5]

The 2025 proposals also drew opposition in Sint Eustatius. In an October 2025 motion, Progressive Labour Party politician Clyde van Putten argued that expanded powers for the representative would undermine elected island councils and called for the amendments to be rejected. The council secretariat said the motion had been adopted by the majority faction in the island council. [6]