One island, one people
That the Dutch Government does not want to commit to a definite date for breaking up the Netherlands Antilles should surprise no one. Kingdom Relations Minister Pechtold has said from the beginning that other “real” problems need to be solved first and he obviously thinks very little has been achieved so far.
He hopes to change that now, however, which is what the “main lines” agreement is all about. The message is clear: if such an agreement is not signed this Friday in Bonaire, it will only delay achieving the desired constitutional change more.
St. Maarten’s position that the agreement should specify the wishes of the people as expressed in the referenda, include target dates and be island-tailored also make sense. Every island is not the same and while they may share common problems, they each also have individual issues and needs that must be dealt with.
How all that can be translated into an agreement in practical terms remains to be seen, especially as the executive consultation in Bonaire that is supposed to end in its signing has been scheduled for only one day. The islands, without giving up their principles, would do well to take a constructive approach, because without such an agreement, making any real progress in establishing new relations within the Kingdom will prove difficult at best.
Important for St. Maarten is that signing of the Franco-Dutch treaty on immigration is not a condition, although Holland believes it must be dealt with after 10 years of debate. Establishing a work group to look into the island’s objections, possibly together with the French side, makes every sense of the world, especially because the differences between the relationships of the Dutch and French sides with Europe is already causing problems and has put under pressure the Treaty of Concordia on free movement of people and goods dating back to 1648.
The issue is not just joint immigration control at Princess Juliana International Airport, but the entire relationship between the two sides, one a part of France and consequently the European Union, the other part of the Dutch Kingdom, but not of Holland and not of the EU. As the integration of Europe continues, the friction this discrepancy is already causing will only increase.
It is not clear if much can actually be done about the problem, considering its broader context, short of the future Country of St. Maarten also joining the EU, perhaps as an Ultra-Peripheral Territory, with all possible consequences. For any solution to be found, however, it will require the input of Paris and The Hague.
The next time Dutch Foreign Minister Bot is asked by the French about the Franco-Dutch Treaty, he could point out that there is another, much older treaty and 357 years of history to back it up. There may be two sides, but it’s still considered one island-community and the people living here would like to keep it that way.
Considering the democratic tradition in Europe, surely that must be worth something.
Give us your opinion on this story ![[new]](/images/new.gif)
Post a message on our message board! Click Here!
