From 12 up to and including 17 October, State Secretary Eric van der Burg is paying a working visit to the Leeward Islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. He will visit Aruba on Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th of October. Mr. Van der Burgs visit to the islands will end with a trip to Curaçao on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th of October
Image: © Rijksoverheid / Martijn Beekman
State Secretary Eric van der Burg
Aruba
Mr Van der Burg will start his working visit on Aruba on Monday 12 October with an audience with Governor Alfonso Boekhoudt and will hold administrative talks with, among others, Prime Minister Mike Eman and the Minister of, among other things, Kingdom Relations Gerlien Croes. The State Secretary will then visit the One of A Kind Café Aruba, a cafe of the Trampolin pa Trabou foundation where people who are disadvantaged in the labour market gain work experience. At the Marine Barracks in Savonet, he will receive information about the work of the marines on Aruba and the Social Development Programme for young people. This programme focuses on enhancing opportunities for young people through physical training and instilling structure, standards and values. Next, Mr Van der Burg will visit the former premises of the Lago refinery to hear more about the restructuring plans for the coming years. State Secretary Van der Burg will conclude the day at the Correctional Institute Aruba (CIA) to gain insight into the current circumstances, challenges and successes within the CIA.
On Tuesday 13 October, mr Van der Burg will start at the Queen Beatrix International Airport where he will be informed of the activities at the airport in the context of the “strengthening border control” project. He will then fly on to Bonaire.
Curaçao
After arrival on Curaçao on Thursday 15 October, the State Secretary will have an audience with Governor Mauritsz de Kort and will hold administrative talks with, among others, Prime Minister Pisas and the Council of Ministers of Curaçao. On Curaçao, the State Secretary will be updated on various topics, including secure borders and district development.
In the last day of the working visit, Friday 16 October, the State Secretary will speak with the President of the Joint Court of Justice and the secretary of the Board of Financial Supervision. He will also attend the sailing day of the Navy. This is a special trip organised by the Royal Netherlands Navy and other branches of the armed forces for invitees, chain partners and other stakeholders.