The meeting, held at Igluu Meetings & Events, in The Hague was marked by open dialogue and mutual respect, a true testament to what we can accomplish when we work together across island borders. Topics on the agenda of this meeting were healthcare, taxes, criminality, WolBESand FinBES consultations, Audit Chamber and the transfer of chairmanship.
Recognizing the pressing health care needs across the islands, the councils resolved to establish a health care commission consisting of two representatives from each Island Council. The commission will define research priorities for island-specific healthcare improvements. The results of this are expected to be presented at the BES Summit in September.
In solidarity with the island of Bonaire, there will be a joint statement by the councils addressing crime prevention strategies. Additionally, while it was mentioned to the Island Council of Sint Eustatius during a meeting with the Ministry of Finance that no new tax plan 2026 is expected, the Island Councils committed to keeping the discussion going regarding any changes or amendments in the current tax structure.
As Saba aims to adopt its Audit Chamber ordinance after the summer recess, each island will bring forward proposals to enhance regional cooperation on auditing and oversight mechanisms.
The Summit concluded with the official transfer of chairmanship from Saba to Bonaire, who will now chair the BES Summit until June 2026. Chairing the meetings for Bonaire will be Mr. Benito Dirksz supported by Island Registrar Jacqueline Harewood and Mrs. Daisy Coffee as Vice Chairlady. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which was agreed upon this past February at the BES Summit on Saba and later adopted by all three island councils was formally signed by the island governors of Saba and St. Eustatius and the island registrars of Saba, St. Eustatius and Bonaire during the VNG Caribbean lunch on June 17, 2025. Bonaire’s island governor who did not travel to The Netherlands will also sign the MOU at a later date.
These gatherings continue to mark key milestones in the structured and productive collaboration among the BES islands. The June 2025 BES Summit has set a confident tone for the months ahead, one defined by transparency, purpose, and a deep commitment to advancing the interests of the people of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba.
The next BES Summit will be held on September 4th 2025 on Bonaire.
