His Majesty King Willem-Alexander officially opened the centennial congress with an address recognizing the vital role of municipalities in addressing both local and global issues.
“In your streets and neighborhoods, the small and the big worlds touch each other. It’s about parking lots and plantations, but also about global politics casting a shadow over your local communities. You carry your community in your heart. I have great appreciation for the work you do and for the dedication shown by mayors, legislators, council members, and municipal staff,” said King Willem-Alexander.
The VNG Congress remains a critical forum for elected officials and administrators to exchange knowledge, explore innovative approaches, and strengthen inter-municipal collaboration.
Island Governor Jonathan Johnson stated that it is a valuable opportunity to network and connect with colleagues from other municipalities, allowing for the exchange of ideas and exploration of potential collaborations.
A dedicated networking lunch brought together representatives from Saba, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, Aruba, and Curaçao. Attendees reflected on shared island-specific challenges such as geographic isolation, logistical constraints, and access to equitable public services, while exploring collaborative solutions. VNG Chairman Sharon Dijksma Mayor of Utrecht made a brief appearance at the Dutch Caribbean networking lunch, personally welcoming the island delegates to the congress and acknowledging their growing role within the broader VNG platform.
Island Governor Alida Francis of St. Eustatius delivered a powerful address during the lunch, emphasizing the importance of the islands’ participation. “We, the islands of Sint Eustatius, Bonaire, and Saba, are pleased to be here, especially to give substance to the agreement signed last year by our three Governors establishing the Caribbean Desk,” said Francis. “It is encouraging to see that the agreement has gone beyond symbolism. We have welcomed visits from professional support organizations, and we’re beginning to see the fruits of that collaboration.”
She also praised the active involvement of island council members from all three Caribbean Netherlands islands in capacity-building sessions throughout their time in the Netherlands. “These trainings are essential for strengthening our roles in local democracy,” she said.
Francis further noted the relevance of the VNG platform for building meaningful connections across municipalities.
“This is an excellent opportunity to learn from one another and explore shared solutions. Although we are 9,000 kilometers away, we often face challenges like those in places like the Wadden Islands. That’s why our agreement to work together is so vital.”
She also referenced recent discussions surrounding the Light Agreement on Borderline Cooperation (Licht Onderlinge Samenwerkingsovereenkomst, or LOE), noting the formation of a working group composed of the three island councils to identify shared priorities for cooperation. “We also hosted our BES Summit here in The Hague, focused on improving our working relationship with the Netherlands. It remains crucial that small islands are not left behind. This congress offers a valuable platform not only to connect but to exchange ideas and build partnerships that support sustainable governance.”
The 100th VNG Congress importance is of cross-Kingdom cooperation, particularly as the Dutch Caribbean seeks greater visibility, influence, and access to resources that strengthen local governance and community resilience.
