This program was made possible with the support of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.
The agreement for this support program was signed in December of 2024, between the Island Governors of Saba, Sint Eustatius and Bonaire and State Secretary of Kingdom Relations and Digitalization, Zsolt Szabó. Representatives for the Association of Aldermen, Association for Councillors, Association of Clerks, the Dutch Association of Mayors and the Association of Municipal Secretaries also signed the agreement.
The training on Saba was led by Director of the Association of Aldermen, Jeroen van Gool, and Ruud Niewold of the Dutch Association for Council Members. The two-day workshop covered topics ranging from political administrative cooperation, budget cycles, developing personal goals for Island Council members and sharpening tools to ensure the Councils can do their work effectively. Department Heads of Public Entity Saba were also included in part of the training.
“The training offered practical insight, as the trainers were able to witness an Island Council meeting and thereafter gave guidance on how to improve the effectiveness of our meetings. It is important that we continue to invest in our elected and appointed officials by means of this learning and development program,” stated Island Governor Jonathan Johnson.
