Исполняющий обязанности королевского представителя на Карибских Нидерландах уходит в отставку в 2027 году

KRALENDIJK – Jan Helmond will step down as Acting Kingdom Representative for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba on January 1, 2027, ending nine years in the position. Helmond has asked King Willem-Alexander to grant him an early discharge, although his statutory appointment could have continued until he reaches the age of 70. Helmond has served as Acting Kingdom Representative since January 1, 2018. In the position, he acts as an important link between the Dutch government in The Hague and the local governments of the three Caribbean Netherlands islands. The Kingdom Representative also has a supervisory role, including monitoring whether decisions by island governments comply with the law and the public interest. Helmond described his departure as a natural moment for someone else to take over, particularly because changes are being discussed to the WolBES and FinBES, the laws governing the administrative and financial relationships of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. He indicated that those reforms may require a different type of administrator in the years ahead. Looking back on his nine years in office, Helmond pointed to an unusually turbulent period for the Caribbean Netherlands. His tenure included reconstruction following devastating hurricanes, the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous changes in government and the Dutch administrative intervention on Sint Eustatius. At the same time, he said he witnessed initiatives that improved the well-being of residents on the islands. “Much has improved, but there is still much to be done,” Helmond said. Dutch State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Eric van der Burg said Helmond’s departure means the government will lose an experienced administrator and someone with a strong commitment to the Caribbean Netherlands. Van der Burg said he intends to come forward with a proposal for Helmond’s successor as soon as possible. Helmond will remain fully active in his position until the end of December and said he will continue working for the interests of residents and governments of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, as well as the Kingdom as a whole. His departure will not mark the end of his involvement in Kingdom affairs. After January 1, Helmond plans to establish himself as an independent adviser and networker, using his experience and contacts within the Kingdom through his own company.