THE HAGUE – Until 2026, the Netherlands will invest nearly one billion guilders (457 million euros) through the Caribbean reform entity COHO in Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten. This is stated in an overview of the Ministry of Finance that was sent to the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament today.
This year it concerns 158 million guilders (73 million euros), next year it will be 195 million guilders (90 million euros). After that, 636 million guilders have been reserved up to 2026, about 294 million euros.
This concerns the financing of the structural parts of the investment package for the three islands, Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten. The money is intended to strengthen the rule of law, support the business community and improve school facilities.
Food aid
The amounts for liquidity support and assistance are budgeted separately. The second phase of food aid to Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten runs until the end of this month.
To extend the food aid in Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten for the period February to April 2021, 32 million guilders (14.9 million euros) is required. The transition from the program to the local authorities will start on 1 April.
Each island has a different timetable. At the beginning of March, there will be more clarity about the transition, the course of the pandemic and the associated need for food aid.
