The digital society in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba (Caribbean Netherlands) is becoming stronger. Programme Manager Bert van der Wees and Policy Officer for Digital Inclusion Naomi Thielman are working towards the goals of Track 5 of the Work Agenda. “Our last intention is to implement something unsuitable. However, it’s clear we need to make significant progress.”
Bert, who shifted from the Ministry of Finance to become the Programme Manager for track 5 last year, observed: “There are significant developments in digitalisation. However, I noticed that Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba were often excluded from policy considerations. After raising this issue, I was asked to address it.”
One of his initial steps was to visit the islands to become familiar with them and understand their particular challenges. Bert was taken aback by what he found: “Consider the example of moving. People on the islands have to notify each government organisation separately about an address change, and sometimes multiple departments within the same organisation. Proactive service delivery has been overlooked, which is why we are focusing on getting the basics right. As a result of these efforts, citizens and businesses in the Caribbean Netherlands will have access to quality online services.”
The programme’s focus is on achieving the Work Agenda’s goals:
- Bringing the digital government of the islands up to the same level as in the European Netherlands, both online and at the service desk.
- Establishing a strong digital society, where digital skills are high, access to the digital world is improved, and the internet is reliable and affordable.
- Facilitating a digital transition in societal sectors and encouraging others to take action.
- Seeking collaboration with Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten.
Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba are special municipalities within the Netherlands, with responsibility for policy matters delegated to the central government. In contrast, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten are independent countries. Bert explains, “We’re exploring opportunities for collaborating on digitalisation, based on voluntary participation”.
Revisiting the fundamentals in the digital society
Naomi focuses on digital inclusion in the Caribbean Netherlands, ensuring residents can fully participate in the digital society. “Although digitalisation isn’t yet prevalent, it’s crucial to guide people through digitalisation steps, considering the different contexts, which is why we cannot simply replicate the programmes implemented in the Netherlands in Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius.” Work is guided by the ‘comply or explain principle‘: All legislation and policies from the European Netherlands should apply to the Caribbean Netherlands, unless there are valid reasons not to. Naomi explains, “Cultural differences must be taken into account. We consider the island residents’ wishes and implement them with necessary adaptations. Our last intention is to implement something unsuitable.”
Trias Digitalica
Naomi continues: “In the Netherlands, we are already making strides with AI, algorithms, and data strategy. However, the Caribbean Netherlands is truly in the development phase, and we are focusing there on the basic requirements for digital participation. This involves three key areas, which we call the ‘Trias Digitalica.’ The first is access to the digital world, essentially having a digital device like a laptop. This is where you can manage government affairs and also pursue education. Access also means having stable and affordable internet. The second aspect is support and assistance. Where do you turn with questions about your device or internet? The final aspect is enhancing digital skills. It’s about basic knowledge – knowing how to turn a device on and off and how to find an internet browser. But it also includes safe online practices. Here, community organisations play a crucial role. Community centres and foundations are in direct contact with the local population.”
Progress
Are the island residents becoming active? Is there a noticeable shift? Bert believes it’s too early to make any definitive claims. “A year ago, we were at a standstill. There was no network, and the current situation was unclear. Over the past year, we’ve established a network, identified digitalisation needs, and developed a plan of action.” The challenges include significant distance, different time zones, and the need to reinvent processes. “But that’s what makes the task so challenging,” he continues. “The process has been set in motion, and we’ve now reached the implementation stage. The public might not yet notice the changes, but a lot is happening behind the scenes.”
