Speech UNA MP J.P. Balkenende (English)

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• Introduction by Dr Jan Peter Balkenende at a guest lecture at the University of the Netherlands Antilles, Curaçao, 12 February 2008
  
  Dynamism in the Kingdom, society and the economy
  
  Rector, ladies and gentlemen,
  
  In his novel The first Adam, Boeli van Leeuwen wrote, ‘in the tropics, the mind seeks shelter when the sun is high'.
  
  That is something I can well imagine. So I am glad that I stand before you in the cool of the early evening. Our minds are all sharp. And that is fortunate, because this evening I want to talk to you about dynamism. Dynamism in the Kingdom, in society and in the economy.
  
  Dynamism is essential in any society. Without dynamism there can be no progress. It enables societies to respond to change. It goes hand-in-hand with progress and creativity. It increases everyone's opportunities and prospects.
  
  And that is what we want, surely? A better future for everyone in the Kingdom.
  
  In my introduction I shall dwell briefly on each of the following three areas - the Kingdom, society and the economy, and explain what I feel needs to be done to face the future with confidence. Afterwards, I look forward to hearing your views.
  
  Dynamism in the Kingdom
  I shall begin with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. A great deal of change is afoot in the Kingdom. Bonaire, Curaçao, St Maarten, St Eustatius, Saba and the Netherlands have jointly opted for a new constitutional relationship, with cooperation from Aruba. A free choice in favour of a lasting, sustainable and close partnership.
  
  Without exaggerating, we may claim that this is a historic step. A step that - understandably - creates a dynamism of its own. I have heard that people were already anticipating the new situation during Carnival last week. They danced through the streets in costumes that represented the Dutch flag on one side, and the flag of Curaçao on the other. I would have liked to have seen that!
  
  For some people, the proposed changes are unsettling. Some go so far as to criticise the new polity in the bluntest of terms. This is regrettable, for it is unhelpful and unproductive.
  
  It is far better to take a productive approach by investing in one another, bridging differences, showing respect for one another's convictions, identifying concrete problems and working towards realistic solutions. A bright future lies ahead for these Islands, and constitutional reform is an important step in the right direction. A step that needs to be well considered.
  
  Much will change within the Kingdom. The Islands' administrative status will become clearer. Curaçao and St Maarten will gain nation status. Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba will become administrative units rather like municipalities. The Netherlands Antilles will cease to exist as an entity. Up to now, the double tier of administration has hampered decisive action. Social problems cannot be tackled effectively. Yet they cry out to be resolved.
  
  Curaçao, Bonaire, St Maarten, St Eustatius and Saba are of course relatively prosperous compared to other islands in the region. But we must not underestimate the problems their people  face. Poverty is rife, and youth unemployment high. Organised crime seems to have taken hold, and there are deficiencies in education and health care. Things need to improve - and there is no doubt they can improve.
  
  Considerable investment is needed in welfare and development. The islanders' interests are paramount here, as they are in the debate on constitutional reform. Structures and powers are not an end in themselves, but a means of establishing a society marked by prosperity, welfare and respect. A society which offers people the chance to make the best of their talents. A society that tackles social problems.
  
  We live in a globalised world. It is smaller, more complex and more interrelated than ever before. One need only consider the effect of the American credit crisis on the economic and financial situation in Europe and Asia.
  
  Speaking on this issue, Herman Tjeenk Willink, the vice-president of the Council of State, commented, ‘countries and peoples have become more interdependent. Complex issues in such fields as the economy, the environment, human rights, law enforcement and terrorism oblige states, both large and small, to work more and more closely together. The best way to protect collective interests and individual freedoms is through a joint approach. No country in the world remains completely autonomous; no country in the world can rely entirely on itself. This applies to the small Caribbean islands just as much as to the Netherlands in Europe.'
  
  Just as the European Union makes each of its member states stronger in the world, the Kingdom can make each country and island stronger. And that is why it is good that we hold onto each other in the Kingdom. And it is also logical for other reasons, however much we may differ from one another.
  
  We are linked in many ways. First of all, of course, by our history. But also by our administrative structure. We share a Charter, a head of state and important values like democracy, human rights, legal equality and legal certainty.
  
  But our cultures are also very much interwoven. We share a language and a literature, we celebrate Queen's Day, and we have student exchanges throughout the Kingdom.
  
  For the Islands, the Kingdom forms the gateway to Europe's economy. For the Netherlands it is the springboard to South and Central America. We already enhance each other's economic potential, but we can do so even more in future.
  
  On 7 December 1942, Queen Wilhelmina addressed her people from London in a Radio Oranje broadcast. On the subject of future relations within the Kingdom she said, ‘steunend op eigen kracht, doch met den wil elkander bij te staan' (each relying on their own strength, but seeking to support one another). Words that are engraved on the autonomy monument here in Curaçao. Words that have lost nothing of their power. Our task would seem to me to be clear.
  
  Ladies and gentlemen,
  
  Dynamism in society
  This brings me to the second part of my speech. I believe very strongly that a society's strength lies in its social structures. There is more to society than markets and government. Civil society plays a vital role in making neighbourhoods better places to live. In creating cohesion within society. And in promoting social welfare.
  
  Government should therefore create room for social initiatives and, where necessary, to support them. The Antilles is no exception. Furthering the process of social dynamics helps to ensure future success. Administrators should not shirk from taking decisions in the public interest. But they should also enable people to make a commitment towards improving their own communities.
  
  I spoke earlier about the social problems which the Islands face. Of course, government has a major duty to solve them. Of course we must invest in education to give youngsters the chance to realise their dreams. Of course we must tackle poverty systematically and combat crime. But civil society and islanders themselves can also play a crucial role here.
  
  Here on Curaçao there are many inspiring examples of initiatives by local people. Take Seru Fortuna, one of the poorest neighbourhoods. There, many years ago, the principal of the Dodo Palm College started providing breakfast for pupils and, later on, a hot meal as well. This reduced school dropout and improved pupils' performance. Help was provided by the Avila Beach Hotel, in whose kitchens mothers were trained to cook for large numbers of people. A shining example of corporate social responsibility!
  
  Another example from Curaçao is the role played by locals and volunteers - including teachers and parents - in involving youngsters in sports (mainly softball and baseball) after school and working hours. Such a high level of social commitment (the volunteers quite often buy food for the youngsters out of their own pockets) is of inestimable worth. And their input is bearing fruit in sporting terms too. Curaçao is producing top sporting figures that compete at international level, like Andruw Jones and Hensley Meulens.
  
  Both these examples show how people can take social responsibility. How people are often prepared to do something for others without being paid for their efforts. And help to make society a better place as a result. I have great respect for such people. In my view, this kind of active citizenship initiative cannot be emulated enough.
  
  Ladies and gentlemen,
  
  Dynamism in the economy
  This brings me to the last part of my introduction: the importance of economic dynamism. Benjamin Friedman speaks of this in his book ‘The Moral Consequences of Economic Growth'. He demonstrates the link between economic growth and dynamism on one hand, and tolerance, reinforcement of democratic values and more social policy on the other. So there is every reason to promote economic dynamism. Certain crucial conditions need to be met. These include solid public finances and a policy geared to economic growth. This means, for example, increasing productivity, reducing youth unemployment, creating an attractive investment climate and improving education.
  
  But another important precondition for economic dynamism is good governance.
  
  Two things are very important to any economy: confidence and predictability. Here, government needs to provide the right framework. This in turn imposes requirements on the way in which government itself functions. Transparency and enforcement of rules are factors that affect the investment climate.
  
  The concept of good governance cannot be interpreted just as one likes. In our Kingdom we have agreed on certain standards in public administration. Our Charter stipulates that these standards are guaranteed by the Kingdom. Certain things are just not negotiable: democracy, respect for the rule of law, checks and balances, transparency and fighting corruption.
  
  Corruption acts as a brake on the economy, whereas we must ensure that all the partners in the Kingdom forge ahead economically. That is why we in the Kingdom set so much store by good governance. Good governance enables us to take effective measures to reform the economy, combat poverty and reduce crime. Good governance raises people's standards of living in a lasting way.
  
  Ladies and gentlemen,
  
  I shall conclude by briefly taking you back in time to the end of the 18th century when the little island of St Eustatius was making history. Not just by being the first to recognise the new United States of America in 1776 with no fewer than thirteen cannon salutes. But also by being a top player in the field of international trade. St Eustatius made optimal use of its prime location and excellent harbour - which was visited, in 1779, by no fewer than 3,551 vessels. That is over one hundred a day! No wonder the prosperous little island was nicknamed the Golden Rock.
  
  Bearing this in mind, let us consider the Islands' future prospects. Where will they be in 2030? I think that the aim must be to become an international hotspot once again. Let us together ensure that by 2030 they are economically booming, prosperous and dynamic. Once again, we can exploit their favourable location. Once again we can be world players.
  
  I am convinced that we can do this if we lay the foundations now. Constitutional reform is an important building block in this process. It is not the intention to go back over past differences of opinion between the administrators of the Antilles and of the Netherlands. The aim of the reform is to ensure a better future for the Kingdom's citizens. And to generate social dynamism. Young people have the most to gain in this process. So let your voices be heard. Get involved!
  
  I am delighted to be here today. In the Netherlands I often speak to young people and students about the future. I always try to motivate people to develop their talents. To excel.
  
  I make the same appeal to you and, through you, to all the citizens of these Islands. Aim for the top. Take up your responsibility. Sail with us to a dynamic future.
  
  With the trade wind in our sails, we can go forward with confidence.
  
  Thank you.