St. Eustatius – His Majesty the King will attend the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of The First Salute on St. Eustatius on the morning of Monday, 16 November. Prime Minister, Rob Jetten, and State Secretary for Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations, Eric van der Burg, will also attend the commemorative ceremony. In addition, King Willem-Alexander will visit several projects associated with the Regio Deal Statia 2026. These projects contribute to sustainable economic development, the restoration of cultural heritage, and the improvement of the quality of life on St. Eustatius.
Following the visit to Fort Amsterdam and Battery Rotterdam, which focuses on the history of slavery, Prime Minister Jetten will follow a separate programme.
Sunday, 15 November
History of St. Eustatius
King Willem-Alexander and Prime Minister Rob Jetten will arrive on St. Eustatius on Sunday afternoon, where they will be welcomed by Island Governor Alida Francis.
In the evening, the delegation will visit the historic Fort Oranje, where a light and sound show will depict the history of St. Eustatius. There will also be a performance by singer Shirma Rouse.
At the invitation of Island Governor Francis, the delegation will proceed later in the evening to Knippenga Estate for an official dinner with representatives of the Statian community.
Monday, 16 November
Commemoration of The First Salute
King Willem-Alexander will be received early in the morning with an honour guard by Island Governor Francis to attend the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of The First Salute.
Following the raising of the flags, the plenary section will begin with the singing of the national anthems and a welcoming address by Island Governor Francis. The King will then deliver a speech. Featuring the participation of an American vessel, a re-enactment (salute shots) will follow, concluding the commemoration marking 250 years of United States independence.
Opening of Fort Oranje Museum
Located within the walls of Fort Oranje, the Fort Oranje Museum tells the history from The First Salute onward through the eyes of enslaved people. By sharing information and personal stories, the island’s slavery history is made visible to visitors. Following the ceremonial opening by the King, the delegation will tour the museum. During the guided tour, they will speak with representatives of museums and organizations that helped make the establishment of the museum on St. Eustatius possible.
Parade
During the annual commemoration of Statia Day, it is traditional for scouts and other uniformed groups to align for the parade. King Willem-Alexander and the delegation will be present at the central square in Oranjestad to greet them.
Bicycle Tour & Virtual Reality (VR) Columns
King Willem-Alexander will also take a bicycle tour along VR columns. These columns are part of the Digital Heritage Route and form an element of the Regio Deal Statia 2026. Equipped with QR codes, the columns are strategically placed at key heritage sites across the island. At the start of the bicycle tour, the King will unveil the first column, officially inaugurating the route.
Breakfast
Following the bicycle tour, the King will proceed to the breakfast location, where he will meet and speak with Statians about daily life on the island.
Fort Amsterdam and Battery Rotterdam
Next, the King and the delegation will proceed to another project of the Regio Deal: Fort Amsterdam and Battery Rotterdam. Here, a memorial site is being established to reflect on the history of slavery. The memorial site is situated on the exact location where thousands of enslaved people were brought ashore. In the centre of Fort Amsterdam once stood a two-story building with long galleries. Enslaved men were imprisoned downstairs, while women were kept upstairs. This location also served as the marketplace for resale to plantations across the wider Caribbean and the Americas. Following abolition, slavery became taboo, and the fort was intentionally neglected to conceal its history. King Willem-Alexander and Prime Minister Rob Jetten will walk across the grounds, receive an explanation of the restoration plans, and converse with members of the Slavery History Commemoration Committee and local youth about the impact of this past on their lives.
Afternoon Programme
Nursing Home / Care Centre
Afterward, King Willem-Alexander will visit a nursing home, where he will be briefed on the status of a newly planned healthcare centre. The goal is to co-locate the nursing home, hospital, pharmacy, Mental Health Care, and the Public Health Department (GGD) under one roof. This centre is also part of the Regio Deal, highlighting the importance of accessible, high-quality healthcare for all residents on the island. The King will also speak with several residents and invited seniors about life on Statia, local traditions, memories, and the changes they have witnessed on the island.
Appeltje van Oranje Winner: Mega-D Youth Foundation
In the afternoon, the King will visit the Mega-D Youth Foundation, a recipient of the Appeltje van Oranje award. This organization ensures that young people on St. Eustatius receive not only meals but also opportunities for personal development. Through after-school programmes, children receive meals, homework assistance, and participate in activities combining play and learning. In doing so, the foundation promotes positive values, healthy lifestyles, and education among youth. King Willem-Alexander will tour the facility and speak with staff members and young participants.
Social Housing
The King’s visit to St. Eustatius will conclude with a walking tour through the Golden Rock neighbourhood, where social housing units are currently undergoing renovation. King Willem-Alexander will walk through the community and speak with residents about living in the neighbourhood and the importance of these renovations.
