Island Commissioner Attends Three-Day Housing Legislation and Development Conference

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Oranjestad, St. Eustatius – Island Commissioner Reuben Merkman, who holds the portfolio for Public Housing and Social Domain, recently participated in a three-day workshop hosted by the Ministry of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations. The event, held in Curaçao, focused on the forthcoming Housing Act (Woningwet BES), which is expected to come into force in 2027.

The Commissioner was accompanied by delegates from the Directorate of Social Domain, Programme and Project Management Office (PPMO) and the Statia Housing Foundation Board, including Foundation Director Jacquil Pandt. Their joint attendance underscored the island’s commitment to addressing housing challenges through collaborative and informed policy development.
The proposed legislation will enable BES Social Housing Corporations to attain ‘approved institutional status.’ This label will grant them access to more favourable loan conditions, paving the way for expanded housing development and increased affordability across the Caribbean Netherlands.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations, the Governments of Bonaire and Saba, as well as the Bonaire Housing Foundation (Fundashon Kas Boneriano). In addition to the legislative discussions, the Statia Housing Foundation extended an invitation to the Directorate of Social Domain to attend meetings organised by CANEYE, the umbrella organisation for social housing foundations in the Dutch Caribbean.

These sessions addressed a range of vital topics, including EU funding access for participating islands, the integration of artificial intelligence in social housing, the “Mi Kas Awor” (My House Now) initiative, and major housing developments underway in Bonaire particularly legislation concerning land exploitation.

As the Statia Government continues to explore avenues for affordable housing and expand existing options, participation in these forums ensures that the Policy Advisor for Social Housing remains well-informed and aligned with the latest regional and legislative developments.

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