With the constitutional reform, it was agreed with the island governments that after 10-10-10 the various policy issues would not be copied one-to-one from the Netherlands to the Dutch Caribbean, since the islands have their own history, location and economic situation.

 

However, the aim is to develop a growth path so that the socio-economic situation improves. There is being worked jointly on this improvement. Thus by 10.10.10, the social benefits have increased with about 17% and this year the social benefits have increased again, by correction of the inflation rates. This inflation correction will be repeated annually. Besides, projects aimed at training and new employment have been started.

 

The application of European Dutch social benefit amounts would damage the economy of the islands severely at this moment. The statutory minimum wage would be drastically increased, with major adverse consequences for local businesses and jobs. Unlike in European Netherlands, recipients of the social benefit in the Dutch Caribbean may replenish the benefit with income from work. Nevertheless, the level of social benefits and the minimum wage are recurrent issues in the public debate. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (in Dutch: Sociale Zaken en Werkgelegenheid (SZW) has an eye for this matter. In October 2012, there is a so-called Dutch Caribbean week in The Hague and then the island governments will discuss this matter, among others, with the Minister of Social Affairs.