By Harald Linkels

Oranjestad- Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has arrived on Statia and has started with the program laid out for him. In the picture Rutte can be seen at the terrace of the Old Gin House, and in conversation with some representatives on the Social-Advisory council instituted by Kingdom Governor Mike Franco to advise him on various issues on the island.

Rutte will be paying a visit to all three Windward Islands. An earlier visit by the PM, shortly after hurricanes Irma and Maria was cancelled because of tensions between The Hague and the Cabinet of Prime Minister William Marlin of St. Maarten.

Since St. Eustatius has been placed under direct Dutch rule, the island is seeing more visits of Dutch Dignitaries on the island. Last week Statia was already visited by State Secretary Raymond Knops and defense minister Minister Ferdinand Grapperhaus.

It is hoped that the increased attention from The Hague will lead to concrete progress with the many issues facing the island, relating from long-overdue investments in infrastructure and other urgent issues.