Kralendijk- In the run-up to the March 20, 2019 elections, a two-day training was held for candidate members of political parties on Bonaire.

The Public Entity Bonaire organized the training in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations and Kingdom Relations, the association of Dutch Commissioners (“wethouders) and the University of Aruba.

During the two-day training, which took place at Plaza Beach Resort Bonaire, several experienced trainers discussed in detail what a councilor or driver on Bonaire needs to know in his or her specific role, in order to be able to perform the work as well as possible. Topics dealt with include Good Governance, Leadership and effective Communication. This was not only the case with theory. A connection was made with daily practice. In addition, the participants have also increased their knowledge about the functioning of the Island Council and the Executive Council in general. Lieutenant Governor Edison Rijna was also present and was very pleased with the two-day training sessions and the fact that the participants, despite their ideological and political differences, have teamed up very amicably.

This gives hope for a positive impulse to local democracy. Furthermore, the program has made it possible for the new Island Council and the Executive Council to make a successful start immediately after the March 20 elections. To conclude, the participants received a participation certificate. Almost all political parties have participated in the two-day training.

The Public Entity, together with the aforementioned partners, will continue to provide training and courses on a regular basis during the new term. As a result, the council members and island representatives are structurally provided with information and tools to carry out their statutory tasks at a level. The democratic process is thus increasingly being strengthened.