Den Haag – Staatssecretaris voor Participatie en Integratie Jurgen Nobel heeft tijdens zijn kennismakingsronde door Caribisch Nederland op Saba en Sint Eustatius een vol programma afgewerkt. Hij sprak niet alleen met de Bestuurscolleges en Eilandsraden, maar bezocht ook diverse sociaalmaatschappelijke projecten, zoals uit de foto’s blijkt.
Saba
State Secretary for Participation and Integration, Jurgen Nobel, arrived on Saba this afternoon and was met by Island Governor Jonathon Johnson and Acting Island Secretary Michelle van Duin. The delegation will be on Saba for the upcoming days and will meet with various organizations such as Afternoon School Care and Saba Reach Foundation. This visit focused on themes such as childcare, participation, and employment.
On September 30th, the delegation met with the Executive Council, where Commissioner Zagers and Commissioner Heyliger were able to share information on topics pertaining to each of their portfolios, such as the high cost of living, issues that arise within the social domain, and the limited housing market. Head of Community Development, Rosa Johnson, also gave an informative presentation covering various initiatives taken, such as the energy subsidy, streamlining processes for clients to ensure the appropriate care is given, and the strides made to various childcare organizations due to the BES(t) 4 Kids regulations. A visit to the Under the Hill housing also gave the delegation an opportunity to talk with residents about various social issues.
Following meetings with the Saba Business Association and the SZW unit, the delegation received a tour of the Afternoon School Care, led by Director, Ludwina Charles, and BES(t) 4 Kids Project Leader, Esther van Woudenberg. Recent upgrades to the Afternoon School were discussed, such as the separation of the area into individual and soundproof spaces, making it easier for the youth leaders to manage their groups more efficiently.
After this, the delegation was introduced to apprentices of the Saba Reach program at the garden in The Level where a variety of produce is grown, including kale, cucumbers, peppers and pumpkins. This visit was followed by a presentation by Director of Saba Reach Foundation, Werner van der Linden, where various social programs are offered. State Secretary Nobel was also granted the opportunity to cut the ribbon at the official opening of the Reach Fit Gym.
Statia
State Secretary Jurgen Nobel from Social Affairs and Employment arrived in Statia today 1 October 2024 and was welcomed by Governor Alida Francis. His visit aims to understand the island’s current situation and engage with officials and residents on challenges and successful initiatives.
Nobel will meet with the Executive Council, social partners, and residents, focusing on childcare and poverty. He will tour childcare centres, supermarkets, social workplaces, and other organisations, with discussions covering poverty, employment, and income.