Willemstad:--- The Social and Economic Council of Curaçao received a delegation from the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations on Friday, June 26, for an introductory meeting focused on Curaçao’s social and economic landscape and the role of independent advisory institutions within the Kingdom.
The delegation was composed of Mr. René Bagchus, Director for Kingdom Relations; Ms. Simone Augustuszoon, Policy Advisor; and Ms. Marieke van der Linden, who is expected to assume the position of Deputy Representative of the Netherlands in Willemstad in August 2026.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss SER Curaçao’s mandate as an independent advisory body on social and economic affairs. The SER explained how, through its tripartite composition of employers, employees and independent members, the Council seeks to produce broadly supported advisory opinions on issues central to Curaçao’s development, institutional resilience and social cohesion.
The exchange also addressed current social and economic developments in Curaçao and the structural challenges the country faces. Participants reflected on the importance of institutional dialogue, evidence-based policymaking and consensus-building in preparing public policy that is both socially responsive and economically sustainable.
SER Curaçao expressed its appreciation for the visit. Meetings of this nature help deepen mutual understanding of the administrative and socioeconomic realities in which institutions operate. They also provide a meaningful basis for continued contact and constructive dialogue on matters of shared relevance to Curaçao and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
From left to right: Marieke van der Linden (new Deputy Representative of the Netherlands in Willemstad), Simone Augustuszoon (Policy Advisor), René Bagchus (Director of Kingdom Relations), John Jacobs (acting Chairman of the SER), Raul Henriquez (Director/Secretary General of the SER), Tamara Da Graça-Verbaan (Senior Advisor at the SER)), Irainety Copra (Senior Advisor at the SER), Sabrina Dinmohamed (Senior Advisor at the SER) en Gianique Curiel (Advisor at the SER).