Unanimous support in Bonaire Island Council for referendum

The Caribisch Netwerk site reports that a motion adopted unanimously by Bonaire’s Island Council backs the earlier initiative to organise a new constitutional referendum.  They claim that the United Nations (UN) will be approached officially to place the island on its list of “nonself- governing territories.”
A preparatory committee has four weeks to advise the council on organising a referendum based on UN resolution 1541. Initiator of the political dialogue on the issue Norbert “Nòchi” Willem spoke of a breakthrough.  This
motion means the call of the people is being heard and confirms that the current status is not functioning well, without pointing an accusing finger in any direction.”
The committee will look into the strategy, timing and content of the public consultation. The Island Council has the final say. James Finies of “Nos Ke Boneiru Bèk” (We Want Bonaire Back) applauded recent statements by Dutch administrators that Dutch public entities Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba have the right to have their voices heard and the right of self-determination is not up for discussion. “Minister Roland Plasterk said this in January and Secretary General Richard van Zwol repeated it last week during a work visit.”
Finies is of the opinion that the Netherlands has opened the door and will not hamper Bonaire in its decision-making. “Now, it’s up to us to represent ourselves and force change.”