Island Council meeting

The Island Council meeting was opened at 2:35 PM by the Chairlady of the Island Council.

- There were no announcements by the members of the Island Council.
- The Chairlady informed the general public that the Island Council will be in recess from 18 July until 26 August 2026. And the Executive Council will be in recess from 18 July until 21 August 2026.

Proposal Councilman Schmidt:
- Councilman Schmidt stated that he believed a motion had been adopted last year to reserve USD 1 million from the positive result of the 2024 financial year. He noted that the intention had been to return at a later stage to determine the purpose of the reserve, but that this had not yet taken place. Councilman Schmidt therefore presented a proposal to determine the destination of these funds and stated that he was advised thatthis should be included as a separate agenda item: Proposal for Allocating of Funds from the 2024 Designated Reserve.
- The Chairlady clarified that it was a Council Decree (Raadsbesluit), not a motion, and stated that indeed the Council did not give it any specific location. She further informed the general public that Councilman Schmidt's request for today is to establish exactly what these funds should go towards.

Revised Agenda
The Chairlady presented a revised agenda for the Council's approval:
1. Opening
2. Announcements
3. Setting of the agenda
4. Ratification of list of Incoming Documents
5. Ratification of the list of Decisions & Commitments: 7 & 28 May, 18 June 2026
6. 1st Quarterly Implementation Report & 1st Budget Amendment 2026, CFT Reaction & Advice
7. Annual Account 2025
8. Proposal for Allocating of Funds from the 2024 Designated Reserve
9. Announcements Executive Council and Island Governor (Art 51/52 RVO IC)
10. Closing

Decision
The Council approved the revised agenda.

The list of Incoming Documents was ratified as presented.

The Lists of Decisions & Commitments for 7 May, 28 May & 18 June 2026 were ratified as presented.

The Chairlady informed that on 29 June 2026 the Central Committee, during its preparatory meeting, discussed the 1st Quarterly Implementation Report & 1st Budget Amendment 2026, together with the reaction and advice of the Commission for Financial Supervision (CFT). It was advised during the Central Committee meeting that the report be forwarded to the Island Council for formal decision-making.
The Chairlady further explained that the report reflects the execution of the budget during the first quarter of 2026. Attached to the report is the 1st Budget Amendment 2026, which provides for adjustments within the current budget to ensure that it remains balanced, as required under the financial law for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (FinBES).

The Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Merkman, introduced this agenda item.
The Chairlady asked the Council whether there is a need for further deliberations on this agenda item (in accordance with article 24 of the Rules of Order of the Island Council). She informed that the speaking time, as established in the Rules of Order, is 10 minutes in the first round and 8 minutes in the second round, unless the Island Council decides otherwise. The Chairlady further inquired whether there was a need to extend the speaking time beyond what is established in the regulations of order.
Speaking time was established as follows: 10 minutes for the first round and 8 minutes for the second round. The Executive Council answered the questions and concerns raised by the members of the Island Council.

• 142-26-A IC 34326 - UVR 1 2026 Doc 3 MB
• 142-26-B IC Cft 202600043 Reactie op de eerste uitvoeringsrapportage 2026 Sint Eustatius 259 KB
• 142-26-C IC Cft 202600057 Advies eerste OBW 2026 Sint Eustatius1 138 KB
• 142-26-D IC 34326 - Island Council Proposal UVR1 BW1 2026_012073 757 KB
• Island council decision 008-2026 IC Approval Q1 & B.A 1 137 KB

The Chairlady informed that, prior to this meeting, an additional Central Committee session was held to support the preparation of this document. She explained, for public awareness, that the Annual Account (Jaarrekening), is the financial report that outlines how government funds were spent during the previous financial year. Through this report, the Government accounts for its expenditures in accordance with the stipulations of the FinBES, chapter 3, articles 28 through 29 and the BBV BES.
The Chairlady further explained that, in accordance with the FinBES, the Annual Account is subject to the approval of the Island Council and subsequently requires the approval of the Minister. As stipulated by the law, this must be done before 15 July.
She also informed that an independent accountant, appointed by the Island Council, is responsible for auditing the Annual Account. The Executive Council is required to provide the accountant with all necessary financial information, after which the accountant issues an assessment (beoordeling). In this case, the appointed accountant is BDO, whose representatives were also part of the Central Committee meeting held earlier today.

The Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Merkman, introduced this agenda item.

Amendment
During the first round of deliberations, Councilman Schmidt presented an amendment to the Island Council Proposal & Decision (Raadsvoorstel en -besluit), entitled: Adoption of the OLE Account 2025.
The meeting was adjourned for 20 minutes to allow the Executive Council and Island Council to review the proposed amendment. The meeting was to adjourn at 4:32 PM.

• FS 2025 OLSE (schoon) incl controleverklaring (was getekend) 2 MB
• raadvoorstel jaarrekening 2025_012554 557 KB
• Island Council decision 009-2026 IC Approval of the 2025 Financial Statement 229 KB

Councilman Schmidt presented an amendment to the Island Council Proposal & Decision (Raadsvoorstel en -besluit), entitled: Adoption of the OLE Account 2025.

• 001-2026 AMD Amendment proposal 009-2026 IC 337 KB

Councilman Schmidt presented the proposal.

• Island council decision 010-2026 bestemming middelen uit bestemmings reserve 2024 247 KB

Commissioner Leerdam thanked the Island Council for the productive session. She further noted that Carnival begins on July 15th and wished everyone a joyful and safe celebration of our culture.
Commissioner Merkman thanked the Island Council for the productive session today. He also expressed his appreciation to the Director of Finance, Finance Department, BDO and the technical team for their contribution. In addition, he wished everyone a peaceful carnival.
The Registrar's Office was also thanked for their support and advice.

The Chairlady reiterated that the Island Council would be in recess from 18 July until 26 August 2026. And the Executive Council will be in recess from 18 July until 21 August 2026. She further conveyed, as the Island Governor and portfolio holder of Order and Public Safety, a warm welcome to all residents returning home for the summer holidays, as well as visitors, repeat visitors and newcomers.

The meeting was closed at 6:10 PM with the singing of the local anthem, The Golden Rock Song.