WILLEMSTAD - Prime Minister Rutte has signed 'a cooperation agreement' with Curaçao. The island has been in an economic recession for more than three years. The cooperation with the Netherlands must help the island to get an economic boost. According to professor of history Gert Oostindie, the covenant is 'especially symbolic'.

The revenues from the financial services and the oil industry in Curaçao are very disappointing. Only tourism brings in money, but that is not enough for a healthy economy. During his multi-day visit to Curaçao, Rutte has now promised a partnership to improve the governance on the island. In addition, the covenant must stimulate the economy.

According to Gert Oostindie, director of the Royal Institute for Language, Land and Ethnology and professor of history, the collaboration has a symbolic function. It must restore confidence in the island. "Rutte wants to show that the Netherlands is behind the islands, so the business community sees it as 'safe' to invest in Curaçao."

Rutte has promised that 'an experienced transition supervisor' will be sent to the island, who will provide practical help on the spot. The Prime Minister emphasizes that the Netherlands does not give money to Curaçao.

Oostindie sees a lot of doubt in the Dutch government when it comes to providing help. Curaçao is together with Aruba and Sint Maarten an autonomous country. "They have to care for themselves. The Netherlands only provides assistance if something gets out of hand."

If that is necessary, then immediately the difficult question. "When does something get out of hand?", Says Oostindie. "The Netherlands is quick to fight crime. But with financial help and support for refugees, the Netherlands is very reticent. We do not want to take care of all those islands. "

In recent years it has become apparent that the government of Curaçao has not succeeded in realizing a healthy economy. "They obviously did not have an honest administration. That has changed a bit, but they do not have enough economic effect. "The question arises whether the Netherlands should not take more care of Curaçao anyway. "More integration of the Netherlands would be a logical choice. That only costs a lot of money and that creates resistance. That is why the Netherlands prefers not to make that choice. "

According to Oostindie, a majority of the islanders attach great importance to their independence. "There is national pride. They are too afraid that the Netherlands will take over their country completely. This makes it a head versus heart dilemma: the head is happy with the support, the heart calls that they would like to do it themselves. "So both the Netherlands and Curaçao see little in full cooperation. This leaves us with the question of what the economic future of the sunny island will look like.