James Finies and Davika Bissessar from Bonaire Human Rights respond to recent statements from Arthur Sealy and Willem Cecilia in a popular talk show; it has been suggested that only the Bonaire Government is positioned to represent the interests of the Bonaire people. History shows that citizen-led movements have challenged power structures, advocated for human rights, and driven significant societal change, proving that ordinary people can collectively influence progress. Bonaire Human Rights Organization(BHRO) for the last decade has provided a platform for marginalized voices on Bonaire.
The present crisis faced by the people of Bonaire, reduced from 80% to a minority group of just 32% in 2024 is leading to the rapid disappearance of their identity, culture, language, norms, and values.
The current government, made up of the same political leaders—Clark Abraham, Daisy Coffie, and Cyril Vrolijk—who in 2017 betrayed the Bonerians by disregarding their rejection of the current status, No vote, allowed the Dutch government to annex and anchor us in the Dutch Constitution and impose unequal rights on Bonaire permanently. The Bonaire government is forced to accept and implement laws made in The Hague that are illegally imposed, violating international law.
Mr. Arthur Sealy, politically compromised, was the chairman of the referendum committee in 2004, which led the referendum campaign with false promises that never happened up to today misinforming the Bonaire population and setting the stage for the tragedy of 10-10-10. Additionally, Mr. Willem Cecilia played a significant role in the implementation of 10-10-10 as the island secretary, overseeing the legal governmental process that placed us in this illegal structure.
We want to remind Mr. Sealy and Mr. Cecilia that the government's primary duty is to respect, protect, and comply with the rights of the people. Not to betray or violate their fundamental rights. We wish to emphasize that the inalienable right to self-determination, as established under international law and treaties, belongs to the people—not to the governments of Bonaire or Holland. This right was clearly violated when in the 2015 referendum, 66% of the population rejected the imposed illegal status of annexation, a choice ratified by the island parliament as a legitimate democratic decision.
This lack of respect raises serious questions about representation and the autonomy of the people of Bonaire. Trust in political leaders has declined, resulting in lower voter participation. The consequences of 10-10-10 are clearer now: local representatives are subordinated to about eight Dutch-controlled entities that decide. Voter turnout has dropped from over 80% before 10-10-10 to around 50% in the last elections, including Dutch settlers who gained voting rights after three months on the island. This decline underscores the need for BHRO and civil society to advocate for the population's rights and interests.
We urge all stakeholders to recognize the importance of inclusive representation and to support the efforts of BHRO and civil society in their advocacy for justice, equality, and just and legitimate representation for the people of Bonaire.
Bonaire Human Rights Organization
Kaya Libertador Simon Bolivar 26
Kralendijk, Bonaire
Tel: +599 786 4576 / +599 782 5664
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