Addressing Discrimination in Public Service: Statia’s Engagement in National Dialogue

The government of St. Eustatius (Statia) actively participated in a crucial working session convened by the Dutch State Commission against Discrimination and Racism on June 13th. This session, held at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in The Hague, aimed to address the pervasive issue of institutional discrimination within Dutch public services and explore potential solutions, specifically focusing on the implementation of a Public Sector Equality Duty (PSD). The meeting underscored the importance of including the Caribbean Netherlands in the national conversation on structural discrimination, recognizing the unique challenges and contexts these islands face.

Statia’s Island Governor, Alida Francis, joined her counterparts from Saba and Bonaire in this vital dialogue. Dr. Joyce Sylvester, Chair of the State Commission, led the proceedings, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, Kingdom-wide approach to combatting discrimination. The Commission’s recent findings revealed persistent institutional discrimination within Dutch public services, highlighting the urgency for proactive measures. The proposed PSD, inspired by successful implementations in the UK and Ireland, would legally obligate public institutions to actively promote equal treatment and prevent discrimination, marking a significant step towards a more equitable society.

Central to the discussion was the Discrimination Test for Public Services (Discriminatietoets Publieke Dienstverlening), a diagnostic tool developed by the State Commission. This instrument allows public organizations to systematically analyze their policies, decisions, and services to identify potential areas of discrimination, both intentional and unintentional. Having been successfully piloted with the Municipality of Arnhem, Customs, and DUO, the test is designed for recurring use, fostering a continuous cycle of evaluation and improvement. The State Commission is now exploring its applicability within the Caribbean Netherlands, including Statia, recognizing the need to tailor solutions to the specific contexts of these islands.

Governor Francis provided valuable insights into Statia’s ongoing efforts to build fair and inclusive public services, acknowledging the island’s unique challenges in navigating institutional reform within a small-scale governance structure. The limited resources and capacity often characteristic of smaller governmental bodies necessitate innovative and tailored approaches to implementing effective anti-discrimination measures. This exchange of information facilitated a deeper understanding of the practical realities facing the Caribbean Netherlands in the pursuit of equitable governance.

The working session served as a crucial step towards the State Commission’s fourth progress report, scheduled for publication in September 2025. This report will outline legal options for integrating equality obligations into Dutch legislation, drawing on the ongoing dialogue with stakeholders, including representatives from the Caribbean Netherlands. The inclusion of these islands in the national conversation is essential to ensuring that proposed solutions are relevant and effective across the entire Kingdom.

As the Caribbean Netherlands plays an increasingly significant role in shaping national equality policies, Statia remains deeply committed to advancing inclusive governance and ensuring equitable public service delivery. The island’s participation in this working session reaffirms its dedication to collaborating with the State Commission and other stakeholders in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society for all its residents. This commitment underscores Statia’s recognition that tackling discrimination requires ongoing dialogue, proactive measures, and a collaborative approach that considers the diverse experiences and challenges across the Kingdom.