Bonaire: PDB and UPB form coalition

The Antilliaans Dagblad reports that, yesterday, Bonaire witnessed a historic moment. What everyone thought for years to be impossible, finally happened anyway.

The Partido Demokrátiko Boneriano (PDB) and the Union Patriotico Boneriano (UPB) have jointly signed the coalition agreement. During the years, at times, Red (PDB) and green (UPB), the two oldest parties in Bonaire (61 and 45 years of age, respectively) have have been fighting seriously. ”But all that is over now and we have left this behind us”, said Robby Beukenboom, the leader of the Democrats. According to him, there was no better time for this coalition because it was never so desperately needed. “This collaboration brings hope for the future. We need to put everything aside, behind us and walk for Bonaire”, James Crown said in his opening speech. “Bonaire should form a harmony. Everyone is entitled to unity and stability. ” The words of both men received a loud applause and unanimous and united cries in Papiamento: “Yes, it is.”

When both men then signed the coalition agreement between the UPB and PDB, the floodgates opened. The audience that is dressed in red and green, evokes jubilant “change” (e cambio) and the applause could be heard miles away. Then everyone falls into one each other’s arms to congratulate both the leaders of the party with achieving this milestone.

To mark the event, a watermelon was brought in. Crown and Beukenboom cut it together with the members of the board of both parties and divided it into pieces.

The division of responsibilities within the Executive Council has yet to be decided. However both parties, expect that negotiations will start soon.