Problem with online orders

People from Curaçao, St. Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba are having problems using their credit cards to order products online from certain countries like the United States (US). The reason for this is the lack of information on the constitutional changes since October 10, 2010.

The Netherlands Antilles (NA) no longer exists, so Curaçao and St. Maarten became new countries while Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (BES) are now part of the Netherlands.

The matter was recently addressed by the Dutch Minister for Housing and the Central Government Sector Stef Blok. Blok is currently in charge of Kingdom Relations while Ronald Plasterk is recovering from recent surgery.

He indicated in a letter to the Dutch Parliament that the new political situation of the islands has not been recognised by international e-commerce companies.

There are also various companies that did not register the correct information about the countries. They did not update their list of countries.

According to Blok in his letter, Curaçao Innovation and Technology Institute (CITI) have been working on this issue. Together with the Ministry of Economic Development they are investigating the problem and afterward will seek a possible solution both long- and shortterm.

Blok added that CITI had already launched a website where consumers and businesses may file their complaints over the issue. He also said there are other islands and countries which have the same problem. “That is why we have to unite and work together on a solution.”

According to the Minister in The Hague, CITI is open for cooperation with other organisations.

The Daily Herald.