THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS IN THE CARIBBEAN: 1954 2004
What next?
Lammert de Jong & Douwe Boersema (eds.)
Since colonial times the borders of the Kingdom of the Netherlands have
extended far beyond the North Sea and most likely the Kingdom will continue
to encompass Caribbean territories, the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. The
Kingdom of the Netherlands has been multi-ethnic for centuries, but the
awareness that people of all colors have been part of Orange (the colour of
the House of Orange, the Netherlands monarchy) has become manifest only
recently. To address the stark divide between the three countries, the
Kingdom of the Netherlands is in need of repair, not only in the interests
of the Nederlanders on the Caribbean islands, but also to substantiate the
values of the Charter for the Kingdom in real terms, to make them accessible
to all citizens, irrespective of where they live.
This book contains a selection taken from a range of topics concerning the
organization and operations of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the
Caribbean during the past 50 years, but more importantly, it also deals with
the future of the Kingdom. In anticipation of the 50th anniversary
(1954-2004) of the Charter for the Kingdom on 15th December 2004,
conferences, workshops and a series of lectures were held in the Netherlands
Antilles. In these presentations and discussions, critical issues were
raised. The chapter on Suriname (independent since 1976) has been included
as a marker of a significant transition during the Charters 50 years
history, including civil war, military take-over, and profound social and
economic degradation.
Most of the book is in English, part is in Dutch. This is a reflection of
the language practice in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. On Sint Maarten the
lingua franca is English. On Curacao, a Dutch speaking national may lecture
in Dutch, though a presentation in Papiamento would certainly add to the
speakers standing. Notwithstanding, all lectures on Curacao were in Dutch.
The authors present a medley of interests in the Kingdom of the Netherlands:
young scholars, seasoned academics, a former Aruban minister-plenipotentiary
in the Netherlands and a former Dutch resident- representative in the
Netherlands Antilles. The books Introduction is by Ernst M.H. Hirsch
Ballin, a former minister for Kingdom Affairs and presently a member of the
Council of State of the Kingdom.
Preface
Introduction
Ernst M.H. Hirsch Ballin
Repairing a not so united Kingdom. Can it be done?
Lammert de Jong
The Kingdoms Charter (Het Statuut): Fifty years in the wilderness.
Denicio Brison
The Politics of Autochthony and Economic Globalization: seamy sides of the
same coin.
Francio Guadeloupe
The need for a critical imagination (in reaction to comments by Denicio
Brison).
Francio Guadeloupe
De reinvention van het Koninkrijk.
Mito Croes
50 jaar Statuut en verder.
Douwe Boersema
Constitutional In-Betweenity: Reforming the Kingdom of the Netherlands in
the Caribbean.
Steven Hillebrink,
Suriname 1954-2004. Kroniek van een illusie.
Dirk Kruijt & Wim Hoogbergen,
Rozenberg Publishers, The Netherlands.
tel. (+) 31 (0)20 625 54 29 (Euro 16,50 + s&h)
www.rozenbergps.com; info@rozenbergpscom
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