The Hague, January 26, 2026 - On Wednesday, January 28, 2 p.m., the District Court of The Hague will rule on the Bonaire Climate Case, which was brought against the Dutch State by eight residents of the Dutch-Caribbean island Bonaire, together with Greenpeace Netherlands. The court will judge whether the Netherlands is doing enough to protect its own citizens from the effects of the climate crisis. Bonaire is struggling with extreme heat due to climate change, but the Dutch government is failing to take protective measures. The plaintiffs and Greenpeace are demanding a concrete and feasible plan of action to protect Bonaire and urge the government to urgently take more measures to reduce Dutch carbon emissions to zero. “It would be a victory of historic significance, should the court ruling force the State to take concrete measures to protect people from extreme weather and other consequences of the climate crisis,” explains Marieke Vellekoop, director of Greenpeace Netherlands.
First court case on adaptation and test case following international rulings
This is the first case in Europe in which a judge could rule that a country must develop adaptation measures to protect citizens from climate change. It is also one of the first climate cases following the European Court of Human Rights' KlimaSeniorinnen ruling and the recent Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice in The Hague. In the latter, the Court ruled that states must keep global warming to below 1.5°C and that their climate plans must show maximum ambition, taking into account historical emissions and prosperity. This means that countries like the Netherlands have an obligation to do more. This case is therefore the first major test case following the groundbreaking rulings of international courts, and could set a precedent of global relevance.
Marieke Vellekoop, director of Greenpeace Netherlands: "This climate case is crucial. First and foremost, for the people of Bonaire, but also for all of us. Residents of Bonaire are already experiencing the effects of climate change on a daily basis, yet receive less protection than people in the European Netherlands. That is unjust and unacceptable. It shouldn’t matter where you were born: everyone has the right to protection against floods, storms, and extreme heat."
Jackie Bernabela, plaintiff in the Bonaire Climate Case: "This court case offers a glimmer of hope. We, eight citizens of Bonaire, are pursuing this case with Greenpeace Netherlands in order to give leaders a wake-up call. We challenge the slow erosion of hope. Because hope is the cornerstone of action. And we need action now. Wealth will not save you when the water rises. Power will not save you when disease spreads. Only compassion, courage, and unity will."
The government prioritizes big polluters over climate and people
Dutch politicians have significantly watered down climate policy in recent years, and the (caretaker) government is failing to meet the climate target set out in the Dutch Climate Act. Instead, the cabinet is subsidizing fossil fuels and abolishing the CO2 tax for companies. During the formation of the new cabinet, no decisions have yet been made to reduce emissions. “The cabinet is shielding major polluters at the expense of the climate, people, and the future of our planet. It’s not enough to keep the climate targets in sight; we have to achieve them and accelerate them. It's high time they stop delaying and postponing. The only way to reduce emissions quickly is by implementing robust and fair measures,” explains Vellekoop. The residents of Bonaire and Greenpeace demand that the Netherlands at least comply with the Dutch Climate Act and contribute its fair share to keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees. This means reducing carbon emissions to zero as quickly as possible. This can be achieved in the Netherlands by 2040.
The Bonaire Climate Case
Research commissioned by Greenpeace Netherlands shows that the climate crisis is already affecting daily life on Bonaire. People are experiencing health issues due to the severe heat. Rising sea levels, extreme weather, and dying coral reefs pose major risks to residents. Without action, up to a fifth of the island could disappear underwater by the end of this century. That is what motivated eight residents of Bonaire and Greenpeace to take legal action together, demanding fair climate policy from the Dutch government. They are represented by lawyers from the law firms Kennedy van der Laan and Prakken d'Oliveira. The hearings took place on October 7 and 8, 2025, attended by the eight plaintiffs.

PHILIPSBURG:---  SZV Social & Health Insurances will officially launch ‘Senior Priority Hours’ on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, a new service designed to improve accessibility and client support for persons aged 60 and above.
Senior Priority Hours will allow seniors to visit SZV without an appointment on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. During these walk-in hours, seniors can receive personal assistance with their benefits, such as pensions, 62+ medical insurance, document submission, accessing SZV online services, and more.
The Senior Priority Hours will be coordinated by the Customer Care Department and will be available in the Client Service Area, on the 1st floor of building 3 in the SZV office, located in the Harbour View Building in Philipsburg.

“Although SZV was already providing in-person assistance to seniors, this new initiative goes beyond dedicated hours,” says Morenika Arrindell, Manager of Customer Care at SZV. “We are working to create a more comfortable and supportive experience for our clients when accessing SZV services.”
In the coming weeks, the pension department services will also permanently move to the Client Service Area located in building 3, floor 1; an important change to improve overall service delivery by having the majority of senior services available at one central location. SZV will also be upgrading the Client Service Area to improve seating arrangements, create dedicated spaces to assist clients with accessing SZV online services, introduce a new ticketing system to maintain short waiting times, and establish an overall refreshed and more welcoming atmosphere that supports a better service experience for all visiting clients.
The Deputy Director of SZV, Elton Felisie, emphasizes that this new service reflects the organization’s commitment to inclusive access. “While SZV continues to invest in digital solutions to improve efficiency, we recognize that not all clients will move at the same pace and being able to independently use our online services,” Felisie explains. “Senior Priority Hours not only ensures that our senior community receives better access to SZV services but also supports them in the switch to digital services for those who are curious and able.”

SZV encourages seniors to take advantage of this new service and looks forward to expanding digital and in-person client services and support for all.
For enquiries regarding SZV services and Senior Priority Hours, contact SZV by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at +1 (721) 546-6782. Phone lines are open Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., daily. General information is also available via www.szv.sx and SZV’s social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp Channel, and LinkedIn.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Patrice Gumbs of the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) has issued a statement that demolition has commenced and will continue on Soualiga Drive, Pond Island. Occupants of the land were informed in September that they needed to vacate by December. Though the original demolition timeline was slated for early December, the recent holiday period was considered, which resulted in the date being postponed to January 8th, then again postponed, and finally executed. Although notice of the demolition was given in September, construction was observed to continue in October, prompting stop/removal orders that were also ignored.
The demolition operations, which began last week, are the result of a court verdict upholding the validity of a long-term lease on the parcel. The government must deliver the parcel free of structures, residents, or blockages. The focus of this demolition is on removing unauthorized structures, including multiple shacks, containers, abandoned vehicles, fencing, and gates on the property. "This action follows months of advance notice to occupants and stakeholders," said Minister of VROMI, Patrice Gumbs. "We have been communicating since September that this demolition will take place. When the teams arrived on January 8th to execute, the decision was made to give additional time for the residents to remove their belongings. Upon return, the site was still occupied, signaling that the notices of demolition weren’t taken seriously, and that’s very unfortunate; but at that stage Government has to execute the order of the court."
Prior to beginning demolition work, comprehensive documentation was completed, including photographic records of all structures. Inspectors conducted site assessments, and all relevant stakeholders, including GEBE and KPSM, were present to ensure safe and coordinated execution of the work.
Minister Gumbs also clarified that the demolition area does not fall within the scope of the Emergency Debris Management Project (EDMP) and, therefore, there is no question of compensation. Furthermore, contrary to reports, all established Project Affected Persons (PAPs) have been appropriately compensated.
Going forward, addressing the ongoing unauthorized occupation of Government land on Pond Island will be a part of the Ministry’s larger enhanced spatial planning and enforcement efforts. “While I recognize the right of everyone to decent housing, that right cannot be realized through squatting.”
“I want to thank the KPSM and all cooperating agencies whose presence and support enabled the safe execution of this operation.” Gumbs continued. He also thanked the departments within VROMI for their coordination.
Demolition activities will continue at the site this week.

SAINT MARTIN:--- On January 17th, at Beth’s Aida Conference Room in Simpson Bay, BPW Concordia Saint-Martin launched its first Members in Motion session of the year with an inspiring interview-style conversation titled “Start the Year Strong.” The session was hosted and moderated by Luciana Yamamoto, a member of BPW Concordia Saint-Martin, who led a thoughtful and engaging exchange designed to inspire reflection, intention, and purposeful leadership.
With a warm, intentional approach, Luciana created a welcoming space for open dialogue, setting the tone for a strong, mindful start to the year.
Structured as a conversational interview rather than a traditional keynote, the session encouraged authentic exchange between the moderator, the guest, and participating members. This format allowed for meaningful interaction and deeper reflection throughout the discussion.
The guest speaker, Valérie Damaseau, shared her personal and professional journey, offering candid insights into resilience, commitment, and staying grounded while navigating leadership responsibilities. Guided by Luciana’s questions, the conversation explored themes such as starting the year with intention, redefining priorities, managing personal energy, embracing change, and remaining aligned with one’s values in professional and civic life.

Members were actively invited to participate, ask questions, and share their own experiences, reinforcing the strength of collective intelligence and peer support within the BPW network. The session highlighted the power of dialogue as a tool for growth, encouragement, and empowerment, emphasizing that starting the year strong also means creating space for reflection, adjustment, and mutual support.

This Members in Motion initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) by promoting women’s leadership, amplifying women’s voices, and fostering inclusive spaces where women are supported in developing confidence, agency, and long-term impact within their communities.

Through sessions like this, BPW Concordia Saint-Martin continues to advance its mission to empower women, strengthen leadership pathways, and contribute to sustainable and equitable development at both local and global levels.