AVP and UPB seek stronger Aruba-Bonaire cooperation within Kingdom

KRALENDIJK — The AVP and Union Patriotiko Boneriano (UPB) are strengthening their historic ties, with a focus on closer cooperation between Aruba and Bonaire and a more active role for both islands within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Following UPB’s participation in the AVP Congress in Aruba, Prime Minister and former AVP leader Mike Eman visited UPB headquarters in Bonaire. He met interim leader Jolinda Craane, former leader James Kroon and Burney El Hage to discuss the future of the Kingdom, relations between the islands and concrete opportunities for cooperation.

Both parties highlighted their Christian-democratic roots and the principle of the common good. Eman stressed that economic growth should translate into better quality of life, not only through a strong tourism sector, but also through better neighborhoods, healthcare and infrastructure.

AVP sees the exchange of knowledge and experience as a way to strengthen the position of Aruba and Bonaire. With Wendrick Cicilia as the new AVP leader, the party says it wants to deepen ties with UPB and turn the historic friendship into more practical cooperation.