On Friday October 23rd, Jiles Gerrit Bijl presented his credentials to the His Excellency President of Dominica, Charles A. Savarin officially becoming Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Commonwealth of Dominica.
President Savarin is sure that the relationship of the two countries will grow during the tenure of the new ambassador.
“I am confident that you will continue the good work of your predecessors to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation which exists between our countries. Dominica has had diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of the Netherlands for 35 of our 37 years of independence and the Government and people of Dominica and I look forward to the development of even closer ties as we continue the search for a better life for our peoples,” he said.
Dominica has benefited from assistance which the Government of the Netherlands extends through the various envelopes of EU cooperation. Also, following Tropical Storm Erika, the Netherlands responded quickly to Dominica’s call.
“[Your country sent] a military ambulance as well as supplies of water, diesel, food and medicines, and provided critical emergency assistance to the Government and people of Dominica. High speed FRISC motorboats were used to reach places that had been cut off by the devastation. In addition to the vessel’s permanent crew, 40 marines and a detachment of Aruban militia were also in Dominica. Seven engineers of the army based in the Caribbean assisted with repair of key infrastructure, and military personnel used their bulldozers to help with cleanup operations. The helicopter of the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard also provided airlift of relief supplies to most marooned areas, and medical evacuation of the sick and injured,” the President listed.
President Savarin expressed his thanks to the Government of the Netherlands and hopes that with their coming presidency of the EU from January 1st, 2016 for six months, Small Island Developing States such as Dominica will be given attention.
“…Vulnerability should be a determining factor in determining whether small island states should be graduated to middle income status with its attendant implications for development assistance,” he suggested,
President Savarin also looks forward to an improved relationship between the eastern Caribbean and Dutch islands.
He hopes that His Excellency will be frequent in his visits to Dominica and sent best wishes to his Majesty Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands.
The Ambassador is happy that the Netherlands has had a positive impact on Dominica.
“I have had the honour to be on this beautiful island for several days and what I heard was that the people are very grateful and that our marines were able to touch their hearts. I notice that the work is not [finished]…and if we could be of any assistance, I would always be willing to look upon it. It is a good thing for us to reach out to our Caribbean brothers and help each other when needed,” he said.
He looks forward to developing a good relationship.
Yes. The Dutch did a remarkable job in the post Storm Erika era. The Military personnel were extremely responsive to our call. Highly efficient and served with compassion. We will forever remember their labor of love to Dominica. Long live the Kingdom of The Netherlands.
The good man’s name is not Jiles but Jules. Typical of GIS to slip up.