Visit by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Bonaire

On Wednesday, August 27, Irene Uitermark (Director of Regions and Space at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and Green Growth) and Hamza Kacha (Manager for the Caribbean Netherlands at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy) paid a visit to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Bonaire.

The highlight of the day was a series of meetings with entrepreneurs participating in the Center for Entrepreneurship (CvO) and CvO Next Step programs.

The Chamber of Commerce has been commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) to develop an entrepreneurship program that supports aspiring entrepreneurs in building their businesses, with the goal of creating viable enterprises. The program aims to help entrepreneurs gain a better understanding of the support they need and the skills they must develop to succeed.

Ms. Uitermark and Mr. Kacha were given an enthusiastic tour and spoke with four entrepreneurs, each of whom brings their own unique contribution to entrepreneurship on Bonaire:

• Donna Swanson of Betta Grasse – offering a fresh perspective on sustainability and the cultivation of natural and organic products.
• Maynerd Cicilia of CHC Bonaire – specialized in the application of sandblasting techniques.
• Marylou Felida – aiming to bring joy to children with her project Kunuku Magiko Bonaire, which will launch in November 2025.
• Vaughan Astwood of Vinnova – actively involved in guiding and supporting youth development.

They listened with great interest to the entrepreneurs’ stories about opportunities, challenges, and future dreams. Both expressed their appreciation for the creativity and perseverance of the entrepreneurs and emphasized the importance of such initiatives for the local community.