Dutch State Secretary for Youth, Prevention, and Sports, Judith Tielen, is spending this week in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, with working visits scheduled in Bonaire, Sint Maarten, and Curaçao. Her trip includes meetings on public health, youth services, and participation in the Special Olympic Kingdom Games.
On November 19th, Tielen began her visit on Bonaire, where the focus centered on healthcare across the Caribbean Netherlands. She met with Fundashon Mariadal Hospital, the RIVM population screening team, general practitioners, and youth care providers. Special attention was given to services affecting women and young people, including a stop at the Youth Work Foundation Jong Bonaire.
Tielen will continue her visit on Sint Maarten on November 20th and 21st, where she is set to participate in the Four-Country Public Health Consultation of the Kingdom. Discussions there will address improved collaboration on mandatory mental healthcare and regional public health coordination.
Her trip concludes on Curaçao from November 21st to 22nd, where she will attend the opening of the Special Olympic Kingdom Games—a multi-island sports tournament for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
State Secretary Tielen said she values the strong connection she has built with healthcare partners in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. She emphasized ongoing cooperation on women’s health, youth well-being, and community sports initiatives, including work on outdoor play areas in Saba and St. Eustatius.
Tielen added that addressing health inequalities between men and women remains a priority, noting that women in the region tend to live fewer years in good health. She said strengthening physical, mental, and social well-being is essential not only for individuals but for the wider society and economy.