THE HAGUE–Vice-president of the Council of State Piet Hein Donner said farewell during an extraordinary meeting in The Hague on Wednesday. On that same day, King Willem-Alexander promoted him to Grand Officer in the Order of Oranje-Nassau.
Speakers at this formal meeting not only lauded his vision, wisdom and dedication, but also expressed praise for Donner’s relentless interest and commitment where it concerned the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.
Deputy Vice-President Sylvia Wortmann specifically mentioned Donner’s input to preserve and strengthen the relations of the Council of State with the Dutch Caribbean countries Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten, and the Dutch public entities Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima attended the extraordinary meeting, as well as Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Chairperson of the First Chamber of the Dutch Parliament Ankie Broekers-Knol, Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Kajsa Ollongren, Minister of Justice and Security Ferd Grapperhaus, and Minister of Legal Protection Sander Dekker.
Also in attendance were the three Members of the Council of State of the Kingdom: Paul Comenencia of Curaçao, Mildred Schwengle of Aruba and Maria van der Sluijs-Plantz of St. Maarten. Afterwards, Donner took ample time to raise a glass and chat with the three Caribbean members.
Donner received a royal decoration for his impressive career of more than 40 years in public service. In the Dutch Caribbean, many know him as former Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations and in the last five years as Vice-President of the Council of State, but he has also served as Minister of Justice and Minister of Social Affairs and Labour. Donner reached the age of 70 this month and is going on pension.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/82241-donner-bids-farewell-after-over-40-years-of-service
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