At the COPPPAL Decolonization Forum held in Aruba on September 20, 2025, organized and hosted by Movimento Electoral di Pueblo – MEP, Joseline Thielman representing Woman Wing Partido Pueblo Progresivo I Uni delivered a powerful address on the colonial status of Bonaire. Thielman emphasized that the people of Bonaire never chose the state structure imposed in 2010, and that two referenda — in 2010 and 2015 — where overwhelming majorities rejected the status, were ignored by the Netherlands.
Thielman clarified that Bonaire is not a “special municipality” of the Netherlands, but a public body governed under separate legislation, with fewer rights and without true self-government. She denounced the loss of autonomy after 10-10-10, when Bonaire’s decision-making powers and revenues were transferred to unelected Dutch authorities.
She also highlighted the 2017 betrayal by local politicians Clark Abraham, Elvis Tjin Asjoe, Daisy Coffie, and Cyrill Vrolijk — who helped anchor Bonaire into the Dutch Constitution against the will of the people, and who continue to hold power in government today.
Thielman praised James Finies, leader of Partido Pueblo Progresivo, for his tireless struggle for Bonaire’s self-determination. She underscored Finies vision of a Bonaire where the people reclaim their democratic voice, safeguard their ancestral land, and preserve their cultural identity. His dream is for every child to grow up with an education that respects their language Papiamento and heritage, for families to live with dignity on their own island, and for the people to chart their own destiny.
For Finies, the path forward is clear: Bonaire must be re-inscribed on the United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories, restoring international protection and opening the way to a just, free, equal and sustainable future.
Joseline Thielman ended by thanking COPPPAL and MEP and Aruba for their valuable support for the people of Bonaire.
