Two Caribbean islands became independent countries on early Sunday morning after the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved, five years after legal proceedings began.
According to the Amsterdam, BNO News, with the end of the Netherlands Antilles, the islands of Curacao and Saint Maarten will continue as independent countries, but remain in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Three other islands that were also part of the Netherland Antilles, Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba, will continue as special municipalities within the Netherlands.
In Willemstad, the capital of Curacao, celebrations broke out after the flag of the Netherlands Antilles was taken down and replaced with the flag of Curacao.
A similar ceremony took place in Saint Maarten and was followed by a fireworks display.
With the dissolved of the Netherland Antilles, Curacao and Saint Maarten will have more independence in terms of law making and government.
The Netherland, however; will still play a role in their new government as it remains partly responsible for their finances, defense and foreign policy.
In regards to the currency on the islands, Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba will switch to U.S. dollars to replace the Guilder.
Curacao and Saint Maarten are also expected to introduce a new currency that is linked to the US dollar.
At least for the next few years, the islands will remain as overseas countries and territories within the European Union (EU) through their connection with the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
After that, the EU may decide to give them another legal status within the union.
.jpg)
All feeds
