The Team
The team consists of the Special Envoy, a senior advisor, a secretary, and a senior and a junior project manager. The Envoy’s office is physically located on Bonaire.
The Cabinet of the Special Envoy falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Kingdom Relations and reports on content matters to the Director-General of the Kingdom Relations Directorate.
The Special Envoy Edison Rijna
Born on Bonaire on July 7, 1967, Edison Rijna has dedicated his career to serving the people of Bonaire and the wider Caribbean region. He is a respected figure in the public sector and finance industry, with extensive experience in various roles.
Since April 18th, 2023, Mr. Rijna has held the position of Special Envoy for the BES-islands for the EU and UN and economic relations with Latin America and the Caribbean. In this capacity, he is responsible for representing the interests of the BES-islands in various international forums, promoting economic relations with Latin America, and securing funding from the European Union and the United Nations for important initiatives in the region.
Prior to his appointment as Special Envoy, Mr. Rijna served as the Governor of Bonaire, a position he was appointed to in 2014.
Mr. Rijna obtained his bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance in 1996, and subsequently worked for several private companies in the banking sector between 2004 and 2011. He also served as the executive director of Bon Recycling B.V., a waste recycling company in Bonaire that aimed to raise awareness among the people of Bonaire about the importance and benefits of recycling.
Throughout his career, Mr. Rijna has demonstrated a commitment to public service and a passion for improving the lives of those around him. His extensive experience in the private sector, coupled with his political and leadership skills, make him an ideal candidate for the role of Special Envoy for the BES-islands.
See Our Newsletters
This edition features the latest developments and interviews with Special Envoy Edison Rijna, Government Commissioner Francis, and Project Manager Jim Bos. We explore the 30 for 2030 project and the establishment of a Galileo Sensor Station on Bonaire, enhancing satellite navigation in the region.
The second edition of the Cabinet Special Envoy's newsletter focuses on the strengthened relationship between the Overseas Countries and Territories and the European Union. It covers the MoU signing between Bonaire's Tourism Corporation and PROCOLOMBIA, the EU Global Action on Space conference held on Bonaire, and efforts to enhance Caribbean-EU engagement. Additionally, it features an interview with Ignacio Ybáñez on SIDS and updates on tailored support for Caribbean municipalities through VNG International.
This edition covers key developments, including Sint Eustatius and Saba joining the Local2030 Islands Network, announced by Special Envoy Edison Rijna in Hawaii. We also share insights from the High-Level Panel at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali and the success story of Bonaire’s expanding chicken farm, following a Trade Mission to Bogotá.
This edition features new EU funding opportunities for NGOs, an introduction meeting with Dutch State Secretary Zsolt Szabo, and Bonaire’s schools joining the Da Vinci satellite project. We also highlight Saba’s clean energy progress and efforts to strengthen ties betweeen Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba with Colombia.
In this edition, we cover key updates on the 30-for-2030 Program, sustainable energy transitions, and efforts to improve connectivity within the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. Strengthening air transport and implementing sustainable solutions are central to the islands' economic and social development.
In this edition, we share exciting updates on international collaboration, economic research, and more. From a succesful trade mission to Panama, to space-themed lessons on Bonaire, and from new insights into regional connectivity to strategic partnerships in Brussels - discover how these efforts are helping shape the future of the Caribbean Netherlands and the wider region.
