May 21, 2024
Last week, James Fines, leader of the Pueblo Progresivo Uni, along with Davika Bissessar from BHRO and Movementu Pa Kambio, successfully concluded a dynamic series of conferences, presentations, meetings, and media engagements across Europe. Their organization, the Bonaire Human Rights Organization (BHRO), driven by the mission ‘Bonaire Life Matters,’ embarked on a transformative journey advocating for human rights and democratic principles.
During their European tour, Finies and his team met with Mr. Ady Thijsen, Minister Plenipotentiary of Aruba in the Netherlands, engaged with the diaspora of the former Netherlands Antilles, and BHRO inclusion as member of European People of African Descent in Europe CaféRoundtable and Global Strategic Litigation & Advocacy Network and interacted with a multitude of media outlets, including the esteemed Pika Pika Talkshow, Mart Radio Netherlands, Afro Magazine, and newspapers in Geneva. Through these interactions, they shed light on the various human rights violations occurring in Bonaire and advocated for Bonaire’s inclusion on the United Nations’ list of Non-Self-Governing Territories.
In a landmark moment, James Finies signed a co-recommendation with Barbados Caricom Ambassador David Comissiong to the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in Geneva, Switzerland, urging the inclusion of decolonization of the remaining Caribbean territories as priority in the agenda for the next decade. Additionally, he met with esteemed figures such as Prof. Verene Shepherd, Chairperson of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) of the United Nations and Barbara Reynolds, Chair of the UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent, further strengthening their advocacy efforts.
Mr. Finies’s dedication to transforming Bonaire into a place of peace for its people is evident. Despite the local population’s depletion and lack of leadership addressing the pressing issues, including corruption charges against local representatives, Finies remains resolute in his pursuit of justice and accountability.
This significant opportunity underscores the BHRO’s unwavering commitment to promoting human rights and democratic processes on a global scale. Through their tireless advocacy and strategic partnerships, they continue to champion the cause of Bonaire’s marginalized communities and advocate for positive change for Bonaire people and worldwide.