Caribbean Business Hub has just celebrated its tenth anniversary in The Hague, marking a decade of success and economic connections between the Caribbean and the Netherlands. The hub has established itself as a key player in strengthening trade links between these regions, promoting business exchanges and the development of economic opportunities.
The Caribbean Business Hub not only looked back on its past achievements, but also projected the organization into a promising future, reaffirming its essential role in building bridges between the different regions of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
A decade of success and Caribbean connections
The Caribbean Business Hub was created in response to the need to create a space dedicated to entrepreneurs and professionals of Caribbean origin established in the Netherlands. Since its foundation, the organization has gradually broadened its scope from informal events to structured meetings, professional training and strategic partnerships with various institutions. This evolution testifies to the relevance of the initial concept and its ability to adapt to the changing needs of its community.
The success of the Caribbean Business Hub is based on strong values that have guided its development since its inception. Personal entrepreneurship is one of the pillars of this organization, which encourages each member to take the initiative and develop their business potential. Building bridges between the Kingdom’s different regions is another core value of the Caribbean Business Hub, helping to strengthen economic ties within the Kingdom.
A memorable evening at the Office of the Plenipotentiary Minister of Curaçao
The celebration of the Caribbean Business Hub’s tenth anniversary took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, true to the Caribbean spirit. From the moment they entered the premises of the Office of the Plenipotentiary Minister of Curaçao in The Hague, guests were transported into the Caribbean atmosphere thanks to carefully thought-out decor and exemplary hospitality. Renowned singer and entertainer Lou Prince contributed to the evening’s success with his musical performances.
Caribbean Business Hub Chairman Nico de Visser and Acting Minister Plenipotentiary Ann Phillips opened the evening, underlining the importance of this platform in the economic and social landscape linking the Caribbean to the Netherlands. Board member Lionel Martijn then took the stage to present a detailed retrospective of the Caribbean Business Hub’s ten years of existence.
TUI and its role in Caribbean economic development
One of the evening’s highlights was the speech given by Antoin Klein Hofmeijer, Director of TUI Dutch Caribbean. This professional shared valuable information about the tourism company’s activities in the Caribbean region. TUI offers a variety of destinations, meeting the expectations of different customer segments. The company is clearly rooted in the islands, with local employees and a strong commitment to sustainability and social projects.
The Caribbean Business Hub shares this common vision of economic development that directly benefits local communities. TUI’s territorial anchoring, with a majority of its Caribbean operations employing local staff, is a perfect illustration of this philosophy. This inclusive approach is a concrete example of how an international company can contribute positively to the economic and social development of a region, while respecting its cultural and environmental specificities.
Inspiring stories of Caribbean entrepreneurship in Europe
The Caribbean Business Hub’s anniversary evening was also marked by the appearance of Robby Schouten, a true television icon thanks to his show “Loin de chez soi”. This multi-talented professional shared with the audience the key moments of his sixty-year career, offering invaluable testimony to the perseverance and adaptability required to succeed as a Caribbean entrepreneur in Europe.
Robby Schouten’s career is a perfect illustration of the values promoted by the Caribbean Business Hub, notably the spirit of initiative and the ability to seize opportunities as they arise. His example inspires many Caribbean entrepreneurs who aspire to develop their businesses beyond the borders of their home region, while retaining their cultural roots.
Future prospects for the Caribbean Business Hub
With ten years’ experience behind it, the Caribbean Business Hub looks to the future with ambition and determination. The organization aims to strengthen its role as a facilitator of economic exchanges between the Netherlands and the Caribbean, while broadening its scope to include new business sectors. Sustainable development, digital transformation and the creative economy are among the priority areas identified for the coming years.
The next meeting of the Caribbean Business Hub is already scheduled for June 25, 2025, with the theme “We’re making the Caribbean great again”. This event promises to be a privileged opportunity to explore new business opportunities in the region and strengthen ties between entrepreneurs from different territories.
At the end of its ten-year existence, the Caribbean Business Hub has established itself as an important player in the economic landscape linking the Caribbean to the Netherlands. The anniversary celebrations provided an opportunity to measure the progress made and the results achieved, while reaffirming the fundamental values that have guided the organization since its inception. Personal entrepreneurship, building bridges between the Kingdom’s different regions and promoting inclusive economic development remain at the heart of the Caribbean Business Hub’s mission.
