Holland Times - October Edition

26 What Makes The Dutch Tick EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NETHERLANDS … One day workshop www.whatmakesthedutchtick.nl info@taaltraining.nl FREE Y EVER H T MON Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University Daily news updates at www.thehollandtimes.nl Come meet us! Go to page 13 to read more www.rsm.nl/meetus Controlled Circulation | Postbus Box 9308 | 1006 AH Amsterdam OCTOBER 2009 Police incompetence leadsthe canal: Concerts on to deadly shooting P4 Grachtenfestival 2009 EXCLUSIVE Interview with Britain’s Editors P19 Cyclist Robert Gesink talks Dutch terrain P23 PR OM OT IO N CALL AROUND THE WORLD AT EXTREMELY LOW RATES 10 = 20 0 WITH EVERY TOP-UP ORTEL ORTEL* TO *Rates per June 3, 2009. Call set up fee 015 for each call. Rates are calculated per minute and include VAT. Maximum duration for free Ortel to Ortel calling is 10 minutes in the Netherlands. For more info: www.ortelmobile.com 26250909__T02______1 26 26 OCTOBER 2009 3 EDITORIAL This month’s edition of the Times is extra special. You can feel it on the pages, you can read it in our stories – we’re on to something, and it’s very exciting. Since January, the Times has been working to find its place as your most trusted Dutch news source in English. For nine months, we have been pulling together a team of international journalists and award winning designers dedicated to making a newspaper that stands apart. We are the only English newspaper available across Holland giving you completely original content. We follow the daily Dutch headlines and investigate the news you need to know with a fresh perspective and a new voice. This month’s issue is a true culmination of that commitment to our readers. Just take a look at our coverage of Prinsjesdag where our reporter was on the scene, read our exclusive interview with one of the biggest British bands of the decade, Editors, or go to our sports page featuring comments cycling sensation Robert Gesink gave directly to the Times. We are on the street, we are getting the stories and background – and we are doing it well. Since our departure from a weekly paper, there have certainly been challenges. Our monthly format gets you the most in-depth and comprehensive view of the issues, but how can we continue getting you the biggest breaking stories daily? That’s where our next big venture comes in. Our website, www.TheHollandTimes is up and running in full force. Updated daily with news, economics, sports and more – it’s there to bring you the stories you need now. As our website takes off, and our paper gets even more sophisticated, we are proud to stand behind the Times, and you should be too. We would love to hear what you have to say about the Times. Share your comments with us by emailing Editorial@TheHollandTimes.nl. CONTENTS Arts & Culture P19 Exclusive one-on-one interview with the British music sensation, Editors NATIONAL P5 Royal festivities overtake in The Hague for Prinsjesdag NATIONAL P6 Dutch support Burma with opening of the Best Friend organisation PROFILE P21 Life and literature in Holland as told by a South African expat REVIEWS P22 The latest in film, books, art and music The Holland Times is currently looking for experienced freelancers to join our team. If you are interested, send your CV and writing samples to: editorial@thehollandtimes.nl. We look forward to hearing from you! Can’t find The Holland Times? Our convenient SUBSCRIPTION service ECONOMICS P9 SPORT P23 gets you Holland’s only English-language Supermarket save: Shop brands boosted Cycling takes the Netherlands by storm newspaper fresh off the press every month. To become a Holland Times SUBSCRIBER simply email us your name and address to subscription@thehollandtimes.nl by financial crisis Cover image by ANP How can I get with The Holland Times? The Holland Times, the Netherlands’ only English-language newspaper, is widely distributed throughout Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam. You can pick it up on the last Friday of every month at Tourist Offices (VVV) international corporations, organisations and embassies; and various epicentres of the Netherlands’ international and expatriate community. 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It is published the last Friday of the month by The Hague/Amsterdam Times B.V. Total circulation: 115,000 copies The Hague/Amsterdam Times B.V. PO Box 9308 1006 AH AMSTERDAM Managing Director Alexis Tatem Editor in Chief Rufus Richardson Journalist/Editor Laura Owings For all editorial information and sugestions please contact us at: editorial@thehollandtimes.nl Advertisements/sales François Dieleman f.dieleman@thehollandtimes.nl T: 020-4107869 Arnold Utama a.utama@thehollandtimes.nl T: 020- 4107880 Sander van Eijk s.vaneijk@thehollandtimes.nl T:020-4107891 Traffic The Hague/Amsterdam Times B.V. Schipluidenlaan 4 1062 HE Amsterdam T: 020- 584 9020 Please send all advertising content to: traffic@thehollandtimes.nl Print PCM Grafische Bedrijven Van der Madeweg 40 1099 BT Amsterdam Distribution Harold Hasselbaink Schipluidenlaan 4 1062 HE Amsterdam Design & Layout The Holland Times Staff All rights reserved by the publisher and/or the author(s). © 2003 The Amsterdam Times. The Times has a SUBSCRIPTION service available. To subscribe, or to enquire about distribution, please contact: subscription@thehollandtimes.nl T: +31 (0)20 - 584 90 20 F: +31 (0)20 – 584 90 50 Controlled Circulation: International institutions, the Diplomatic Corps, Captains of Industry and epicentres of the Netherlands’ international and expatriate communities. In a hotel? Services included: You deserve better! Choose Htel. - security - fully equipped kitchen - swimming pool - sauna / steam bath - fitness area - free parking - free internet - cleaning services, fresh bed linen and towels - reception services - maintenance services Anyone can find you an apartment, we offer you a home! The dedicated Htel hospitality team ensures a new standard of living for executives. All above combined turns your stay away from home into a special experience. Everything included for a price that will startle you. Check our website for more information: www.htel.nl I: www.htel.nl E: sales@htel.nl T: + 31 (0)20 426 64 00 26250909__T04______1 26 OCTOBER 2009 4 NATIONAL Confidence in cabinet THE HAGUE | The fourth Balkenende cabinet survived a motion of no-confidence in mid-September. Conservative VVD leader Mark Rutte tabled the motion during the 2010 budget debate. Rutte said Balkenende no longer has the motivation to hold down the position of Prime Minister, and accused the cabinet of incompetence in dealing with the economic crisis. Balkenende Coverage dismissed the motion out of hand, and a By Laura Owings two-thirds majority of the Second Chamber voted against it and the status quo was quickly restored. A second no-confidence motion was proposed by Geert Wilders’ Inadequate preparation and larger Freedom Party, but received no support. than average crowds led to an Festival death linked to police failures, hooligan violence atmosphere of chaos during an Trafigura dumps toxic waste August beach festival where hooligan violence contributed to the AMSTERDAM | Dutch oil consortium shooting death of a 19-year-old Trafigura has disputed claims made by its boy. former employees to De Volkskrant that the company knew the Probo Koala ship would be dumping toxic waste in Ivory Coast in July 2006. The PvdA wants the Public Prosecutor (OM) to re-investigate the case against Trafigura, while Ivory Coast’s Federation for Victims of Toxic Waste has said it will soon apply for further compensation for the victims of the waste disposal. Approximately 400 tons of chemical waste was dumped in Ivory Coast leaving fifteen people deceased and tens of thousands ill. Police in Rotteram announced on 10 September they had arrested a 19-yearold Rotterdam man suspected of inciting violence at the Sunset Grooves beach festival in Hoek van Holland. According to a spokesperson for the Public Prosecutor (OM), the man belongs to a hardcore branch of Feyenoord hooligans who were apparently involved in overt violence during the 22 August festival. Police say they will be making more arrests over the coming weeks, however evidence has already emerged that the authorities themselves had a hand in the unravelling of the festival where 19-yearold Robby van der Leeden was killed by a police bullet, and six others injured. Preliminary reports from Police Commissioner Dick Schouten of the Midden and West Brabant force reveal that the chief responsible for policing the beach festival is largely to blame for the terrible outcome of events. The senior officer was not sufficiently “alert and sharp,” according to Schouten. “At the moment the operational leadership came under pressure, there was no more control.” Furthermore, the report shows a series of communication failures that jeopardized the event’s safety, such as information confirming that hooligans were planning to attend the party, received the day before, being withheld from senior officers. Schouten’s report also shows that as the beach violence escalated, the C2000 police communication system for emergency services became overloaded resulting in a temporary loss of telephone calls between mobile policemen. In addition to these oversights, there were also questions about the number of festival attendees highlighted in the report. Those involved in the party’s organisation had requested a permit for 28,000 visitors, but evidence shows between 40 and 50,000 people were on the beach that night. Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb has called for a large-scale independent investigation of the riot from the Leiden Crisis Research Team, with assistance Investigators scour the beach for clues into how a beach festival turned deadly. Photo: ANP Pregnant women vaccined THE HAGUE | Health Minister Ab Klink (CDA) has declared all women who are in their fourth month of pregnancy will receive a free vaccination against Swine Flu. The decision comes after a report published by the National Institute for Public Health that states later-stage pregnant women who become infected with such viruses are at high risk of passing on such infections to their unborn child. Minister Klink is remaining steadfast in his decision to have all Dutch citizens vaccinated twice once a vaccine against the flu becomes available in October. Welfare ultimatum THE HAGUE | In a letter to the Second Chamber, Youth and Family Affairs Minister André Rouvoet (Christian Unie) warns the Municipalities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam to eliminate waiting lists for youth welfare payments. He gives the cities three weeks to achieve this or he will initiate an instruction procedure whereby his Ministry will take control of the cities’ youth welfare budgets. In 2008, Rouvoet reached an agreement with Inter-Provincial Consultation (IPO) to reduce waiting lists to a maximum of nine weeks. from a ‘Retired Triangle’ including former Mayor Wim Deetman of The Hague, Amsterdam’s former Chief Prosecutor Leo de Wit, and former police Chief Peter Vogelzang of Utrecht. Gerrit van de Kamp, President of the ACP police union, the largest police union in the Netherlands representing half of all agents in the country, has publicly announced the union’s support for further investigation into the incident. Van de Kamp also warns that budget restrictions on police activities is also a factor to be considered. “In this case, the cuts have entailed an increased risk to safety,” he says. “Cuts in policing, then in the politics, both nationally and regionally – we have to make choices. If not, then the safety of citizens and colleagues is in danger.” According to Van de Kamp, the Leiden Crisis Research study should include investigation into the migration of hooliganism from football matches to other public events, suggesting new police policies for future public events. “There are people who have the intrinsic desire to go to blows. This started in and around soccer stadiums, but now more and more the problem situation moves to such events,” he says, adding, violence against the police “is totally unacceptable.” Indeed, according to witness reports from the festival published in NRC Handelsblad, the violence was apparently the result of an organised hooligan attack on police rather than an indiscriminate uprising. Luciën van Montfoort, a 34-year-old service technician from Utrecht, described to the newspaper what he saw when screams broke out at the festival close to midnight. “The whole night I did not see large groups together, so they were either looking for sensation or it was organised work,” he recalls. Four men were seen standing in the middle of the festival grounds with their backs against each other. The troublemakers circled in around them, forcing the apparently undercover agents to show their badges and fire warning shots. A few seconds later, the agents ran toward the VIP podium on the field, raising it’s fence and disappearing. A group of troublemakers followed behind, demolishing the VIP podium in their wake. “Two or three shots were heard,” behind the fence, according to Montfoort. Then a group of about twenty agents in yellow jackets appeared, walking sideways with their arms hooked together. Most of them were armed with batons Montfoort recalls, but he saw at least one officer with a gun. Their presence was not a deterrent to the troublemakers, as Montfoort says dozens of rioters set in around these officers shouting “Rotterdam hooligans,” and chanting “cancer Jews.” Officers involved in the incident told the AD newspaper that the crowd of youths were after their blood. “It was as if we entered an arena filled with lions,” one officer at the scene says. “Hundreds of people were chanting ‘There you have the cancer Jews.’ Everyone was pushing at us, throwing sand in our eyes…it was war, really war.” “Some of the group stormed toward us. Fences were being thrown at us. I thought ‘We are not going to make this,’” says another officer. “I was sweating from fear, and I could smell it.” According to these agents, Robby van der Leeden was literally thrown at them during the climax of violence when warning shots were fired. “We tried to help him, we took hold of his arms, but we had to flee. We dragged him along for some 500 meters,” an officer says in AD. The Leiden Crisis Research Team report is due to be completed in December. Dunkerque - Dover Orange Tax Services tax consultants Rosyth €60 return * 5 day 4 car + Belfast Dublin Tax return to be filed? Contact us. Dover Zeebrugge Dunkerque Liverpool Keizersgracht 62 - 64 Amsterdam 020 - 553 9665 info@orangetax.nl • www.orangetax.nl *Norfolkline terms and conditions apply www.norfolkline.com 070/ 3527 448 (NL) +44 (0) 208 1278304 (UK) 26 NATIONAL OCTOBER 2009 5 Politics and grandeur at Prinsjesdag Coverage By Elco van Groningen Balkenende not resigning THE HAGUE | Speculation was rife in Dutch In the annual opening of the Dutch Parliamentary year, Queen Beatrix outlines the future of governmental policy. But among golden carriages and royal thoroughfare, some question whether politics takes a backseat to ceremony. The United States has the State of the Union address, the British have the State Opening of Parliament, and the Dutch have Prinsjesdag. Each year, on the third Tuesday of September, The Hague is enveloped in the ceremonious opening of the Dutch parliamentary year. This year, the symbolic date fell on 15 September. Prinsjesdag is an occasion for outlining the governmental policy of the upcoming year, but is characterized by long history and tradition. “It is a tradition surrounded by elements from the Middle Ages that suit the Netherlands,” says Minister of Defence Eimert van Middelkoop. “But it also embodies elements of the vitality of modern democracy.” These Middle Ages are brought back to life by the lackeys, cocked hats and traditionally dressed army bands parading through the city. But, it is the Golden Carriage that breathes the air of historical ages the most. The carriage takes Queen Beatrix on a tour from her working place at Noordeinde to the Binnenhof. This is where the Ridderzaal or Knight’s Hall is located and where, during a joint session of the First and Second Chambers, she outlines the government’s future vision in the Speech of the Throne The tour attracts people from all corners of the Netherlands enjoying the atmosphere and trying to catch a glimpse of Her Majesty and the ornate carriage. They sing old-fashioned Dutch songs and dress up for the occasion. A group of ladies from Staphorst make an appearance in the traditional clothing of their village, saying, “There’s a pleasant atmosphere and it’s a nice day out with the ladies. Being together is nice and cosy.” People wear various expressions of orange to show their support to the House of Orange. Some even have the Dutch tricolour painted on their faces, like Debby (54), from Etten-Leur, a first-timer with little Dutch flags on her cheeks. “We were thinking of going for years and this year we decided we should go while it is still possible,” she says. The attempted assassination of the Queen on Queensday led to increased security measures at this year’s Prinsjes- media recently that Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende is set to resign and take up a post for the European Commission in Brussels. Balkenende said the claim made by Financieele Dagblad is “nonsense.” In the Second Chamber, Geert Wilders (PVV) called for clarification over the Prime Minister’s position. Alexander Pechtold (D66) stated that the departure of the Prime Minister would necessitate an early general election. Balkenende told parliament “one can never give any guarantees,” but added his policy agenda extends until 2015. AMSTERDAM | Former Transport Minister Tineke Netelenbos told the Veerman enquiry into Amsterdam’s North-South Metro line that she highlighted the financial risks involved with the project to the City Council in the late 90s. Netelenbos told the enquiry she asked the City to postpone the project because the building sector was overstretched. History shows that the Council ignored the former Minister’s Queen Beatrix makes her way from the Binnenhof to the Ridderzaal in the Golden Carriage on 15 September. Photo ANP warnings and proceeded with the project as the politics will be given a righteous in 2003. Netelenbos also told the enquiry PRINSJESDAG FACT SHEET amount of media attention. she does not think the government should The political forecasts however, are rescue the project as the Council fully unas cloudy as Tuesday’s sky. “The current derstood the inherent risks involved. Prinsjesdag is rooted in the 18th century word referring to birthdays of North-South risks known · · · · · · · · · · Princes of Orange In the 19th century the word described every event involving the royal family In 1814 the first Prinsjesdag was held with the current political undertones Since 1888 Prinsjesdag has been held on the third Tuesday in September The name Prinsjesdag was not used to describe the event until the 1930s The Golden Carriage for the Royal tour was first used in 1903 The carriage is not made of solid gold but is a construction of Java teak with a layer of gold leaf It is customary for women to upstage one another with eccentric and flamboyant hats during the Speech of the Throne Due to ministerial responsibility in the Netherlands, the Head of State does not write the Speech of the Throne The Secretary of Finance, Wouter Bos hands the Million note and State budget to the Chair of the House of Representatives in name of the government. dag. Wim Hoonhout of the Haaglanden dents understand that not the Queen or Police Department explains that there is Balkenende rule the country, but that we an extra security zone around the carri- basically rule ourselves.” Not everyone agrees with that notion. age route. Spectators can pass on foot, but cars find their Waterloo on the spot. Jaap Thalen (68) from Ommen, after “This way we can increase the security hearing the Speech of the Throne in the for everyone but maintain an open cha- Ridderzaal says, “We don’t have a real voice, it’s the EU and Washington that racter that fits Prinsjesdag,” he says. This open character is what draws call the shots. Prinsjesdag proves once spectators to The Hague. Kees Bouter more that politics are little more than (56), a teacher at the Rehoboth school in theatrical display.” The politicians themselves, however, Nieuwerkerk at the river IJssel, feels this day proves that Queen Beatrix is closer show a sense of reality. Boris van der to her people than one imagines. His stu- Ham, member of the Second Chamber dents Dana (11) and Eline (11), wearing for opposition party D66, acknowledges foldable cocked hats made of carton, ho- the ceremony and symbolism surrounpe the Queen will stop for them so they ding Prinsjesdag, but he is not afraid that this will overshadow the politics. can take pictures and shake her hand. “The hats are nice but tomorrow all They are also aware of the other facet of Prinsjesdag. “We mostly see this as an the newspapers display the government’s enjoyable field trip to learn about state plans and our criticism of those plans,” law,” they agree. This learning expe- he says. Minister Van Middelkoop’s comments rience is Mr. Bouter’s main incentive in taking the students along for the second echo these sentiments, showing that the cabinet and opposition agree on at least consecutive year. times_b_1_1.ai 17/09/2009 14:14:49 “To me it is important that my stu- one thing - both the entourage as well tidings ask for determination and willingness to change,” the first line of Her Majesty’s address reads. Her speech calls for a socially and economically strong Netherlands, asks for the retirement age to be taken from 65 to 67, the tax rate for the lower incomes to be decreased, and the education and infrastructure sectors to receive more funding to increase investments. The Cabinet’s plan, however, means that even if the country sees an average economic growth of two percent, the proposed changes will increase the national debt by 35 billion euros annually. This causes a financial burden heavily leaning on the shoulders of coming generations. Acknowledging the youth’s place in the nation’s future, opposition parties will propose a reform agenda during the General Considerations that follow Prinsjesdag. “We will press the cabinet to make decisions rather than putting them aside for a next Cabinet,” says Van der Ham. Still, international spectators are not so much interested in the political implications of the day as its grandeur. “Well, we do not really want to hear what she has to say on politics right now,” sisters Nel (64) and Ria (66) from Portugal smilingly agree, “the ceremonial splendour is the most important.” The major sacrifice linked to this is that at an average economic growth of two percent per year the national debt increases with 35 billion annually in the coming years. This is a financial burden that future generations have to earn back. Drug tourism ends ROOSENDAAL | Many coffeeshops in southern border towns will either remained closed or chose not to sell soft drugs during the first days of September’s new soft drug rules. The towns have now banned the sale of sell soft drugs to any non-Dutch citizens or risk being closed for five years. In North Brabant, police maintained a strong and visible presence to ensure the termination of drug tourism was observed. Roosendaal Mayor Michel Marijnen said he was happy coffeeshop owners had removed the sale of drugs from their premises and praised the peaceful transition. UTRECHT | An Utrecht judge has ruled the Libyan man convicted fo the fatal Schiphol detention centre fire in 2005, Ahmed Al-J, is an “undesirable alien” and should be deported back to his homeland. Al-J was found guilty of arson and sentenced to six months imprisonment, a term he has already served in remand. 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The retail expert By Jonathan Gill believes Dutch consumers will be the big winners from the takeover as Super de Boer has a good number of outlets that will more effectively provide high standards at With the opening of the Dutch much lower costs. branch of The Best Friend organi- Political support for Burma gets boost in Amsterdam zation, the Netherlands takes its first steps toward creating awareness of the Burmese struggle for democracy. Oil spill on Rhine NIJMEGEN | An oil spill in the Rhine river in the eastern Netherlands caused a widespread environmental hazard in September. The oil spill resulted after two ships collided in Germany. Part of the oil washed ashore near the town of Millingen. A spokesperson from the Rhine Water Authority said almost 30,000 litres of diesel fuel was, where possible, absorbed on 13 September. However the river’s strong current made it almost impossible to clean the entire slick. The Authority said that the diesel should vanish by evaporation or sink to the bottom within weeks. Migrant marriage clampdown THE HAGUE | The CDA is calling for tighter restrictions to prevent Dutch nationals with an immigrant background from marrying women from their country of origin. Parliamentary leader Pieter van Geel submitted the proposal to the Second Chamber in September. Dutch men with roots in Morocco and Turkey frequently marry women from their home country, who then join them in the Netherlands. Marriage migrants have to pass a Dutch language and culture test before arriving in the Netherlands. Van Geel says the test should be made more difficult. Corrupt cop jailed UTRECHT | An Utrecht court has sentenced 45-year-old ex-policeman Theo van der K. to eighteen months imprisonment after he was found guilty of attempting to bribe a couple from Utrecht. The court heard evidence of how the former policeman distorted the truth when writing a burglary report in 2006. He then attempted to blackmail the accused robbers with the false report for a substantial amount of money. When handing down his decision, the ruling judge said: “Forging a report displays a fundamental lack of respect for the upholding of justice.” The Netherlands is poised to play a new role in the ‘Saffron Revolution’ in Burma, following the launch of the Dutch branch of The Best Friend, an international organization founded by Burmese political exiles and devoted to spreading democracy in the South Asian country officially known by the ruling military junta as Myanmar. “We will support the peaceful struggle of the Burmese monks and Burmese people in any way we can,” insists Elke Kuijper, an Amnesty International staff member in Amsterdam whose ambitions as the Dutch liaison for The Best Friend are undeterred by her organization’s shoestring budget. “Right now we are still establishing our exact goals and projects.” In September, that meant bringing to Amsterdam one of the leading figures of Burma’s political opposition, a Buddhist monk who founded The Best Friend ten years ago. The goal was to build the schools and libraries that could help bring democracy to a country ruled since 1962 by a string of corrupt and brutal generals. “We are not seeking power,” Ashin Kovida told an audience that gathered in Amsterdam’s De Balie to learn more about the Burmese situation. “We seek peace and freedom for our people.” Kovida, who fled his homeland in 2006 after his activities attracted the attention of the government, emphasized in an interview that there is much that Dutch people can do for Burma, where corruption, censorship, human rights abuses, child labor, forced labor, sex slavery, and ethnic cleansing all on the rise. “I don’t want Burma to be isolationist,” says Kovida. “Tourists can open the eyes of the Burmese people, and the Burmese people can open the eyes of tourists.” And as the country struggles to find peace, its thousands of saffron-robed monks will surely take a leading role. A tiny minority in a country of 56 million, they nonetheless wield considerable political power. The monks are planning a mass protest in October if the government fails to take public responsibility for the events of a government crackdown in September 2007, in which demonstra- Burmese monk Ashin Kovida helped launch the Amsterdam branch of The Best Friend in aid of the Saffron Revolution. Photo: ANP tions against an increase in fuel prices caused by an end of state subsidies grew to include broader grievances against the government and were brutally repressed. Officials claimed that 13 protesters died in that incident, but independent sources estimated that hundreds were killed and as many as 6,000 were arrested, many of whom were never seen again. The situation in Burma has deteriorated so markedly since then that in August alone, more than 30,000 Burmese crossed the border into China, according to the U.S. Campaign for Burma. They joined the more than 180,000 Burmese worldwide who consider themselves political refugees, according to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. The monks’ threat to stop accepting alms - a form of strike or boycott that would be equivalent to a Buddhist excommunication of the ruling generals would be a major blow to the legitimacy of the junta, according to Kovida. “Traditionally the kings were recognized by the monks, and if the monks turn over their bowls the junta won’t feel recognized by the people.” The government has promised that such a protest would be met by “severe action.” Accompanying such internal pressures on the regime should be increased international trade repercussions, Kovida suggests. Several major international conglomerates, including Texaco and American Tobacco, have pulled out of Burma, a development that Kovida applauds. The United States and the European Community, with the strong backing of the Netherlands, have imposed sanctions. India and China, however, determined to maintain links with a country rich in resources like gas, timber, and precious stones have yet to do so. “Sanctions are necessary, but sanctions alone cannot achieve democracy in Burma,” says Kovida, who supports the increased involvement of the United Nations, even if that means military intervention. But such a step is unlikely, given that the UN Security Council has recently been unable to achieve the consensus required to issue a statement urging the junta to take steps toward democracy: “They call it the United Nations, but I call it the Divided Nations,” says Kovida, who no longer counts on the organization to convince the generals to step aside. Elections scheduled for 2010 would almost certainly provide an opportunity for Burma’s dozens of squabbling ethnic groups to rally around the National League for Democracy, which is led by Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who has been under house arrest for most of the last two decades, and who saw her sentence extended after she received an uninvited and unexpected American visitor in May. “At the moment, she is the only one who can organize all of the ethnic groups,” Kovida insists. “They all trust her, which is why the junta keeps her under house arrest.” Elke Kuijper, the Dutch organizer of The Best Friend, takes the long view. “In the best-best-case scenario, in which Burma would transition into a democracy with free elections, a lot will need to be done in the country for many years to come.” Exclusive-Watches Purchase and selling of new and used watches d’Olde Poort C A S H & C A R R Y T R A D E C E N T R E Enchanting live! 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In fact, Starbucks Coffee Company’s conception was actually inspired by an Alkmaar-born Dutchman. Alfred H. Peet, born in 1920, immigrated to San Francisco in 1955. An entrepreneur with a long history of experience with coffee, starting with his father’s small coffee roastery in Alkmaar and later apprenticing at a coffee and tea company in London, he was dismayed by the poor quality of coffee in the United States. “I came to the richest country in the world, so why are they drinking the lousiest coffee?” Peet wondered in an interview with Oregon’s Mail Tribune newspaper. Determined to change the way Americans valued their ‘cup o’ Joe,’ Peet opened a single specialty store, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, in 1966. Tapping into his experience and personal style of roasting beans, Peet taught his craft to Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl and Gordon Bowker. The three, longtime friends and co-workers, took the technique to Seattle and founded the first Starbucks store in 1971. “He generously shared with us how to cup, to roast and to blend, and instilled his uncompromising standards,” said Baldwin in an interview with the New York Times. “I’ll always be in his debt.” Indeed Peet’s commitment to excellence is widely credited with starting a coffee revolution in America, with historians labelling him as “the Dutchman who taught America how to drink coffee.” Peet passed away in Oregon in 2007, but his legacy remains as Peet’s Coffee & Tea continues to expands throughout the U.S. And, as Starbucks’ presence grows in the Netherlands, it seems Peet’s craftsmanship has returned home. Cell phone crackdown LELYSTAD | Chief Police Commissioner Bert Wijbenga announced in September a harsh crackdown on car drivers making calls without hands-free telephones. From 1 January, any motorist found talking on his/her phone when behind the wheel will face an automatic 150 euro fine. Wijbenga said too many officers are too lenient on illegal talkers but this is set to change. Every year approximately 100,000 fines are issued for motorists talking on their phones while driving. Dairy farmers protest ARNHEM | Dutch dairy farmers in the east of the country conducted an attention grabbing protest in September. On the busy A12 motorway between Arnhem and the German border, sixteen tractors drove at a snail’s pace with placards reading ‘No Farmers, No Food’ in protest of proposed state-sanctioned price cuts on milk in both the Netherlands and Germany. Police and the national motoring authority ANWB said the unsanctioned convoy stretched for four kilometres and caused severe traffic delays. Police believe the protest was organised by the Dutch Board of Dairy Farmers. The new Starbucks location at Utrecht’s Centraal Station is the first in a string of branches set to open in the Netherlands. Coverage By Laura Owings In the first of a wave of stores to open across Holland, Starbucks Coffee Company is expanding Dutch coffee culture one railway station at a time. In partnership with NS transportation company, Starbucks launched it’s fifth retail location in the Netherlands at Utrecht’s Centraal Station on 5 August. The store, offering the usual array of Starbucks specialty coffees and drinks, marks the start of a franchise expansion throughout the country, with future sites set for Leiden and Amsterdam’s Centraal Station. “We are proud that we will now be able to offer our customers high-quality Starbucks coffee,” says Madeleine van der Zwaan, General Director of Servex, one of the largest food and beverage concessionaries in Dutch railway stations and subsidiary of NS, in a press release. The company already has three locations at Schiphol airport and a special café in the Hilversum Nike headquarters. Additionally, Starbucks’ only European roasting plant has been operating at the Port of Amsterdam since 2002. While these locations give customers the traditional Starbucks coffee experience, they are somewhat lacking in atmosphere. What makes Utrecht’s branch unique is the relaxed café with both indoor and outdoor seating and mocha toned décor that is reminiscent of the full-on “Starbucks Experience.” “Every time I drink Starbucks it gives me good memories from the time I was on vacation in the U.S,” says one customer, Ilija, a shoe salesman from Amsterdam. Ilija is not the only Dutchman fond of the famous brew. Despite rumours that Starbucks’ presence in the Netherlands would destroy Dutch coffee culture, there has been widespread support for the chain in the Netherlands. An online petition at www.PetitionOnline.com carries over 6,400 signatures declaring, “We want Starbucks Coffee Stores in the Netherlands.” Additionally, a Hyves page for Starbucks coffee cravers has solicited over 53,000 members since it’s creation in 2007. More funding for Market Hall ROTTERDAM | Rotterdam requires an ad- “I came to the richest country in the world, so why are they drinking the lousiest coffee?” That fan base is more than evident at Utrecht’s Starbucks which has so far been an indisputable hotspot. The line up extends out the door and “is like this all day long,” according to Rachelle Oas, the store’s construction manager. Although customers can easily avoid Starbucks’ long line and slightly higher prices – next door at De Broodzaak a café latte runs 2,75 euro compared to Starbucks’2,95 – the excitement of this new Starbucks café will not ware out soon, not even for the most picky coffee consumer. “The coffee is okay,” says Ilija, who says he prefers De Broodzaaak’s brews. “I think it’s more the image...I pay more for the experience.” ditional 8.5 million euros to complete its public Market Hall project. Alderman for Planning, Hamit Karakus (PvdA) previously indicated to Rotterdam Council approved the financial boost to free up city centre land to make way for the ambitious project. Construction is set to begin later this year. Rotterdam will be the first municipality in the Netherlands to have an indoor market space such as those commonly found in London and Barcelona. The project is now expected to cost 50 million euros. Firefighter shortage THE HAGUE | The Dutch Professional As- sociation of Voluntary Firefighters said in September that the Netherlands is facing a drastic shortage of volunteer firefighters. They say the number of firefighters leaving the force has far outnumbered those joining their ranks. The association is demanding government intervention to help promote firefighting as a profession. The association says fire alarms need to be raised earlier as voluntary firefighters are often unjustly blamed for a delayed arrival at the scene of a fire. Oni Japanese Dining Prinsestraat 35 • 2513 CA The Hague • t: 070 3645240 • i: www.oni-restaurant.nl • open: 7 days until 22:30 hrs Ono Japanese Dining Antoine Platenkade 1005 • 3072 ME Rotterdam • t: 010 486 39 62 • i: www.ono-restaurant.nl • closed on Mondays You can enjoy sushi, sashimi, tempura, a choice of nine sorts of Bento boxes and many more at Oni & Ono Japanese Dining. Have you thought of a Japanese cocktail? The restaurant may also be reserved for company parties with a capacity up to 80 people. 26250909__T08______1 sfa_ad.ai 21/09/2009 26 16:40:01 Amsterdam The Grand STARS, FOOD & ART The culinary event of the year | 6 & 7 november 2009 On Friday the 6th and Saturday the 7th of November 2009, Sofitel Amsterdam The Grand will, for the third consecutive year, host the culinary Stars, Food & Art event. Twelve internationally renowned chefs with some 29 Michelin stars between them will be appearing to prepare their signature dishes on one of the two evenings. In addition, as part of Stars, Food & Art, ‘The Grand Carousel of Senses’ will be launched on the afternoon of 7 November, an interactive voyage of exploration taking in food, wine and emotion. Jonnie and Thérèse Boer of Michelin-starred restaurant De Librije in Zwolle will be playing an important role. ‘The Grand Carousel of Senses’ will be presented by a well-known celebrity. The chefs will each prepare their own signature dish in the kitchen of chef Aurélien Poirot. Uniquely, the chefs, most of whom barely know each other, if at all, will be working together closely. This symbiosis of culinary masters will result in quite new taste sensations. Sommelier Hans Tuin of Sofitel Amsterdam The Grand will be selecting and serving wines to complement the individual dishes. Adding to the festive occasion, mayor Job Cohen, honorary chairman of the Red Cross Amsterdam, will be present on Friday evening. The Grand Carousel of Senses In addition to the two gala dinners, the first ‘Grand Carousel of Senses’ will be held from 12.00 to 14.00 on 7 November. At this interactive experience, guests will be treated to five different moods, demonstrating that gastronomy and emotion are inextricably bound up together: bold, extravagant, serene, nostalgic and sensual. Jonnie and Thérèse Boer will be creating the various different moods with harmonious combinations of food and wine. DJ Steef of Woodstock69 in Bloemendaal, scentDJ Perfume and singer and actress Eva van Manen will be lending their particular talents to complete the mood Décor for a unique gastronomic event Thanks to the efforts of culinary journalist and author Lise Goeman Borgesius, the twelve Michelin-starred chefs will be serving up a genuine taste sensation for guests at the two gala evenings on 6 and 7 November. The list below shows which chefs will be cooking on which evening: experience. All twelve participating chefs from Stars, Food Art will be available to answer questions during ‘The Grand Carousel of Senses’. The chefs will share their vision of the five different moods with the guests and press in attendance. Friday 6 November • • • • • • Frederic Anton, Le Pré Catelan (Paris, France) *** Philippe Etchebest, Hostellerie Plaisance (Saint Emilion, France) ** Emmanuel Renaut, Les Flocons de sel (Megève, France) ** Giovanni D'Amato, Il Rigoletto (Reggiolo, Italy) ** Patrick Jeffroy, Restaurant Patrick Jeffroy (Cantarec, France) ** Hans Välimäki, Restaurant Chez Dominique (Helsinki, Finland) ** Cover price & reservations We are offering you the opportunity to attend Stars, Food & Art at The Grand. Tickets to this exclusive event are available for € 650 per cover (6 courses including wines), of which a substantial proportion will be donated to the Amsterdam branch of the Dutch Red Cross. Reservations are required. The event will commence at 7 PM on both days. Prior reservations are also required for ‘The Grand Carousel of Senses’. You are welcome from 12.00 on Saturday 7 November. Saturday 7 November • • • • • • Antoine Westermann, Le Buerehiesel (Strasbourg, France) *** Michel Portos, Le Saint James Bouliac (Bordeaux, France) ** Sergio Herman, Restaurant Oud-Sluis (Sluis, The Netherlands) *** Christian Sinicropi, Restaurant la Palme D’Or (Cannes, France) ** Mohammed Elharouchi, Solo (Gorinchem, The Netherlands) * Patrick Gauthier, Restaurant La Madeleine (Sens, France) ** Fore more information and reservations: T. +31 (0)20 555 3 283 | E. H2783-FB@sofitel.com Sofitel Amsterdam The Grand | Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197 | 1012 EX Amsterdam valet parking available www.starsfoodart.com 26 ECONOMICS OCTOBER 2009 9 Credit crunch spending trends show surprising quirks Investigation By Karin Engelbrecht Five percent unemployment THE HAGUE | Between June and August, the number of those unemployed hit 386,000 people, or five percent of the workforce. This is an increase from the 3.8 percent recorded last year, says the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) in September. Compared with the previous period of three months, 15,000 more people are now jobless. In one years time, there will be 96,000 more. Two thirds of this increase accounts for men. However, the CBS says unemployment among women, now at 5.4 percent, is still higher than for men who are at 4.7 percent. The worldwide economic slump has affected everyone. But how have consumers been adapting their buying behaviour in these troubled times? Economic statistical indicators show that consumers have been controlling their spend in various areas, however, the food sector has seen only limited effects from the recession,. Within the food sector, the restaurant experience seems to have suffered the most from the current economic climate. Over 75% want to save According to research by the EFMI Business School published in June, over 75 percent of Dutch people think that they should save on their household budget, and do this by going out for meals less often, or by ordering and buying fewer take away or ready made meals. In total, over 40 percent of all Dutch households have already tightened their belts when it comes to eating out. The research also shows that 30 percent of respondents are currently feeling the effects of the recession on their household budget, whereas 41 percent think that they will start to feel the effects in the coming months. Fifty-six percent think that their household budget is recession Recent surveys suggest consumers are now putting more thought into the brands they purchase at the supermarket. Photo: ANP proof and 27 percent already feel the effects and think things will only get widespread phenomenon in markets like cent research, consumers seem to be fa- of the respondents feel that there are still worse in the coming months. the US and UK, and the trend is picking vouring supermarket home brands more enough A-brands available,” says Paul up here in the Netherlands, according to and more. An annual study that looks at Op Heij, Partner of Deloitte’s Retail arm. FSIN. Supermarkets, fast-service chains consumer trends in Dutch supermarkets, Dining downtrading and convenience stores benefit most from published by Deloitte, has shown that 62 According to the Food Services Institute this trend, as consumers are heading for percent of Dutch consumers do not be- Range important Netherlands (FSIN), almost a quarter of their own kitchens or getting their food lieve that supermarket home brands are The Deloitte consumer study also shoinferior in quality to so-called A-brands. wed that the range a supermarket carall Dutch households are also saving from cheap ready-made sources. As a result, Grievink says Dutch conIn fact, the vast majority (89 percent) ries plays a big role. For two-thirds of money by shopping at speciaalzaken (specialty stores) less frequently. Me- sumers are now consuming a little less said that they will continue to buy su- consumers, a supermarket’s assortment anwhile, supermarkets have hardly felt out of home and a little more at home. permarket home brands that they liked. is a good reason to favour a particular any ill effects of the decreased consumer “We do not have any detailed informa- Approximately half of the consumers supermarket. household budget spending. According tion about all the different channels at said that a good home brand is one of “This applies vice versa too. For to the institute, another phenomenon has the moment,” he says, “but overall you their reasons to shop at a specific super- almost half of the consumers a supersee that out of home spending is decreas- market. For more than three quarters market’s assortment is also a reason not raised its head during the downturn. of the respondents, price was the most to shop at a specific supermarket (any “The consumer is really ‘downtrad- ing by around six percent.” This has actually led to consumers important reason for buying supermar- more). Therefore, it is important that suing’ at this moment. What this boils down to is that we all want to maintain indulging themselves more when they ket home brands. The vast majority of permarkets take consumers’ assortment our lifestyles, and in order to do so we do eat out, for, when consumers decide consumers felt that home brands are complaints seriously,” says Op Heij. have to play it smart,’’ says Jan-Willem to spend money on eating outside of the of comparable quality to A-brands and Almost a quarter of the respondents Grievink, Director of FSIN. “This could home, “they really want it to be special,” almost two-thirds of the consumers said have lodged a related complaint in the mean that we go out for meals less fre- explains Grievlink. “They sit longer on that they had no problems with buying last year, or considered doing so. That is the home brand if the A-brand of their more than in previous years, according quently, in favour of packed lunches or the terraces, but consume less.” choice is not available. cooking at home, but also that we may to Deloitte. In most cases this concerns “In general, the difference between A- products that are not available, items choose cheaper places or take advantage brands and home brands seems to have that have passed their expiry date or of special offers. We go for tapas instead Honing in on home brands of steak, or we order two courses instead While consumers may not be cutting become smaller. While the number of complaints about the quality of a proof three at our favourite spots.” back their household budgets by much, home brands available on supermarket duct. Dining downtrading is already a every little bit counts. According to re- shelves keeps increasing, three quarters Super de Boer takeover talks AMSTERDAM | French supermarket chain Jumbo announced a proposed takeover of Dutch chain Super de Boer in September. Jumbo has offered 480 million euros, or 4.20 euros per share for Super de Boer. Jumbo’s parent company Casino Guichard-Perrachon said it will support the bid. Jumbo already owns 57 percent of Super de Boer. “The proposed transaction fits perfectly into our growth strategy,” said a Jumbo spokesperson. Jumbo will conduct due diligence into Super de Boer’s accounts. AMSTERDAM | Brand consultancy Interbrand, together with the annual Business Week magazine, records ING among many other banks and insurers with weakened positions as valuable brands due to the financial crisis. ING used to appear on the top of a list of the world’s most valuable brands, taking 86th place last year. However, the only Dutch companies to make the list this year are: Philips (42) and Shell (92). Coca-Cola claims top spot, as in the previous year’s list. The soft drink giant’s value is an estimated 46.8 billion euros. The top five also includes: IBM, Microsoft, General Electric and Nokia. ING loses value AMSTERDAM | Telecoms group KPN has named Carla Smits-Nusteling as its new chief financial officer (CFO), effective immediately. The 43-year-old Smits-Nusteling has worked at KPN since 2000, with her last position as director of corporate control. According to a KPN spokesman, they did not consciously seek a woman for the top position. “She is someone with great financial and operational experience,” said CEO Ad Scheepbouwer on 17 September. Smits-Nusteling previously worked in postal and logistics company TNT. KPN puts woman at helm All you can eat! Come and enjoy the freedom of ‘wokking’ With the choice of salad buffet, various kinds of soup, finger foods, warm/cold buffet, teppan-yaki (grill plate), wok buffet, meat and seafood, grilled saté, spring rolls, ice creams and fresh fruits. We organise catering for 15 people and up Air-conditioned room for 220 people Open daily from 16:00 to 22:30 hrs Prices 9.90 10.90 hollywok arnolduspark 10a 2132 CR hoofddorp t:023-565 11 88 f:023-565 01 30 i:www.hollywok.nl 26250909__T10______1 26 h i Why wait? It pays to refinance... y decide for yourself… y Johannes Verhulststraat 163 hs 1075 GX Amsterdam +31206645578 Gang 3 2242 KD Wassenaar +31705118788 26 I N T E R N AT I O N A L E D U C AT I O N AT I T S B E S T Our first class facilities, combined with a diverse British international curriculum, make the British School in The Netherlands a stimulating learning environment for every child. We welcome children aged 3-18 years and have opened admissions for a new day care centre for 0-3 year old’s, opening on 1 February 2010. We also now offer both A Levels and the IB Diploma Programme to students from 16-18 years. With 85 nationalities on our roll, we are experienced in helping children settle, whatever school system they come from, and provide dedicated English Language support for those who need it. 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To support this we offer: IB Diploma Programme International Primary Curriculum Mother Tongue Programme Special Educational Needs Support Extensive Extra Curricular Programme 26250909__T14______1 26 OCTOBER 2009 14 FEATURE The last days of a Kingdom in decline Constitutional change as Dutch Antilles move towards independence Historical Overview by Rufus Richardson With the fate of the Netherlands Antilles hanging in the balance, The Holland Times looks at how these tiny Caribbean islands became part of the Netherlands and what a possible separation would mean for both the Antillean people and the Dutch nation. In 2004, a committee comprised of the governments of the Netherlands and the Netherlands Antilles, under the direction of former Antillean Governor Edsel Jesurun, submitted an historic report to the Second Chamber. The committee made a raft of recommendations on the future status of the Netherlands Antilles including a revision to the Statute of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in order to dissolve the Netherlands Antilles as a nation. In December 2008 a meeting known as the Round Table Conference was held in Curacao to discuss the proposed dissolution. According to the Ministry for Interior and Kingdom Relations, the RTC was supposed to represent “the start of an historic change of major significance for the Kingdom of the Netherlands.” While some administrative agreements concerning finances and policing were reached, the historic moment that many were expecting never eventuated as it became an anti-climatic non-event as all proposals outlining the Antillean nation’s dissolution remain unacted upon and indefinitely postponed. The Dutch Antilles are divided into two distinct groups: Curacao and Bonaire to the South, and Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius to the North. The isalnds are not only geographical distant, but remain culturally and ideologically contrasting. Image: worldatlas.com Colonial powerhouse For approximately 150 years, from the early seventeenth to the mid-eighteenth century, the Dutch populace utilised its unparalled skills as traders and shipbuilders, combined with a strategic North Sea location, to establish and maintain the world’s mightiest and most wealthy colonial empire. Some of the most famous explorers the world has ever known sailed into new and wondrous lands with the Dutch flag waving proudly from their masts. Names such as Henry Hudson, Willem The historic moment in 2008 that many were expecting never eventuated as the Antille’s dissolution as a nation remained indefinitely postponed Barents, and Abel Tasman are synonymous with exploration and discovery and were significant characters in the Dutch Golden Age. In true Dutch tradition, the Netherlands was quick to turn its geographical discoveries into prosperous commercial entities. In 1594, the Company of Far Lands was founded in Amsterdam. In 1596 the Maluku spice islands (which now form part of Indonesia’s Sulawesi Archipeligo) became the first Dutch overseas territory when they were claimed from maritime rival Portugal. The Dutch West India Company was founded in 1621, and it was under its auspices that the Dutch became the first Europeans to colonise what is now modern day New York, establishing the settlement of New Netherland on the Hudson River in 1624. The fortified town of New Amsterdam followed in 1625, and the Dutch populace were also the first to settle areas of nearby New Jersey, Long Island and Delaware. Just as they had done in the far east, the Dutch proceeded to wrestle control of Portugese colonies in the Atlantic and Caribbean to gain control of the sugar and slave trades. In 1630, the Dutch occupied the Portuguese sugar-settlement of Pernambuco (now Suriname’s Paramaribo). By 1650, the West India Company had also annexed the Caribbean islands of Sint Maarten, Curacao, Aruba and Bonaire which provided the Dutch with salt and slaves for working the Paramaribo sugar plantations. Antilles formation The Aruban and Netherlands flags share equal billing outside the historic Fort Zoudman in Oranjestad, Aruba. Photo: ANP In the eighteenth century the Dutch West India Company was abolished as the Dutch empire began a long and slow decay. The Netherlands came under the rule of Napaleonic France, while naval wars with Britain and Spain weakened the country’s economy further. Dutch colonies in the Caribbean either came under government control, or were lost to European rivals Britain, France and Spain. Trading in slaves was outlawed in 1814, with full abolishment coming in 1863. Many Dutch traders in the Antilles moved from the islands to the United States or Latin America, leaving behind small populations with little income and which required subsidies from the Dutch government. With the Netherlands gaining inde- pendence from Spain in 1815, the new nation went about writing its constitution under the rule of its first King, William of Orange. The newly formed Kingdom of the Netherlands included two colonial territories: the Netherlands Antilles (Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, Saba, Curacao, Aruba, and Bonaire) and Suriname. By the twentieth century, Europe was ravaged by war and colonialism was coming to an unglorified end. With the Netherlands occupied by Germany, Queen Wilhelmina gave an historic radio speech on 7 December 1942 expressing a desire to review the relations between the Netherlands and its colonies after the end of the World War II. Indonesia subsequently gained independence in 1949, and the Charter for the Kingdom was written in 1954 whereby Suriname and the Antilles were each bestowed a Parliamentary representative in The Hague who had the right to participate in Dutch cabinet meetings and who could participate in sessions of the First and Second Chamber. According to the Charter, Suriname and the Antilles were also allowed to alter their Basic Laws. The right of the two autonomous countries to leave the Kingdom unilaterally was not recognised however as the Charter stipulated it could only be dissolved by mutual consultation - something that would comeback to haunt many Antilleans in later decades. Indeed the idea of the Netherlands Antilles as a state never enjoyed the full support of all island administrators, and political relations between the islands were often strained as a result. The 1960s and 70s saw civil and political unrest in both Suriname and Curacao, with Suriname, to the surprise of many, gaining independence in 1975. Aruba gained autonomy in 1986, but remained part of the Kingdom. 26 FEATURE Referendums OCTOBER 2009 15 an historic accord on the new status. The islands of Curaçao and Sint Maarten will In the wake of Aruba’s secession, the become autonomous territories, while first significant referendums were held Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius will in the other Antillean islands in the become Dutch Municipalities.” While the politicians had all signed early 1990s. Respective referendums in Curacao and Sint Maarten in 1993 and off on the dissolution, many lingering 1994 showed strong links remained with concerns, such as a controversial deal the mainland Netherlands. Thirty-three to write off seventy percent of Curacao’s percent of Sint Maarten’s inhabitants debt in exchange for a Dutch say in the voted for autonomy, while in Curacao islands’ finances and legal system, mea mere seventeen percent felt the need ant changes were continually postponed for autonomy, with a significant seventy- during 2009. The so called ‘transitional period’ of four percent of the population voting for stronger links with the Netherlands 2009 has been less than smooth, with dissenting voices on both sides of the while remaining part of the Antilles. From 2000 to 2005, further refe- Atlantic. Many opposition parliamentarendums were held on all Antillean rians in the Second Chamber claimed islands to determine their Constitutional the government was making irrevocable future. The six years in Sint Maarten mistakes that the Netherlands will soon had changed the political picture dra- regret. But the question must therefore be asmatically, with a June 2000 referendum revealing a doubling of support for ked: Why did both parties rubber stamp autonomy with a staggering sixty-nine the Constitutional changes if they could percent voting for change. It was a simi- not be brought to fruition? Many in the lar result in Curacao in 2005 with sixty- Netherlands, such as Groen Links parliseven percent of the population voting amentarian Femke Halsema say it was a case of poor political judgement from for autonomy. While the seeds of independence inexperienced Minister Ter Horst. In 2007, just one year into her tenure appeared to have being sown in Sint Maarten and Curacao, the residents of as Minister, Ter Horst (a former Nijmethe smaller, and more economically gen Mayor) set the December 2008 date dependent islands, the so called ‘BSE’ for the RTC. As she did this, numerous islands of Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustati- rumours circulated through Dutch meus, voted strongly in favour of remaining dia that Ter Horst had ignored earlier Capart of the Antilles and forging stronger binet requests to hold-off the RTC until Tranquil beach scenes attract hundreds of thousand of sun-starved Dutch tourists to the Antilles every year. Photo: ANP Constitutional ties with the Netherlands. after the January 2010 national elections. Complicating matters even further, it definite date on achieving country status now calling for autonomy from the is unknown whether controversial Dutch for St. Maarten.” Marlin told the Private Antilles. The BSE islands will also have to laws such as those governing prostitution Eye he already has a date in mind, “We With opinions garnered, and no great Further complicating the dissolution of obstacles in place, representatives from the Antilles are involved legal discre- involve the Dutch Minister of Foreign and same-sex marriage will be legalised are looking at the 10 October 2010 as a possible date for independence.” both sides of the Atlantic met for a histo- pancies for each island. Curacao and Sint Affairs before they can make even the in the BSE islands. While the new Commissioner stated ric meeting in the Antillean Capital, Wil- Maarten, similar to Aruba, will become simplest of agreements with other counit is the intention of both Sint Maarten lemstad, Curacao on 15 December 2008. Constituent States within the Kingdom, tries in the Caribbean region. Another mitigating factor for the BSE While Curacao’s debt remains in ques- and Curacao to achieve independence in The so called ‘Round Table Conference’ and will be able to rewrite their own was expected to merely rubber stamp the legal parameters. Converseley, the three islands concerns their use of currency. In tion, the biggest concern for the Dutch the near future, he said the two islands government appears to be Sint Maarten’s need to make it clear to the State Sesystemic administrative corruption. cretary that the agreements that are in It is unknown whether controversial Dutch laws such as those governing prostitution respected regardless of change and same-sex marriage will be legalised when the BSE islands officially become Muni- However the winds ofMaarten, are once place must beparliamentary elections the in again blowing in Sint and this outcome of cipalities of the Netherlands the Netherlands, scheduled for January time it is not a destructive hurricane. In what appears to be a fresh op- 2010. It is widely understood the current portunity for bringing constitutional autonomy of Sint Maarten and Curacao, BSE islands will remain governed by 2002, with the introduction of the euro in changes in to force, politician Sarah Cabinet, and Prime Minister Balkenende and establish the BSE islands as Dutch Dutch Law and be able to vote in Dutch the Netherlands, the Dutch government Wescot-Williams resigned as Commis- in particular, does want the new status Municipalities. At the conclusion of the national and European elections. Howe- granted the Antilles the right to retain sioner for Constitutional Affairs. State of the Dutch Antilles to become a reality RTC, Minister for Interior and Kingdom ver the Dutch government appears to the Antillean Guilder. However, in No- Secretary for Kingdom Relations in The before 2011. Relations Guusje ter Horst made the be guilty of inflicting double standards vember 2008, all Antillean islands voted Hague Ank Bijleveld-Schouten (PvdA) grand statement, “The Netherlands and on the BSE Islands as residents will not to introduce the U.S. Dollar. While a was a staunch critic of Wescot-Williams, the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba have the same rights as Dutch citizens date has not being set for this, the Dutch often stalling negotiations. Williams’ predecessor, William Mar- The decline of colonialism has been have reached an agreement on the new regarding welfare and social security government has since changed its stance status for the islands. Prime Minister Jan payments. This has caused widespread and is now saying the BSE islands must lin, recently told the Sint Maarten Priva- ongoing since the early years of the Peter Balkenende, and Antillean Prime condemnation in Saba in recent months, introduce the euro when they become te Eye that he will be meeting with Bijle- twentieth century. For countries such veld-Schouten on 30 September to “set a as Britain and France, the decline as Minister Emily De Jongh-Elhage signed with numerous protests on the island Dutch Municipalities. colonial powers signified an embarrassing loss of face. For the Netherlands, the independence of Indonesia, and to a lesser extent Suriname, left nationalistic scars. Still, many Dutch would probably agree that the Netherlands simply could not afford to support them any longer, and their independence was a blessing in disguise. Does the Netherlands really need these islands? Probably not. Dutch people will still enjoy their holidays in the Caribbean sun and the locals will welcome their spending power with open arms. Do the islands need the Netherlands? Probably not. The Aruban example of the past twenty-three years is testament to the fact that the islands can survive without the direct involvement of Big Brother in The Hague. Perhaps buoyed by Aruba’s success, Curacao and Sint Maarten are now following suit. While the Antilles are small in stature, their path towards independence undoubtedly represents a symbolic moment in Dutch history. The Antilles are the last remaining remnants of a once mighty colonial empire, and now even they are crumbling like a brittle gevulde koek. But the Netherlands should not linger too long on its loss. Time moves on, history remains in the past. The Netherlands prospered from the islands’ natural resources, and in later years the Antillean inhabitants felt the economic advantages of a prosperous European nation. At this point, it seems the marriage of convenience has reached its natural conclusion. Antilles dissolve Legal complications The future An amicable divorce The Dutch influence on Antillean architecture is evidently prominent in the Antille’s Capital, Curacao’s Willemstad. Photo: ANP 26250909__T16______1 26 for a living planet ® CIRCLES OF LIFE Saving the future of nature www.wnf.nl • www.panda.org • jversteegh@wwf.nl Circle of Life: Since 1962, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has been committed to success for nature conservation. Not only in the Netherlands, but around the world, WWF aims to protect the future of natural species on earth. In cooperation with others we want to create a world of man and nature in harmony. Conservation is a matter for us all. From politicians to citizens, from businesses to governments. The World Wildlife Fund is looking for new supporters for its international nature conservation projects. These are people who value their ability to contribute and want to do something special for nature. The WWF is very pleased with this support and offers various options for your commitment to nature. One of the most beautiful ways to really help the WWF is to participate in a Circle of Life. Ambassador for nature As initiator of a “Circle of Life” you can play a special role in our conservation work. You will be able to give a substantial investment / commitment toward a lasting difference for endangered places on earth. To be more specific, to make this difference, we ask you to take the role of “ambassador” to your related work and share it with your network of contacts. Through your enthusiasm, you actually add value to this kind of support for nature. More involvement with nature reports and results. Additionally, we offer you a special gift, giving you the ability to visit the local project staff. Alone we can not, but together we make a difference You can make direct contact with Major Accounts care of Jan Versteegh unit number 31 030-6937367 or by e-mail jversteegh@wwf.nl. Based on your interest, he will look for a conservation project that you will find particularly appealing. Fundraising project for your specific field During a period of at least 5 years, if you can bring together only 10 relationships, friends or your own family, you can start a WWF conservation project for a contribution of € 15.000,- per year / per person. You then share responsibility for financing a specific field project that your can feel passionate about. Thus, you and your relations and friends create the “Circle of Life”. You and your team will be closely involved with the work of the Major Accounts unit of the World Wildlife Fund. Together we will discuss the project, progress World Wildlife Fund Driebergseweg 10 3708 JB Zeist Tel +31 030-693 73 33 CIRCLES OF LIFE Saving the Future of Nature www.wnf.nl / special gifts 26 FOR SALE & FOR RENT Luxury 3 and 4 bedroom apartments s VIEW BY APPOINTMENT • Rental prices from € 960 (not including service charges) • Purchase prices from € 247,500 (not including private parking space) • Larger apartments range in size from 93m²-145m² (approx.) • Luxurious outdoor areas • Located within walking distance of the In De Bogaard shopping centre and Rijswijk Station • Immediate transfer possible Koorenhuis → Courses and workshops Dance/Image & media/ Literature/Theatre/Music/ Fine arts → www.koorenhuis.nl Centre: Prinsegracht 27 | Escamp: Zuidlarenstraat 59 | Den Haag 070 - 707 17 22 | info@koorenhuis.nl Open House Every Friday between 2.00 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. Address: Johan Braakensieklaan 20, Rijswijk Interested in renting or buying? If so, visit www.desfinx.nl or call 070 3525101/070 3420101. 070 3525101 070 3420101 26250909__T18______1 26 2 2 26 ARTS & CULTURE Interview By Rufus Richardson OCTOBER 2009 19 Editors strike a new chord on third album quite a mixture of stages that any one song will go through. Some songs are almost completely done just through our demos, while others need a thorough examination and re-working. From humble beginnings in the English Midlands seven years ago, Editors have steadily risen through the ranks of modern music to now stand as one of the biggest bands in the world. With their first two albums combined selling over two million copies worldwide, many are predicting Editors to follow in the footsteps of bands such as Coldplay and U2 into the stratosphere of musical stardom. This October sees the release of their highly-anticipated third album In This Light And On This Evening. For the inside story on their international success, The Holland Times caught up with drummer Ed Lay on a recent visit to the Netherlands. Does one process tend to produce better material over another? It varies greatly. The main thing is as long as the song fulfils its potential. Sometimes it’s incredibly simple, like with one of our most well-known songs ‘Munich,’ that took us about half an hour to write. When we’d finished playing it we just all looked at each other and went ‘yeah that’s there,’ it was just so free-flowing and easy. But there are other songs we will labour over for weeks-on-end that won’t even get onto that particular album. Those songs absolutely kill you to produce but they’re very gratifying once you get them simply because you’ve put so much time and effort into them. The new album represents quite a dramatic change in musical direction for the band. Are you expecting some people to find it somewhat alienating? It is going to split opinion there’s no doubt about it. I think it could lose us some fans that possibly got into us at a later stage, but it opens up an awful lot of doors as well. People who haven’t been into us before have maybe thought of us as a little too overblown, this could actu- well. The Paradiso is probably my favou- history of music I think. It didn’t conjure Basically there are two kinds of mually change some of those conceptions. rite venue in Europe. up any of the right kind of imagery that sic: ultra happy and miserable as sin, and we wanted. everything else in-between really doesn’t interest us because it’s just grey and dull. You’ve enjoyed an amazing Did your first experience of live We can write some pretty dark material amount of success here in the Ne- music make you want to be a mu- So it’s a visual metaphor? therlands where you seem to have sician? Yeah. We wanted an aesthetic that but there’s a lot of humour in it as well. a huge following. Yeah it really did. When I was 13-14 was very simple, black and white, and We like to think of it as a ‘black comedy It always amazes me how well we the first time I experienced that environ- when we wrote it on the page it sort of of music.’ are received abroad. I’m so proud of how ment it was so alluring; so loud and so had a glow to it that we all liked. Even well we’ve done in countries like the much tension during the build up and though people like to make up things You’re new album sounds someNetherlands. Our gigs here are actually excitement to the band coming out on about the meaning of the word it’s not thing akin to a soundtrack for our biggest outside of the UK. When we stage. I loved everything about it and it about that at all. It was just that it soun- a science-fiction film set in a headlined the last day at Lowlands last made me want to go to a gig every night ded good and we liked the visual concept futuristic, dystopian London. Did year it was a bit ridiculous really. It came so I guess the best way to do that is to be of it. The thing is as soon as you get a filmic references influence the as a surprise, and I think we were a little a musician yourself. That night sowed a record deal it’s absolutely crucial to have writing of the album at all? a good name because that’s going to go bit awestruck and I don’t think it was our seed in my life for sure. I’m not so sure about filmic influendown in history. That’s who you are. greatest performance, but we’re obvices, but when we were putting the songs ously doing something right here. together I had a particular storyline - a Reading the band’s bio it says themed direction if you will - that I thouyou all met while studying Music People are constantly comparing ght the album was heading in. Not only Is it important for the band to be Technology at University. Do you Editors to bands such as Interpol that but our music is intended to evoke recognised outside of your own all consider yourselves to be music and White Lies. Do you think images, colours and shapes so I think country? geeks? that’s justified? Absolutely. To be a success in a No we don’t consider ourselves muI can understand why people do in that sense it can be quite cinematic. completely different culture, somewhere sic nerds or tech-heads at all, and to be compare us to bands such as those, but When I watch a film it hugely effects how foreign, that carries a lot of weight for honest that course was one that we all you can compare anyone who has an I feel and we try to do the same thing me. We get updates of ticket sales for took just to meet like-minded people, we interest in writing dark music. Obviously when we create music so it definitely our gigs in the UK and around Europe, didn’t even do very well at the course. As those bands have a baritone lead singer plays a part. and it’s far more interesting to know how soon as first year was over I knew that as well so that doesn’t help get rid of tickets are selling in foreign countries. Its it wasn’t the thing for me. I’m not tech- those misconceptions. But we don’t really Do you have songs worked out crazy how quickly the gigs here in the nically minded at all, I don’t have any worry too much about comparisons; we before you go into the studio or is Netherlands sold out, it’s really a great mathematical ability let alone enough like to think we’re making our own way the recording process part of the feeling to know people want to see you patience. But what it did was give us all a just fine. But we’re hearing those sorts of creative process? that much. lot of time to hangout and form a band. comparisons less and les these days, and The recording process is very creaI think it’s a compliment now that it’s not tive; nothing is ever completely worked happening so much because people are out before we go into the studio. There’s And how do Dutch crowds comCan you explain how the name The fundamental difference between your first two albums and the new one is the shift from guitar-laden songs to keyboard driven Four English lads made good. Editors (L)-(R): Tom Smith, Chris Urbanowicz, Ed Lay, and Russell Leetch. Photo: Pat Pope tunes. Was Chris, as the lead guitarist realising we’re original and we’re ma- and keyboardist, the catalyst for pare to others? Editors came about? Dutch crowds are really good; they’re Well we have changed our name king our own way just fine. this systemic change in musical quite similar to English fans, quite a few times. Some of them have been direction? raucous, boisterous. The shows in the truly awful. When I joined we were cal- Do you find darker-sounding Chris decided that if he tried to write Netherlands always have a great atmosp- led Snowfield and that would have to music inherently more interesting material on guitar for the next album here. The venues here are really good as be the wettest, most awful name in the than ‘happier’ music? he would get bored very quickly and he knew that in some ways he might get lazy, he might start ripping himself off or repeating himself. So he thought he needed to take drastic action. So he bought a couple of keyboards and started writing. He’s not particularly well versed with playing keyboards but because he was approaching writing melodies in quite a substantially different manner the results were therefore different. Was it daunting at all? No not really because it meant that all restraints were off. We could be very experimental and it was quite liberating. We could go in and create sounds that were completely unique and like nothing we’d ever done before. We could do sampling, we could manipulate sounds. There are a lot of what appear to be robot-like noises on there as well There are, but still we wanted to put them all back into a song that we were proud of. That’s what Editors are: we care a lot about melody, we care about dynamics, and we want to move people with a tune; it’s still an Editors song, just more experimental. For our review of In This Light and On This Evening, and Editors’ Holland tour dates visit our website www.TheHollandTimes.nl Beverage d Beverage ork tast Ho an Co Bage and YYorktasteeHot tanddColdldBagelslsan lassic ew CClassicNNew an M uf fi n s and d M uf fi n s an also D el ic io us C oo ki es and d also D el ic io us C oo ki es Soupss, ,Saladess, Soup Salade th m! theem! have 15 different tast T ry ee have 15different tasts.s. T ry Yo love coffee? 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Voor meer informatie en/of een dealer bij u in de buurt, bel gratis 0800-0303 of kijk op www.renault.nl. 310709__T22______1 6 26 PROFILE OCTOBER 2009 21 Life and literature: A South African in Holland makes reading interesting Expat Profile By Rufus Richardson Amsterdam’s nine little streets become ten Amsterdam’s historic Negen Straatjes (Nine Little Streets) is one of the Netherlands’most popular shopping districts. But many Amsterdam locals have a secret: There is a tenth street where the shopping is just as good. A street full of galleries, vintage clothing stores, cafes, wine-bars, coffeeshops, hairdressers, pet salons, specialty bookshops, traditional shoemakers, jewellery designers, Italian delis, and artists’ studios. Therefore it is no surprise to local Jordaanaise that the neighbourhood’s quaint Hazenstraat will become ‘Het Tiende Straatje’ (The Tenth Little Street) on 10 October. From Elandsgracht to Lauriergracht, Hazenstraat proprieters and residents will celebrate with a lively street party from 10am to 10pm. Local propireter Liesl Olivier of the English Bookshop says the initiative will bring some new challenges but she thinks it will be of undoubted benefit to the street. “I’m looking forward to it. We’ll now be on all the tourists maps so the main difference will be that we’ll have a lot more tourists here, but I think it’s a really good initiative and I’m amazed how quickly the committee managed to put it together. Olivier likes the way Hazenstraat is now but says the changes brought about by ‘Het Tiende Straatje’ will be mostly positive. “There’s some empty shops, which bring their own charachter to the street, which I’m sure will all soon be filled, so it will change the street somewhat.” Liesl Olivier is the owner of the charming English Bookshop on the corner of Lauriergracht and Hazenstraat in Amsterdam’s picturesque Jordaan neighbourhood. A literary mainstay in Amsterdam for over three decades, the bookstore has also become an important beacon for bookworms. The Holland Times sat down for a cup of tea with Liesl to discuss a life surrounded by literature. Where are you originally from? Cape Town, South Africa and I’ve being in Holland for eight years now. What brought you to the Netherlands? I was working in London in the banking sector and they transferred me across to Amsterdam. It was more of a fluke really, but I really enjoyed the lifestyle here so I decided to stay on for awhile. How long have you run the English Bookshop? society? Yes, definitely. But a bookshop has to embrace the future, it has to embrace technology. You can’t just open a bookshop and hope that you’re going to be ok because you won’t. I actually think young people today do still read enough. I think a lot of people say that they don’t read but I think they do. I’ve had it for almost five years. The first owner had it for about 35 years, then three ladies ran it as something of a hobby and it crashed. We bought it, and built it up. It’s been an incredible experience. It’s hard to keep up with, it has a life of its own, but this is the place where I’ve learnt the most about myself. I grew up here. Did you adapt quickly to the Net- herlands? How so? I really learnt my strengths and weaknesses and how to deal with problems that arise and you really learn what’s important. How to always put yourself to the test, and to never be afraid of criticism. To actually encourage criticism, to work with it and to grow as a person. It’s very confrontational on every level, but it’s very satisfying. You get to deal with all types of people from all walks of life and it’s quite an experience to be able to do it successfully without losing yourself. Yes, very quickly. I think South African Afrikaans speakers can definitely adapt more quickly to the Netherlands than people from other countries; not only because of the language, but there are a lot of cultural similarities also. When I’m at my mother’s house in Cape Town I almost feel like I could be in a Dutch house. It’s quite bizarre because the countries are geographically so far apart. weeks) I would be able to speak Dutch! Impossible… Indeed. I went back to the same lady and spoke to her in Dutch… I worked very hard at the nun’s and found the course very difficult at times as I had to learn to separate Dutch and Afrikaans. I remember returning the following week to Amsterdam: I spoke english on Saturday, Afrikaans on the Sunday and on the Monday I had to speak Dutch and just couldn’t speak anymore languages! Lots of Afrikaans people refuse to speak Dutch as the languages are too close, and at times it’s very difficult to separate from your native tongue. But I think I really learnt to speak Dutch properly in the shop. What do you like about the Netherlands? Does running the shop make you feel like part of the local community? I like the social emancipation of Dutch people, I like the way they think. You can always be critical about anywhere, but in the grand scheme of things I think the Netherlands has a good perspective So it didn’t take you long to pick on how their society is constructed. I up the language? Well no. Especially since I had a two think it’s admirable. week intensive course in Vught with the infamous nuns. What do you miss the most about South Africa? Definitely the weather; and just that feeling of home. Africa has an indefinable quality that you would never find anywhere in Holland. Yes, enormously. The locals are very And how was that? fond of the shop and there’s a tremenIt was a very surreal experience! On dous amount of support from the Jor- my way there I stopped in at a shop Den daan community. Bosch. After short chat, in English, with the cashier I told her that I was off to the nun’s and she informed me that the next Do bookshops still have a role time that I saw her (within the next 2 to play in today’s internet-driven It could learn not to be so critical of itself. If you look at Western Europe it’s not so perfect either. South African’s have a tendency to think that the country’s going to hell and not give a reason why. They feel very isolated, are very inwardly critical, and think they’re the To celebrate the opening of Amsterdam’s only ones that have problems. They tend not to look at the bigger picture. Perhaps tenth little street the English Bookshop will if they knew more about the problems be conducing the following activities on 10 that other countries face they wouldn’t October be so critical of themselves. Many pro11:30 – Versal editors will be meeting blems are global problems, just in dif2:30pm – Russell Shorto will be presenferent doses. ting and signing copies of his book “Descartes Bones” Do you think the World Cup will 4:00pm – Marionette Theatre be of benefit to South Africa? 4:30pm – Drinks and Nibbles to celebrate Well, it is already doing some great things for the country. They’re doing the opening of the 10th street. an incredible job; the infrastructure is astounding. Cape Town is looking absolutely spectacular. But I think the World Cup is going to be a very big wake-up call for South Africa. I think it will make the realities of South Africa’s problems visible to the rest of the world. They won’t have anywhere to hide this time; there won’t be any room for excuses. They will have to be accountable for their actions, and it will be interesting to see how they measure up. But I think the wake-up call will actually be a positive thing, even if the outcome is negative. The English Bookshop is open from Tu- esday to Saturday, 11.00-18.00 What do you think South Africa could learn from the Netherlands? www.englishbookshop.nl 26250909__T22______1 250 250909 T22 250909__T22______1 26280809__T22______1 2626 6 GUEST COLUMN Possibilities for temporary employment agreements with young persons expanded… The Dutch economy is still going through hard times and that is being noticed inter alia by dramatically increasing Currently for employees of all ages applies that an employment employment agreement: employment agreement or fourth year the employment agreement period. agreement. freedom. the start date of the series. M A E S S TA U D T A D V O C AT E N Rugby report p. 11 FREE Y EVER TH MON Sigmund gives advice p. 15 Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University 26 26270209__T01______1 26 Come meet us! Go to page 3 to read more www.rsm.nl/events Wanna make the best of summertime in the Netherlands? 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CALLING BETWEEN ORTEL AND ORTEL FOR * *CALL SET-UP FEE 15CT PER CALL, FOR FREE CALLS BETWEEN ORTEL AND ORTEL* MAXIMUM CALL DURATION IS 10 MINUTES FOR FREE CALLS BETWEEN ORTEL AND ORTEL *FREE CALLS BETWEEN ORTEL AND ORTEL ONLY WITHIN THE NETHERLANDS *FOR A SUMMARY OF ALL RATES AND FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE GO TO: WWW.ORTELMOBILE.NL Bronovo Hospital Bronovolaan 5 2597 AX The Hague Phone: +31 (0)70 - 312 41 16 E-mail: informatie@bronovo.nl expat@bronovo.nl Internet: www.bronovo.nl Rates per June 3 2009 Call set up fee 015 for each call Rates are calculated per minute and 26 SPORT VRIJDAG 25 SEPTEMBER 2009 23 A threefold treat for Dutch cycling Analysis By Martine Verhoeff Dutch impress baseball championships HAARLEM | The Netherlands men’s baseball team displayed impressive form during the second round of the recent World Championships. The Netherlands played host to the tournament for the first time, and won their first three games convincingly, defeating South Korea, Puerto Rico and Spain in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Haarlem respectively. The Netherlands has now qualified for the final round of the World Championships in Italy. In a ceremony before the Dutch-Spanish game, Dutch baseball doyen Jan-Dick Leurs was officially inducted into the Dutch Baseball Hall of Fame. Leurs won eleven Dutch championships with Haarlem and guided the national team to three European titles. Everything is coming up tulips in professional cycling; as the Vuelta a España launched in the Netherlands this year and the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia are preparing to visit the Dutch in 2010 Assen is an ordinary peaceful eastern city of about 70,000 residents, best known for the TT Circuit Assen, or the Cathedral of Motorcycle Racing; but in late August, all that changed. On 30 August, 250,000 spectators filled the roads to watch stars like the Schleck brothers (Andy and Frank), Cadel Evans and Robert Gesink racing through the city centre. For four days the eastern province hosted the 64th Vuelta a España and honoured its stage winners: Fabian Cancellara, Gerald Ciolek, Greg Henderson and Andre Greipel. Even better pelotons are expected to turn up for the 92nd Giro d’Italia on 6 May 2010 in Amsterdam, and for the 97th Tour de France in the beginning of July 2010 in Rotterdam, when both cities are to host the prologue and two stages of these legendary tours. We might expect heroes like Lance Armstrong and Alberto Contador, to appear in the centre of Rotterdam, race through Zuidplein, Erasmusbrug, the Willemsbrug, and finish at the Ahoy. Apparently there was no real mastermind behind the creation the biggest gain in momentum in the history of Dutch professional cycling. City councils in Rotterdam and Amsterdam and the province of Drenthe separately lobbied to get the three major tours on Dutch territory. The Royal Dutch Cycling Union, KNWU, facilitated only with expertise and a few contacts. In Drenthe, the late Commissioner Ter Beek was the major engine behind the Assen lobby. The organisation added a symbolic Ter Beek high point to the tour in honour of his contribution. In Amsterdam, Deputy Major Carolien Gehrels worked hard bring the Giro to town; another chance for the city council to promote Amsterdam as suitable for big, international sporting events such as the 2028 Olympic games. “We’ve been working on plans to host the Giro since 2003,” explained Gehrels. “I’ve visited Italy, the Giro and the director of the tour a few times and we managed to close the deal this year.” The costs to facilitate the Vuelta in Drenthe were estimated to be around 2.2 million euros, paid for by the province, various city councils and the Dutch government. For the Giro, Amsterdam passed a budget of about 5 million euros, and the Tour the France, being the biggest event of the three, will cost even more. In a time of financial crisis, however, that seems a lot of money just to organise a sporting event. Could that money Bos leaves Rabobank ROTTERDAM | Former track sprint star Theo Bos will leave the Rabobank programme after his successful transition to racing the roads. Bos was supported by Rabobank during his track career, where he earned five world championship titles and a silver medal in the 2004 Olympic Games. Since his transition to the road, the 26-year-old has won six races for the team - four stages of the Olympias Tour, the Omloop der Kempen and the Ronde van Noord-Holland. The team planned to move Bos to its ProTour team, but indicated that Racers make their way through Assen during the 64th Vuelta a España. Photo: ANP Bos’ aspiration to compete in the Grand be better spent in creating permanent of unofficial racing formation. OF that Tours was the reason for his departure. jobs? “We talk about a well invested amount of money that will pay back the city over five times,” explains Gehrels. “The Giro attracts Italian tourists. Hotels, taxi’s, restaurants, museums and other facilities benefit. The city as a whole will gain about 25 million euro.” All parties agree great tours are beneficial in marketing the cities and in attracting broader regional attention, but that the main focus should be on the promotion of professional cycling. “It’s important to put riders in the spotlight,” says Marcel Wintels, Chairman of KNWU. But, why is it necessary to attract more attention to a sport that everybody in the Netherlands is already exercising? “Though it’s wonderful all Dutch cycle to the supermarket, you can’t compare that with racing,” says Wintels. “With these events we inspire young talent. They will never forget great tours like these. Like so many people still remember the Tour the France in Amsterdam (1954), Leiden (1978) and Den Bosch (1996) and the Giro in Groningen (2002). It’s such an experience.” Wintels suggests that ‘serious’ cycling is embedded in Dutch sport culture, as it is with the Belgians, Italians, French and Spanish. “Only here, most Dutch cyclists do not join cycling unions,” says Wintels. “Colleges, friends and others form teams that pass you by whenever, wherever.” The numbers support Wintels’ view. According to figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), about 450,000 riders actively participate in some form number, ‘only’ 26,000 of them are members of one of the cycling unions aligned to the KNWU. With no hills, little space and rules for everything one might wonder if the Netherlands is the ideal tarmac for such a large scale cycling event. Dutch cyclist, Robert Gesink, gave his professional opinion of Holland’s terrain at the Vuelta, were he finished in sixth place. “Considering heights, the Netherlands isn’t very exciting,” he said through a spokesperson from his Rabobank team. For Gesink, the big groups of ambitious cyclists and the team of leaders all wanting to ride at the head of the group, and all the Dutch roundabouts and small roads will serve to make any rider nervous. “The Dutch part of the Vuelta was a great success,” says Gesink. “The way the Dutch supported the event was heart warming!” That said, Gesink admits he was missing that special ‘Vuelta-feeling’ on the first four stages between Assen and the Belgian city of Liège, suggesting local culture also plays a part in bringing sporting events to the Netherlands. “Normally in Spain we sleep late, eat late and ride late. Maybe that’s why I missed the Vuelta feeling.” Which of the three tours does Gesink most want to win? “I’ll sign up for any of the three, but the Tour, of course, is the highest. My debut last year, falling and not being able to finish, was unsettling. I feel like I have unfinished business with the Tour de France,” Gesink says. Eindhoven to host championships Robert Gesink gave Dutch cycling fans something to cheer on as the Vuelta Esapna made its way through the Netherlands in Septmber. Photo: ANP NIEUWEGEIN | The 2012 European Water Polo Championships will be held in the Pieter van den Hoogenband swimming stadium in Eindhoven. The European Swimming Federation’s (LEN) decision in favour of the Netherlands was revealed by KNZB on 18 September. The event, scheduled for January, is also the European Olympic qualifying tournament. Besides the Netherlands, Montenegro and Spain were also candidates considered. The Netherlands got the award because of the positive experiences with swimming Championships in Eindhoven last year. For KNZB the European Championships in 2012 is a major step towards the possible organization of the swimming World Cup in 2017 or 2019. Choix du chef FOR LUNCH AND DINER PARKWEG 89 · 2271 AG VOORBURG · Tel. 070 386 9335 www.restaurantzenzo.nl The Japanese art of cooking is considered to be the purest in the world, and well-known for its simplicity and excellence; the food gives natural avour, and herbs are rarely used. Zenzo respects this tradition: most important with this style of cooking are fresh ingredients, and the way they are prepared by allowing their natural avours to shine. In Zenzo’s kitchen attention is paid to the smallest of details; this is highlighted by using the best Japanese ingredients and the freshest of sh. Restaurant Choix du Chef was part of the popular TV series ‘Mijn tent is top’ and there is not an untrue word in that. 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