After more than 1,165 days of advocacy for the rights of the Bonairean people sustained on the international stage, James Finies recently met with the Governor of Bonaire, John Soliano, marking an important milestone in the international trajectory carried out to present Bonaire’s case before the United Nations and the global international community.
Together with the President of BHRO, Davika Bissessar-Shaw, Mr. Finies carried Bonaire’s case far beyond the island, bringing the cause and the voice of the Bonairean people into the international community and the United Nations system, across Latin America, Central America, the Caribbean, and beyond.
During this international journey, they engaged in dialogue with Presidents, Prime Ministers, government leaders, diplomats, regional and international organizations, and representatives of United Nations Member States, seeking international attention for Bonaire’s case and its right to self-determination.
The campaign also achieved significant regional support, urging action with the United Nations General Assembly and UN Member States, aimed at re-listing Bonaire on the United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories.
The international effort reached the world’s highest platform in June 2026, when a draft resolution regarding Bonaire was formally presented within the process of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The initiative addresses Bonaire’s status and the obligations of the Kingdom of the Netherlands under Article 73 of the United Nations Charter.
During the meeting, Finies presented documentation to Governor Soliano regarding this international journey of advocacy for the rights of the Bonairean people.
Finies has now chosen to bring home the experience gained and the international relationships built during this journey to continue his work in Bonaire’s political arena. That experience, knowledge, and international network now form part of the strength of his political party, and will be used to defend the dignity, rights, and interests of the people and to help build a more just future.
BHRO’s human rights work and international advocacy continue under the leadership of its President, Davika Bissessar-Shaw.