Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, addressed the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, currently taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. It is the first time since 1985 that the biennial conference is being held outside of Paris. Representing the Honourable Melissa D. Gumbs, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Minister Arrindell highlighted Sint Maarten’s ongoing efforts in education reform, digital innovation, and cultural protection. In her remarks, she emphasized that technological progress must go hand in hand with integrity and creativity, stating that “AI must amplify Caribbean creativity, not appropriate it.” She also underscored [...]

Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell warmly invites all Sint Maarteners and friends of the island to the 2025 St. Martin’s Day Celebration on Saturday, November 8, 13:00-19:00 at De Broodfabriek in Rijswijk. My dear Sint Maarteners and friends, As we prepare to celebrate St. Martin Day on Saturday, November 8th, I want to take a moment to personally invite you to join us there at the De Broodfabriek in Rijswijk. This year, our celebration is all about unity, pride, and the spirit of St. Martin, a day where we come together to honor our culture, our people, and [...]

Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, exercised her right to vote, on Wednesday, October 29, during the national elections in the Netherlands. In her reflection, Minister Arrindell emphasized the importance of participating in the democratic process and the deeper meaning this right holds, especially for women: “Voting is not something I take for granted. Many citizens around the world do not have this opportunity for various reasons.As a woman, this right carries even deeper meaning, generations of women fought tirelessly for the right to have our voices heard at the ballot box.Each time I vote, I [...]

The Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary has published the 3rd Quarterly Newsletter (October 2025 edition), offering readers a glimpse into key highlights and initiatives from the past months. From The Hague to Philipsburg and beyond, this quarter has been one of connection, creativity, and collaboration, adding that this edition highlights the launch of the Diaspora Database, the arrival of new students in the Netherlands, and meaningful diplomatic engagements that reflect Sint Maarten’s growing visibility. The quarterly publication also looks back on cultural moments that brought the Cabinet together with various stakeholders, from the book presentation of Ralph Cantave to [...]

Social & Health Insurances (SZV) proudly announces a major improvement in service for pensioners residing in the Netherlands. Through a newly signed covenant with the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) Netherlands, pensioners will no longer be required to submit a Life Certificate twice a year. With this agreement, SZV and SVB Netherlands have established a secure file exchange system that allows both institutions to verify, on a monthly basis, if any pensioners have passed away. This development eliminates the need for pensioners in the Netherlands to submit Life Certificates in May and November to SZV, reducing administrative burdens and providing greater [...]