On Friday, 22 May 2026, Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, Minister Plenipotentiary, attended the unveiling ceremony of the sculpture Human Tribe Totem by renowned Uruguayan artist Roberto Vivo on the grounds of the International Criminal Court in The Hague. The sculpture, donated by Uruguay to the International Criminal Court, was officially unveiled during a ceremony hosted by the Embassy of Uruguay to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Permanent Representation to the International Organisations in The Hague. The event brought together diplomatic representatives, members of the international community, and distinguished guests, including representatives of the ICC. Originally created for [...]

On Wednesday May 20, Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, Minister Plenipotentiary, attended a reception hosted by the Cabinet of Aruba in The Hague in honour of the introduction of Aruba’s newly appointed Minister Plenipotentiary, Mildred G.M. Schwengle. The gathering also marked two important milestones for Aruba: 40 years of Status Aparte and the 50th anniversary of the Aruban flag and anthem. Prime Minister Mike Eman of Aruba was also in attendance, alongside representatives from across the Kingdom, diplomatic partners, and invited guests. The reception provided an opportunity to reflect on Aruba’s constitutional and cultural milestones. Minister Arrindell congratulated Minister Schwengle [...]

On Wednesday, 13 May, Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell met with Sipke de Haan and Roel van de Loo for a constructive discussion on environmental governance, waste management, and sustainable development on Sint Maarten. The discussion focused on structural challenges related to waste management on Sint Maarten and explored opportunities to strengthen governance, continuity, and long-term implementation of environmental projects. Particular attention was given to lessons learned from previous initiatives, as well as ways to better utilize existing studies, expertise, and available resources. The meeting also explored opportunities for cooperation with relevant environmental partners within the Kingdom, including the potential for [...]

The Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary recently hosted a Student Engagement Session, bringing together Sint Maarten students currently studying in the Netherlands for an open and meaningful conversation on student life, wellbeing, and future opportunities. The session created a safe and welcoming space for students to openly discuss both the opportunities and challenges they experience while pursuing their education abroad. A representative of the Ombudsman in the Netherlands was also present to answer any questions may have in relation to their residency in the Netherlands.  Topics discussed included housing, financial pressures, academic preparedness, mental wellbeing, and the importance of [...]

Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell attended the B.U.C. Academic Session and Award Ceremony held at the iconic Havenhuis in Antwerp on Friday, 8 May 2026. The gathering brought together diplomats, policymakers, academics, and distinguished guests from across the Benelux region to reflect on cooperation, wellbeing, and shared values within Europe. Organized by the Stichting BeNeLux-Universitair Centrum (B.U.C.), this year’s event centred around the theme “Benelux more needed than ever”, with discussions focusing on wellbeing, humane societies, and the importance of sustainable regional cooperation. The programme included keynote reflections from prominent statesmen and scholars, including former Dutch Prime Minister Prof. Dr. Jan [...]