On Tuesday, 5 May, Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell attended the National Commemoration of the 1945 Capitulations and the Freedom Parade in Wageningen, marking 81 years of freedom since the liberation of the Netherlands at the end of the Second World War. The commemoration stood still at the significance of freedom and the sacrifices made to achieve it. The ceremony featured a fly-by of historic aircraft, wreath-laying, the traditional Taptoe, one minute of silence, and the singing of the Dutch national anthem during the raising of the national flag. In a particularly meaningful moment, approximately twenty World War [...]

On 4 May, during the National Remembrance Day ceremony on Dam Square in Amsterdam, all Dutch victims — civilians and members of the armed forces — who have lost their lives in the Kingdom of the Netherlands or elsewhere in the world, in situations of war or during peacekeeping operations since the outbreak of the Second World War (WWII), are commemorated. As Minister Arrindell reflected, “we stand together in remembrance,” bound not only by history, “but by a shared sense of loss and gratitude.” Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima laid a wreath on behalf of the Dutch [...]

Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell attended the closing session of the first edition of the Postgraduate Kingdom Affairs Programme at The Hague University of Applied Sciences on Friday, 24 April. The gathering brought together participants, lecturers, and policymakers to reflect on intensive exchange, learning, and collaboration across the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Shared perspectives across the Kingdom The programme brought together a diverse group of 40 participants, equally representing European Netherlands and the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, including Bonaire, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, Curaçao, and Aruba. Throughout the course, participants engaged deeply with themes such as [...]

In this edition, the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten reflects on a period defined by connection, representation, and meaningful cooperation. From international engagement at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) to strengthening ties within the Kingdom and advancing partnerships in areas such as education, climate resilience, and social impact, this Quarterly highlights how dialogue is being translated into tangible outcomes for Sint Maarten. Discover the key moments, collaborations, and milestones that shaped the past months and read the Quarterly here -->  Quarterly 1 - 2026

Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell participated as a speaker at the Atlantic Assembly 2026 - Navigating Uncertainty, held on Saturday 18 April in The Hague. The annual conference, organized by Jonge Atlantici, brings together students, young professionals and experts to engage in dialogue on pressing security challenges and geopolitical developments. This year’s edition focused on navigating an increasingly complex and uncertain global landscape. Minister Arrindell contributed to a panel discussion on the Caribbean region, where recent geopolitical developments have brought renewed international attention. During the session, she shared Sint Maarten’s perspective on regional stability, the broader implications for [...]