The Government of Sint Maarten has taken another significant step in strengthening our civil service and unlocking funding opportunities with the formal signing of the Certificate of Extraordinary Membership with the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG International). The signing took place immediately following a high-level working meeting between the Government of Sint Maarten and VNG International representatives. Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina was accompanied by a formal delegation which included the Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, Dr. Gracita R. Arrindell and Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, Mr. Stuart Johnson. Their presence affirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening [...]

On Thursday, December 4, Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell welcomed the newly appointed United States Ambassador, H.E. Joseph Popolo Jr., to the Kingdom of the Netherlands for an introductory courtesy visit at the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten. Ambassador Popolo Jr. began his tenure on 8 October 2025. The meeting took place in a warm and open atmosphere and provided an opportunity for mutual introductions as the Ambassador continues his introductory tour with key partners throughout the Kingdom. The Minister Plenipotentiary looks forward to continued engagement with Ambassador Popolo Jr. throughout his tenure.

On Friday December 5, Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell met with Ms. Heera Dijk, who recently joined the Dutch House of Representatives. The meeting served as an opportunity to exchange views and formally welcome her in her new role. Ms. Dijk is responsible for the parliamentary portfolios of Kingdom Relations, including Sint Maarten, Curaçao, Aruba and the BES islands, as well as Culture. During the conversation, the Minister and Ms. Dijk briefly discussed shared priorities within the Kingdom and the importance of continued constructive cooperation. The Cabinet looks forward to further engagement as Ms. Dijk begins her tenure [...]

Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell met with young Sint Maarten historian Jean-Marc Augusty, who travelled to the Netherlands for a research visit. Mr. Augusty conducted historical research at Leiden University, supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), with additional sponsorship from the Plantz family, enabling him to extend his stay for further research. During his visit, Mr. Augusty consulted historical materials at the Nationaal Archief and the University of Amsterdam, including rare maps of Sint Maarten. He recently led a plantation tour attended by ministers, parliamentarians, and the Governor of Sint Maarten; an example of [...]

Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell participated on November 26 in the annual Japanese Tables Evening, hosted by the Dutch United Nations Student Association SIB-Leiden at the historic City Hall of Leiden. The event, now in its 23rd edition, is regarded as the association’s most important annual gathering and brought together 48 ambassadors, over 150 students, and fellow Minister Plenipotentiary Carlson Manuel. SIB-Leiden, founded in 1947, aims to engage students in the political, social, cultural, and economic dimensions of international relations. The Japanese Tables Evening is a cornerstone of this mission, offering students the chance to converse directly with [...]