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 [...]

On Thursday, 20 November 2025, Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell attended an Extraordinary Joint Session of the States General in the Grote Kerk in The Hague. The commemorative gathering marked exactly eighty years since the Dutch Senate and House of Representatives met jointly for the first time after the Second World War. Honoring a Pivotal Moment in Parliamentary History On 20 November 1945, the Dutch parliamentary system took its first steps toward recovery following years of war and occupation. With both Chambers having been rendered inoperative during the conflict, the post-war reconstruction of the Kingdom required not only [...]

The Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary welcomed H. E. Chris Rampling, Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, for an introductory courtesy visit on Wednesday, November 19. During the meeting, the Ambassador and the Minister Plenipotentiary engaged in a constructive discussion cantered on disaster preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and health-sector capacity building, including opportunities for strengthening nursing education and training. Ambassador Rampling, who brings over 25 years of diplomatic experience in national security, defence, and foreign policy, expressed his interest in exploring areas where the United Kingdom and Sint Maarten could deepen cooperation, particularly in fields that promote long-term stability [...]

On Friday, 14 November, Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell welcomed H.E. Dániel Horogszegi Szilágyi-Landeck, Ambassador of Hungary to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, for an official courtesy meeting at the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten. The meeting touched on mutual interests and opportunities for cooperation, highlighting several areas where Hungary and Sint Maarten can further deepen their partnership. The dialogue took place in a very open and positive setting, setting the stage for deeper cooperation in the future.

The Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary hosted a heartwarming St. Martin Day reception at its headquarters in The Hague on Tuesday evening, November 11. The celebration brought together representatives from across the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the diplomatic corps, and friends of Sint Maarten for an evening filled with culture, music, and unity. The program opened with the national song of Sint Maarten, beautifully performed by Aldiner Laurent and Quincy Adolphin, setting the tone for an evening that honored both the island’s traditions and its enduring spirit. Among those delivering congratulatory remarks were His Excellency Carlson Manuel, Minister Plenipotentiary [...]