The delegation of the European Union (EU) headed by EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, and the delegation of the Netherlands, led by Minister for Kingdom Relations, Erik van der Burg, together with representatives of the Dutch Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), convened for a high-level meeting to reinforce cooperation and address shared strategic priorities. The delegation of Sint Maarten was headed by the Minister Plenipotentiary, Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell. During the discussions, the European Union reaffirmed its commitment to the OCTs, highlighting a doubling of the OCT financial envelope to support, among others, sustainable development, digital and [...]

The Government of Sint Maarten participated in the 21st Overseas Countries and Territories–European Union (EU-OCT) Forum held in Aruba, where leaders from across the OCTs, European Union institutions including the European Commission and Parliament, and the European Member States, Denmark, France and the Netherlands, convened to strengthen cooperation and define a shared strategic path forward. Representing Sint Maarten, Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell underscored that while OCTs are increasingly recognized as strategic outposts of the European Union, this recognition must now be translated into concrete and tangible action, particularly in light of growing geopolitical uncertainty. A central message from Sint Maarten [...]

On Thursday, April 9, the Sint Maarten delegation, headed by Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita R. Arrindell, participated in a trilateral meeting with representatives of the Netherlands and the European Commission in Aruba, held on the margins of the EU-OCT Forum. The meeting focused on accountability and forward planning, including a review of ongoing EU-funded projects and the identification of future cooperation priorities and strategic investments. These discussions are particularly timely, as they will help inform the European Union’s upcoming long-term budget cycle set to begin in 2028. Participants underscored the importance of strengthened collaboration amid a period of global uncertainty [...]

Minister Plenipotentiary, Drs. Gracita Arrindell, recently had the pleasure of receiving Jacqueline Duggins-Horsford, General Director of a delegation from SVOBE (Stichting Voortgezet Onderwijs van de Bovenwindse Eilanden), along with SVOBE’s Education Director, Sergio Blomont. SVOBE is responsible for secondary education at institutions such as Milton Peters College and Sundial School on Sint Maarten. Through its focus on holistic education and regional academic pathways, SVOBE plays an important role in preparing the island’s youth for future academic and professional success. The delegation was welcomed by Minister Arrindell. The meeting focused on several key themes related to education, talent development, and [...]

Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita Arrindell, recently together with Vereska Illidge, received Raël Martis Ozuna and Michael Defares of Stichting Buro Help at the cabinet for a constructive meeting on strengthening social impact through collaboration and measurable outcomes. During the meeting, Buro Help was presented as an innovative platform designed to support non-profit organizations by translating their work into measurable, data-driven impact. This allows organizations to better demonstrate their effectiveness, strengthen accountability, and improve their ability to attract funding and long-term support. The platform also provides companies with tools to monitor their contributions and engage in social impact initiatives in a [...]