The Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary recently held a productive online meeting with the Honourable Minister of Education, Melissa Gumbs. The meeting focused on advancing key initiatives aimed at improving services and opportunities for students of Sint Maarten both locally and abroad. Among the primary topics discussed were updates on ongoing projects, including the diaspora and student Data bank and roll out of a new engagement campaign designed to strengthen connectivity with our students. Additional agenda points included: Enhancement of student information systems across the Cabinets social media platforms. Including structured cooperation with third -party stakeholders; Planned personal outreach [...]

On Tuesday 24 February, Minister Plenipotentiary drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, took part in the first introductory meeting between State Secretary Eric van der Burg and the Prime Ministers of the Caribbean countries of the Kingdom: Prime Minister Luc Mercelina (Sint Maarten), Gilmar Pisas (Curaçao) and Mike Eman (Aruba). The meeting marked an important moment of dialogue and renewed cooperation within the Kingdom. Minister Arrindell also engaged in consultations alongside representatives of the Cabinets of Aruba and Curaçao. Strengthening mutual understanding, maintaining open lines of communication, and working together on shared priorities remain central to Sint Maarten’s commitment within the [...]

On February 17, Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, Minister Plenipotentiary, attended the celebration marking the 18th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Kosovo. The event took place at the Nieuwe Kerk in The Hague and was hosted by H.E. Mr. Dren Doli, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The evening featured a concert and reception, bringing together members of the diplomatic community and invited guests. A special musical performance was given by Petrit Çarkaxhiu and his band. The Prishtina-born musician is known for blending traditional influences with powerful rock elements and has [...]

Recently, Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, met with Professor Dr. Wouter Veenendaal for an open and thoughtful conversation on Kingdom Relations. Appointed in May 2024 as Professor of Kingdom Relations, Professor Veenendaal conducts research into democratic representation and governance within the Kingdom. During the meeting, the discussion touched on several key questions central to his research, including how the different countries within the Kingdom position themselves, the notion of a democratic deficit, and the question of whether the four countries are experienced as truly equal partners. The conversation also explored the meaning of autonomy in [...]

On Monday, 9 February, Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell attended the fourth Wellenstein Lecture, organized by the Advisory Council on International Affairs (AIV), at Pulchri Studio in The Hague. The lecture, titled “The Trans-Atlantic Relationship: Anatomy of a Breakup,” was delivered by renowned foreign affairs commentator and author Sylvie Kauffmann. Against the backdrop of recent geopolitical developments. The lecture offered a timely and thought-provoking analysis of the evolving trans-Atlantic relationship. Kauffmann, foreign columnist and former Editor-in-Chief of Le Monde, reflected on the historical foundations of the trans-Atlantic alliance and explored the complex political and strategic dynamics now reshaping [...]