The Sint Maarten community in the Netherlands came together on Saturday, November 8, for a vibrant celebration of St. Martin Day 2025 at De Broodfabriek in Rijswijk. The event, themed “Sankofa: Learning from the Past, to Build for the Future”, drew hundreds of Sint Maarteners, students, young professionals, and friends of the island for a day filled with cultural performances, local vendors, music, and island spirit.
Hosted by the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten and Small Island Unity (SIU), the event featured a diverse program including live steelpan performances, a traditional brass band, cultural dances, and Caribbean artists such as Ebony Empress, Big Mac, and DJ Bean. Guests enjoyed island cuisine, art displays, and a lively atmosphere that captured the essence of “One island, One people, Two nations, One heart.”
In her speech, Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, Minister Plenipotentiary, reflected on the significance of the day and the importance of unity within the diaspora.
“Today, we celebrate not only the beauty and resilience of our island, but the spirit of unity that binds us, One island, One people, two nations, yet one heart. Our diaspora is not a distant community, it is an untapped asset, full of talent, innovation, and belonging that Sint Maarten needs now more than ever.”
Furthermore, Minister Arrindell highlighted the Cabinet’s recent accomplishments, including the launch of the Sint Maarten Diaspora Database, aimed at connecting students, professionals, and entrepreneurs across the Netherlands and beyond. She also emphasized continued investment in youth programs such as the Cari-Aire Internship Program and academic collaborations with Dutch universities.
“Through these initiatives, we are strengthening the bridge between home and abroad, ensuring that Sint Maarteners everywhere remain part of our nation’s story.”
As the rhythms of bouyon and soca filled the hall, the celebration served as both a joyful reunion and a reminder of the enduring strength of small island communities around the world. According to visitor Candy Hazel it was a success: “Over the past two years, I’ve seen the visibility of Sint Maarten in the Netherlands grow tremendously. This celebration was once again amazing!”
