Paris, Tuesday, October 25, 2011 – Sint Maarten today became the newest Associate Member of UNESCO right after Curacao, during the 36th General Conference of the international body. In her brief acceptance speech, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, described the occasion as a "joyous moment" for the people and government of St Maarten. She pledged that the island would uphold the goals and ideals of UNESCO as it looked forward to participating fully in the organization at all levels.
Congratulating Sint Maarten, Temporary President of the 36th session of the General Conference, His Excellency Ambassador Davidson L. Hepburn, Permanent Delegate of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas recalled how neither St. Maarten nor Curacao were new to the affairs of UNESCO, having been associate members via the now defunct Netherlands Antilles.
After reading the required letters of support from the Dutch Foreign Minister, responsible for external affairs for both territories, Ambassador Hepburn proceeded to submit the membership of Curacao then St. Maarten to a vote. Since there were no objections, the two islands were admitted by acclamation.
This brings to 201 the number of member states and associate members of UNESCO making it the largest of all UN agencies. Ambassador Hepburn expressed particular pride that the two new associate members were from the Caribbean region and disclosed that he had personally visited both islands where he felt at home.
In her welcome address, delivered both in English and French, the two official working languages of UNESCO, Director General Irina Bokova said it was a pleasure to welcome St. Maarten to the UNESCO family, calling the associate membership of the island "a step in the right direction."
While pledging UNESCO support in several areas, Ms. Bokova added that "all states will also benefit from the participation of St. Maarten.
Curacao’s Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Mr. Lionel Jansen in his acceptance speech congratulated St. Maarten while Dr. Arrindell also returned the favor when it was her turn.
The representatives of the Netherlands at UNESCO also offered their congratulations, and concurred that the Kingdom of The Netherlands now had full representation at UNESCO, with Aruba, Curacao and St. Maarten as Associate Members.
The admission of both St. Maarten and Curacao was the highlight of the morning session. The two islands are expected to deliver their National Statements later during the week, with St. Maarten scheduled for Saturday morning.