Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary in The Hague Hon. Josianne Fleming-Artsen and members of the Cabinet of Sint Maarten attended a two-day conference on September 5 and 6 at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam, the Netherlands given by Dr. Flora Goudappel and Jean Monnet, Chairman of the European Union (EU) trade law in the Overseas Territories.
During the conference a draft EU Overseas Association Decision (OAD) was discussed in great details in particular the shift in focus from a relationship based on Development Aid to a partnership between the Overseas, Countries and Territories (OCTs) and the EU.
In addition, there were discussions about possible alternative relationship arrangements as well as the current complex situation with respect to EU citizenship.
PHOTO CUTLINE: L to R, Andre Hoeneveld, Director of the Cabinet of the Governor, Mavis Brooks, Vice President of the Council of Advice, Carol Voges from the Cabinet Minister Plenipotentiary, Deputy Minister Hon. Josianne Fleming-Artsen, Perry Geerlings, Director of the Cabinet Minister Plenipotentiary and representatives from the Cabinet of Aruba among other attendees.