On Friday, August 1st, 2025, the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary hosted a Meet & Greet for the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport, Hon. Melissa D. Gumbs.
The event, which was opened by Minister Plenipotentiary, Hon. Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell,
also marked the official launch of the Cabinet’s Diaspora Database. This is an important
initiative to strengthen connections with the Sint Maarten community abroad.
According to Minister Arrindell: “The database will provide a centralized space for Sint
Maarten students and young professionals in the Netherlands to register, connect, and stay
informed about initiatives, opportunities, and events that impact our community.”
Following the opening and the launch of the Diaspora Database, Minister Gumbs addressed
the audience. She expressed her gratitude to the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary for
launching the database as she considers “It a valuable tool for the Government to stay
connected with the community in the Netherlands.”
During the event Minister Gumbs shared her commitment to further improving educational
facilities and development opportunities on Sint Maarten.
In addition, she emphasized that pursuing an education, anywhere in the world, is of great
importance to Sint Maarten, “The knowledge gained can always be brought back and
applied at home.”
With respect to the students starting their studies in September in the Netherlands, Minister
Gumbs informed that the preparatory workshops this year were comprehensive.
Nevertheless, the Minister expressed her intention to further refine this process in the
coming year, “Students should be made aware well in advance of the steps they can take
to prepare for their stay in the Netherlands.”
Moreover, Minister Gumbs acknowledged the housing crisis in The Netherlands and the
challenges students currently face. While there is currently a housing shortage in the
Netherlands, she shared that her ministry is actively seeking solutions for Sint Maarten
students together with the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary, Kingdom partners and
housing corporations.
The Meet & Greet concluded with a Q&A session, followed by an opportunity to engage
informally with the Ministers and those present on the various topics discussed.