THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE) – The 2 nd Quarterly July 2025 edition of the Cabinet of
the Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten nine-page newsletter was recently published. It
contains information about the cabinet’s activities and is primarily for the Sint Maarten
diaspora in the Netherlands. The publication also serves as an information source for Dutch
and European institutions.
Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Luc Mercelina received a copy and stated: “For our students, young
professionals, and families living abroad, staying connected to home means everything.
This newsletter helps carry our culture, our progress, and our pride across borders.
“I’m grateful to the Cabinet for creating something that not only informs but uplifts and
reminds our diaspora that they are an essential part of Sint Maarten’s journey,” said,
Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina.
The 2 nd edition of the newsletter covered the prime minister’s visit to the cabinet; touching
base with Government related to the visit of the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial
Planning, Environment and Infrastructure; representation at high level meetings (United
Nation’s Women’s Rights Conference; Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building;
Courtesy visit to the Dutch Minister of Defense to strengthen Kingdom Security Operation;
Investing in the Future: Meet & Greet with young Sint Maarten professionals).
In the section Diplomatic Diary, this covered an official introduction to Gerbert Kunst, the
newly appointed representative of the Netherlands in Sint Maarten, Curacao, and Aruba;
Independence Day at the Louwman Museum; and a meeting with the United Kingdom
Ambassador Joanna Roper.
Other article highlights are Sint Maarten is Going Sky High television series; The launch of
the Cari-Aire Internship Program; Artistic Showcase at the Cabinet of the Minister
Plenipotentiary; Engaging with Dutch Civil Servants; Networking at the National Career Fair.
Preparations are well underway for the 3 rd Quarterly edition which will cover Prinsjesday
and its relevance to Sint Maarten; the official welcome of new students for the 2025-2026
academic year; a feature to mark nearly one year of service by Minister Plenipotentiary,
Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell on the scope and significance of her role. What does this position
entail, and how can it be used to create meaningful impact?
There will also be a story about student well-being and housing as the Cabinet prepares to
launch a campaign to address the growing challenges, among others, in securing
accommodation in the Netherlands.