THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE) – Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, Drs. Gracita
R. Arrindell, has called on Sint Maarteners living in the Netherlands, particularly students
and young professionals, to remain connected to their homeland and actively contribute
their knowledge, skills and expertise to the country’s continued development.
The appeal was made during the annual pre-St. Martin Day celebration organized by the
Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
The event brought together members of the Sint Maarten diaspora, students, young
professionals, families, friends and supporters for an afternoon of cultural entertainment,
community engagement and national pride ahead of St. Martin Day, officially observed on
November 11.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Arrindell centered her message centered on gratitude,
remembrance, responsibility and the importance of engaging the next generation. The
minister emphasized that the diaspora represents an important resource of human capital
for Sint Maarten’s future.
“Our diaspora is not separate from the development of Sint Maarten. Our diaspora is part
of the human capital with which we must build our future,” stated Minister Arrindell.
The minister expressed appreciation for the continued participation and support of the Sint
Maarten community in the Netherlands, recalling the overwhelming response to previous
celebrations, including the approximately 700 persons who attended the 2024 event. The
minister also paid tribute to individuals who had supported previous celebration but have
since passed away, acknowledging their contributions to the community and the
preservation of Sint Maarten’s cultural heritage. The minister also acknowledged the strong
support demonstrated during the 2025 and 2026 celebrations.
A significant part of her address focused on the country’s need for qualified professionals
and the importance of creating stronger connections with students and young professionals
pursuing their education and careers in the Netherlands. Reflecting on Sint Maarten’s
constitutional development since October 10, 2010, she noted that although progress has
been made, much remains to be accomplished in strengthening institutions and advancing
national development. “Sint Maarten needs you. We need your knowledge, your expertise,
your creativity, your passion, and your fresh perspective”, the Minister emphasized.
She encouraged diaspora members to contribute in various ways, including mentoring
young people, sharing professional knowledge, transferring skills and supporting
institutional development.
She acknowledged that returning home permanently is not always feasible for those who
have established careers and families abroad, stressing that meaningful contributions do
not necessarily require permanent relocation.
However, she stressed that contributing to national development does not necessarily
require permanent relocation or financial contributions. “Sint Maarten needs you. We need
your knowledge, your expertise, your creativity, your passion and your fresh perspectives,”
stated Minister Arrindell.
Minister Arrindell also highlighted the Cabinet’s ongoing efforts to develop a diaspora
database to identify Sint Maarten’s students and professionals, document their educational
backgrounds and areas of expertise, and as an important instrument for strengthening
engagement with Sint Maarteners living in the Netherlands.
The initiative seeks to identify students and professionals, document their educational
backgrounds and areas of expertise, and facilitate connections with institutions seeking
qualified talent.
She disclosed that several organizations including government departments, government-
owned companies, public sector institutions, the Common Court of Justice and
representatives of the notarial profession, have expressed interest in connecting with young
professionals through the Cabinet. These efforts are intended to strengthen the relationship
between available expertise within the diaspora and professional opportunities in Sint
Maarten, including within key institutions such as NV GEBE, Port Sint Maarten and Princess
Juliana International Airport.
Young professional Iris Hakkens was also invited to address the gathering, reflecting the
Minister’s commitment to recognizing and encouraging young talent within the diaspora.
Reaffirming the Cabinet’s role as an important link between Sint Maarten and its citizens in
the Netherlands, Minister Arrindell explained that its responsibilities extend beyond
representing the Government of Sint Maarten within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The
Cabinet also plays an essential role in maintaining diaspora engagement, supporting
students, facilitating access to information and services, and connecting Sint Maarteners
abroad with opportunities in their homeland.
She encouraged the community to remain engaged, maintain their connection to their roots
and consider how their individual talents and professional achievements could contribute to
the island’s future.
“Give back, share your knowledge, share your talent, stay connected and whenever
possible come home and contribute,” urged Minister Arrindell.
The celebration featured a lively program of cultural entertainment, and musical
performances, including steelpan music by Darren, performances by the TMF Brassband,
and musical entertainment by DJs Spy, Richie Styles and Biggerz, Kyanni and LeyLey. King
Beau Beau headlined the entertainment program.
The event also featured presentations involving WeConnect, Miss Dutch Caribbean and the
Sint Martin Song, as well as an awards presentation by the Sint Maarten student
organization, SIU.
The annual celebration once again provided an opportunity for Sint Maarteners and friends
of the island to come together, celebrate their shared heritage and strengthen their
connection to home.
The cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary remains committed to strengthening ties with
the Sint Maarten diaspora and encouraging the active participation of its citizens abroad in
the continued development of Sint Maarten.