Minister Arrindell urges St. Maarten diaspora to share expertise and help build country's future

THE HAGUE--Minister Plenipotentiary of St. Maarten Gracita Arrindell has called on St. Maarteners living in the Netherlands, particularly students and young professionals, to remain connected to their homeland and contribute their knowledge, skills and professional 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, bringing together members of the St. Maarten diaspora, students, families and community supporters ahead of the November 11 national celebration.

Addressing the gathering, Arrindell emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with St. Maarteners abroad and creating opportunities for them to contribute to national development, particularly in areas where the country requires specialized skills and qualified professionals.

Reflecting on St. Maarten's constitutional development since October 10, 2010, the Minister acknowledged the progress made while emphasizing that considerable work remains in strengthening government institutions and advancing the country's development.

She encouraged professionals living abroad to consider how their experience could benefit St. Maarten through mentorship, knowledge sharing, skills transfer and institutional support.

Arrindell also recognized that returning home permanently is not always practical for individuals who have established careers and families overseas. She stressed, however, that contributing to the country's development does not necessarily require relocation or financial assistance.

A significant part of the Minister's address focused on the Cabinet's ongoing efforts to establish a diaspora database designed to identify St. Maarten students and professionals living in the Netherlands.

The database would document their educational backgrounds, professional qualifications and areas of expertise, helping to establish stronger connections between available talent and organizations seeking qualified personnel.

According to Arrindell, several institutions have already expressed interest in connecting with young professionals through the Cabinet.

These include government departments, government-owned companies, public sector institutions, the Common Court of Justice and representatives of the notarial profession.

The initiative could facilitate professional connections with institutions such as NV GEBE, Port St. Maarten and Princess Juliana International Airport, where specialized knowledge and technical expertise are important to their operations.

The Minister presented the initiative as part of a broader effort to strengthen engagement with the diaspora and encourage St. Maarteners abroad to participate in addressing the country's human resource needs.

Young professional Iris Hakkens was also invited to address the gathering, highlighting the emphasis placed on recognizing emerging talent within the diaspora.

Arrindell emphasized that the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary serves not only as St. Maarten's government representation in the Netherlands, but also as an important connection between the country and its citizens living abroad.

Its responsibilities include maintaining relationships with the diaspora, supporting students, facilitating access to information and services, and connecting individuals with professional opportunities in St. Maarten.

The Minister also expressed appreciation for the continued participation of the St. Maarten community in the annual celebrations, recalling that approximately 700 people attended the 2024 event.

She paid tribute to community members who supported previous celebrations but have since passed away, recognizing their contributions to preserving St. Maarten's cultural heritage in the Netherlands.

"Give back, share your knowledge, share your talent, stay connected and whenever possible come home and contribute," Arrindell urged.

The pre-St. Martin Day celebration featured cultural performances and entertainment highlighting the island's traditions and musical heritage.

The program included steelpan music by Darren, performances by the TMF Brassband and entertainment by DJs Spy, Richie Styles and Biggerz, along with Kyanni and LeyLey. King Beau Beau headlined the entertainment.

The gathering also featured presentations involving WeConnect, Miss Dutch Caribbean and the St. Martin Song, as well as an awards presentation by the St. Maarten student organization SIU.

The annual event provided an opportunity for St. Maarteners living in the Netherlands to celebrate their shared heritage, reconnect with their community and strengthen their ties to the island.

The Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to expanding diaspora engagement and encouraging St. Maarteners abroad to contribute to the country's development through their professional experience, talents and continued involvement.

‍