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.
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PHOTO Caption:
PIX1: Minister Plenipotentiary Sint Maarten Hon. Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell addressing the crowd at the pre-St. Martin Day 2026 celebration in the Netherlands. (Photo M.G. Production)
PIX2: SXM Day Event 2026, the Netherlands (Photo M.G. Production)
