Her Excellency Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell attended an Extraordinary Joint Session of the States General on Thursday, 20 November 2025.
The commemorative session, held in the historic Grote Kerk in The Hague, marked exactly eighty years since the First and Second Chambers of Parliament convened together again after being suspended during the Second World War.
On 20 November 1945, the Dutch parliamentary system took its first steps toward recovery following years of war and occupation. With both Chambers having been rendered inoperative during the conflict, the post-war reconstruction of the Kingdom required not only physical rebuilding but also the restoration of democratic governance.
By attending this special session, Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell reaffirmed Sint Maarten’s active engagement within the constitutional and democratic traditions of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Her presence emphasized not only recognition of the past but also Sint Maarten’s commitment to shared values, inter-island cooperation, and the safeguarding of democratic principles for future generations.
Extraordinary Joint Sessions are held only on exceptional occasions. The most recent prior session took place in 2015, marking the 200th anniversary of the States General. The symbolic date of 20 November 2025 was chosen to reflect on the end of the war, the meaning of freedom, and the importance of protecting democratic institutions in a time marked by conflict, polarization, and societal pressures.
The ceremony began at 10:30 AM on Thursday and lasted one hour. His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Princess Amalia attended as honored guests.
Speeches were delivered by the Presidents of both Chambers, outgoing Prime Minister, Minister of General Affairs Dick Schoof, and General (ret.) Peter van Uhm, who reflected on the resilience of the Dutch democracy and the necessity of safeguarding its foundations.
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PHOTO Caption:
PIX 1: L to R: D66 Party Leader Rob Jetten, Her Excellency Minister Plenipotentiary Sint Maarten Drs. Gracita Arrindell, Her Excellency Minister Plenipotentiary Aruba Shanda John, His Excellency Minister Plenipotentiary Curacao Carlson Manuel.
PIX 2: The gathering at the Extraordinary Joint Session of the States General on Thursday, 20 November 2025.
https://www.sintmaartengov.org/news/Pages/Minister-Plenipotentiary-Attends-Extraordinary-Joint-Session-of-the-States-General-Marking-80-Years-Since-the-Second-World-.aspx
