SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, drs. Rodolphe Samuel extends heartfelt condolences to the community of St. Maarten, friends, and family of the late Roberto “Celestino” Arrindell.
“It is safe to say that the community of Sint Maarten has lost a community advocate, educator and cultural icon that exemplifies what it means to be a true St. Maarten patriot. Mr. Roberto “Celestino” Arrindell immense contribution to his country will not go unnoticed, as it spanned multi-sectors and affected numerous individuals across generations,” said Minister Samuel.
Within the sectors of education and culture, Mr. Arrindell worked as a passionate educator and in his personal time pursued his talents as an artist, poet, and painter.
In the Education Sector, Mr. Arrindell served in the capacity of teacher, lecturer, and School Manager at various educational institutions at the secondary and tertiary levels. At the pinnacle of his career, he ultimately served as a school board representative for the FAVE Board regarding the development and implementation of education policy with the Ministry of ECYS. As a Math Teacher Mr. Roberto “Celestino” Arrindell is known to have taken his time to tutor many students that were struggling with the subject.
“Mr. Roberto “Celestino” Arrindell was passionate about education and contributed towards the development of Sint Maarten’s most important resource, its people. With his boisterous, at times larger than life personality, Mr. Arrindell exuded confidence in all his undertakings. Through his life and his voice, he used education to transform the lives of many generations. We recognize and celebrate Mr. Arrindell’s contribution in the field of education and are saddened by his untimely passing,” stated Sidonia Hodge-Lacorbiniere, Head of the Department of Education.
Within the Cultural Industry no one can doubt his commitment and dedication in upholding the legacy and cultural traditions of St. Maarten. His contributions run the gamut from poetry, painting and acting, particularly with the Cole Bay Theater Company. His well-known poem, “Come, come, let we go back to the good old days” was a poem that kept the listener enthralled as he retold stories of the yester years of St. Maarten of cultural icons that help build the nation.
Recently, Mr. Arrindell served as a member of the selection committee of the first Sage Cultural Awards 2022 hosted by the Department of Culture. “Roberto’s booming voice and advocacy for individuals that are not so popular but have made tremendous cultural contributions to their community was very much documented within the selection committee, he will be truly missed by all,” said Clara Reyes Department Head of Culture.
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