THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE) – The President of the Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten and of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Mr. Sigmar Carmelia, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten in The Hague, where he was welcomed by Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell.
Mr. Carmelia, who assumed the presidency on May 12, 2026, was accompanied by the Court's Director of Operations, Mr. Martin Luttge, and Board Secretary, Ms. Kyra de Koeijer.
The visit formed part of his efforts to strengthen institutional relationships, encourage cooperation among the Caribbean countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and foster understanding of the role responsibilities, of the Joint Court of Justice.
During the meeting, Mr. Carmelia outlined his priorities since taking office, with particular emphasis on strengthening connectivity and collaboration among the islands and the various branches of the judicial organization.
He also shared experiences from his introductory visits to Sint Maarten during which he met with Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina and members of Parliament.
These discussions provided an opportunity to introduce himself in his new capacity, and exchange perspectives on the Courts role, challenges and future development.
A central priority outlined by Mr. Carmelia is the promotion of closer cooperation and greater institutional connectivity across the jurisdictions served by the Joint Court of Justice.
An important topic of discussion was the database developed by the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary, which Mr. Carmelia commended as a valuable initiative. He expressed interest in sharing the concept with representative offices of Curaçao and Aruba in the Netherlands, noting its potential to strengthen information sharing, institutional coordination and cooperation among the islands.
The importance of professional development and advancement opportunities for young people and legal professionals within the judicial organization was also discussed. In this regard Mr. Carmelia highlighted the value of greater institutional engagement and knowledge exchange in supporting the next generation of Caribbean legal professionals.
Another subject discussed was the Joint Court of Justice’s annual Summer Court Program.
Mr. Carmelia expressed an interest in exploring opportunities to use explore opportunities to use the Cabinets of the Ministers Plenipotentiary in the Netherlands as platforms to promote greater awareness of the program. Such collaboration could help bring the initiative to the attention of young people and students interested in pursuing careers in the legal and judicial fields.
Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell welcomed the courtesy visit and the opportunity to exchange perspectives on matters of mutual institutional interest. She emphasized the importance of maintaining constructive relationships with institutions serving the Caribbean countries within the Kingdom and welcomed initiatives that encourage cooperation, knowledge sharing and opportunities for our young professionals.
The Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary continues to facilitate institutional engagement, knowledge exchange, and cooperation in areas relevant to Sint Maarten's interests and development.
The visit underscored the value of continued dialogue between the Joint Court of Justice and the and the representative offices in the Netherlands of Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten in the Hague, particularly in strengthening institutional connections and creating opportunities for the professional development of future generations.
The Cabinet of the Minster Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten remains committed to facilitating institutional engagement, cooperation and knowledge exchange with organizations and institutions whose work contributes to Sint Maarten’s interest and development.
