L to R: Bonaire’s Island Governor John Soliano, St. Eustatius Island Governor Alida Francis, Minister Plenipotentiary St. Maarten Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell and Saba Island Governor Jocelyn Levenstone.
~Focus on cooperation, local governance and community challenges~
THE HAGUE--Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell attended the 2026 annual Congress of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities VNG, held in the Achterhoek region, with Oost Gelre and Winterswijk as host municipalities.
The two-day congress, held under the theme “We do it together”, brought together approximately 3,250 municipal administrators, government representatives and other participants to discuss local governance, cooperation and challenges facing communities.
The plenary programme included addresses by Queen Máxima and Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
Queen Máxima spoke about the importance of social and community initiatives and cooperation between municipalities and civil society. Jetten emphasised closer cooperation between different levels of government to benefit local residents.
Arrindell also participated in the Kingdom Networking Lunch, which brought together representatives and partners from across the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The minister attended one of more than 50 afternoon sessions, with the congress programme also including workshops, excursions and networking activities.
Topics discussed included housing, spatial planning, climate adaptation, biodiversity, the energy transition, circular development, water management, municipal workforce challenges and community participation.
Arrindell’s participation provided an opportunity to maintain contacts with municipalities and other partners in the Netherlands and to exchange information on issues relevant to St. Maarten.
St. Maarten became a member of VNG in December 2024, marking its first participation as a new member since 10-10-10.
