Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary Michael Somersall.
PHILIPSBURG–The staff of the Minister Plenipotentiary’s Cabinet under leadership of Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary Michael Somersall participated in an Emigration Expo in the municipality of Houten, Netherlands, in February.
The Emigration Expo is an annual event aimed at migrants, returning emigrants, expats, students, entrepreneurs, retired bon vivants and others who migrate to countries within the region or abroad. It is the largest expo of its kind in Europe and is visited by more than 11,000 people.
As a first timer participant at the Expo, St. Maarten attracted a sizable crowd to its stand where it received favourable feedback and a growing amount of interest about the country from the visitors to the stand.
Somersall said he had the opportunity to interact with St. Maarten students and young professionals who are contemplating coming back home, adding that some had indicated that the Expo played a critical role for some of their friends and acquaintances, hence the reason for their visit to the Expo every year.
As a result of St. Maarten’s success at the Expo, director and organiser Tom Bey contacted the Cabinet and expressed his gratitude and complimented the Cabinet on the positive feedback he had received from patrons at the Expo. The idea of St. Maarten as the hosting country of the Expo was launched, and the Expo would be themed The Dutch Caribbean.
This opportunity, according to Somersall, falls in line with the St. Maarten government’s governing programme, as it entails connecting the academic population and professionals while stimulating and encouraging them to return to the country.
Somersall encourages stakeholders to attend the information session being held at University of St. Martin (USM) this Friday, June 28 at 4:00pm.
Somersall: “Mr. Bey could not have offered us a better opportunity of showcasing St. Maarten at the Expo. The Caribbean aisles are one of the busiest (re)emigration destinations at the Expo. Tranquillity, open spaces, a place under the sun are the ingredients that attract.
“Annually, there are many Dutch emigrant and island children who leave for the Caribbean islands to live, work or to set up a business there. They help build economic growth in the health care, infrastructure, IT [information technology – Ed.] and tourism sectors.
“It is crucial that all stakeholders – government agencies, estate agents, removal/shipping companies and other service providers – help the future young professionals with their (returning) emigration plans during the Emigration Expo.”
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/88715-st-maarten-host-country-for-emigration-expo-in-houten
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