THE HAGUE, THE NETHERLANDS--On Friday, August 1, 2025, the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary hosted a special Meet & Greet at the Sint Maarten House in The Hague, welcoming the Hon. Melissa D. Gumbs, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport.
The event also marked the official launch of the Cabinet’s Diaspora Database, a new initiative aimed at strengthening engagement with the Sint Maarten community living abroad, particularly students and young professionals in the Netherlands.
Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell opened the evening by introducing the database, noting that it will serve as a central platform for Sint Maarteners in the Netherlands to register, connect, and stay informed about relevant government programs, events, and opportunities. “The database will provide a centralized space for Sint Maarten students and young professionals in the Netherlands to register, connect, and stay informed about initiatives, opportunities, and events that impact our community,” said Arrindell.
Minister Gumbs welcomed the launch of the database, calling it “a valuable tool for the Government to stay connected with the community in the Netherlands.” She used the opportunity to reaffirm her commitment to advancing education and youth development in Sint Maarten.
Speaking to the students present, Minister Gumbs emphasized the long-term importance of education, wherever it is pursued. “The knowledge gained can always be brought back and applied at home,” she said.
She also highlighted improvements made to this year’s preparatory workshops for students heading to the Netherlands and indicated plans to further enhance these efforts. “Students should be made aware well in advance of the steps they can take to prepare for their stay in the Netherlands,” she noted.
Addressing growing concerns about the housing crisis in the Netherlands, Minister Gumbs acknowledged the serious challenges many students are currently facing. She stated that her Ministry is actively exploring solutions in collaboration with the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary, Kingdom partners, and housing corporations.
The evening concluded with a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with the Ministers on the topics discussed, followed by informal conversations and networking.
