Washington, D.C. – September 28, 2026
Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Hon. Claret Connor, is leading a delegation from Sint Maarten to the 63rd Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), taking place at PAHO Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The Directing Council brings together Ministers of Health and other high-level health authorities from across the Americas to discuss regional public health priorities, review progress, and consider policies and strategies aimed at strengthening health systems and improving health outcomes throughout the region.
Minister Connor is joined by Secretary General of VSA Joy Arnell, Head of the Department of Public Health Fenna Arnell, and Cabinet Advisor Dominique Hodge.
Throughout the week, the Sint Maarten delegation will participate in discussions addressing key regional priorities, including strengthening health emergency preparedness and response, primary health care, digital transformation in health, disease prevention and elimination, and improving the resilience of health systems.
Also attending the PAHO Directing Council are representatives from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba, and Curaçao, providing an important opportunity for continued bilateral discussions on areas of mutual interest. These engagements will focus on strengthening cooperation and exploring how available resources, expertise, and partnerships can support the continued development of health services and shared public health priorities across the Kingdom.
The meetings also provide an important opportunity for Sint Maarten to engage directly with regional counterparts and PAHO representatives, exchange experiences, and explore opportunities for continued technical cooperation and collaboration.
“Many of the public health challenges we face are shared across our region, and there is tremendous value in coming together to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and identify practical solutions,” Minister Connor stated. “We look forward to connecting with our regional colleagues as we continue these important discussions on public health and the future of healthcare in our region.”
Sint Maarten’s participation in the 63rd Directing Council reinforces the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the country’s public health system while remaining actively engaged in regional dialogue and cooperation.
During the week, the delegation will also participate in a number of bilateral and technical engagements aimed at advancing Sint Maarten’s public health priorities and strengthening its ongoing partnership with PAHO.
