THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE) – Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, received a courtesy visit on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from Achim Fock, World Bank Division Director for the Caribbean.
Fock who was appointed effective July 1, 2026, is currently having introductory meetings. He is based within the World Bank’s Caribbean operations headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica.
During the meeting, the programming of the remaining Sint Maarten World Bank Trust Fund projects, as well as the importance of ensuring that these initiatives leave behind strong and sustainable institutions was discussed.
The meeting also focused on how this is being achieved through continued investment in local capacity, knowledge transfer, and strengthening institutions to support long-term sustainability beyond the life of the Trust Fund.
Sint Maarten is listed among the countries and territories covered by the World Bank’s Caribbean regional operations. The National Recovery Program Bureau is also identified by the Bank as one of its Caribbean partners.
At the meeting were steering committee members of the Sint Maarten World Bank Trust Fund, namely on behalf of the Netherlands, Frans Weekers, and on behalf of Sint Maarten, Ronald Halman.
Also present were programme manager of the Sint Maarten World Bank Trust Fund, Toyin Jagha, Interim Deputy-Director of the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB), Rueben Thompson and Director of the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary Carol Voges.
