SINT MAARTEN/THE HAGUE — Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina continued his working mission in the Netherlands with a meeting at VNG, advancing practical cooperation in energy sustainability, climate resilience, waste management, and institutional strengthening for Sint Maarten.
The engagement follows the Prime Minister's formal signing of Sint Maarten's Certificate of Extraordinary Membership with the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) in December 2025, alongside VNG Chair and Mayor of Utrecht Sharon Dijksma. The meeting provided an opportunity to build on that milestone and identify concrete areas where the partnership can support national development.
“When we formalized Sint Maarten's membership last year, the objective was never simply to establish another international relationship. It was to create opportunities that deliver tangible benefits for our country. We must now translate that commitment into practical cooperation, stronger institutions, and measurable results for our people,” Prime Minister Mercelina stated.
Accompanied by Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita R. Arrindell, Secretary-General Dr. Abel Knottnerus, and Chief of Staff Stuart Johnson, the Prime Minister discussed opportunities for technical assistance and professional capacity development, particularly in addressing shortages of specialized expertise within Government.
The discussions also addressed ongoing cooperation concerning GEBE, including governance support and the importance of advancing renewable energy solutions. Climate adaptation featured prominently, with the Prime Minister advocating practical flood-prevention initiatives that could benefit from Dutch technical expertise.
Importantly, the meeting explored opportunities to access European Union funding mechanisms for eligible climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure projects. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of identifying available financing instruments, assessing Sint Maarten's eligibility, and developing credible proposals capable of attracting external support.
“Sint Maarten must position itself to benefit from the expertise and financial opportunities available through our partnerships, including European funding mechanisms. We cannot afford to leave opportunities unexplored while our country faces pressing development challenges. Our focus must be on identifying solutions, mobilizing resources, and getting projects implemented,” Mercelina emphasized.
Waste management was another central topic, with the Prime Minister reiterating that addressing the existing landfill must go hand in hand with establishing a sustainable long-term waste-management system. The discussions also highlighted the importance of greater technical cooperation with relevant Dutch institutions.
A significant outcome was the shared intention to pursue further engagement between VNG International and the Council of Ministers of Sint Maarten. This would provide an opportunity for ministers to explore available technical assistance, institutional partnerships, and potential development financing relevant to their respective portfolios. Further coordination will determine the arrangements for this engagement.
“Last year, we formalized the partnership. Today, we are advancing its implementation. The next step is ensuring that this cooperation reaches across Government and produces real results. Ultimately, partnerships must be measured not by the meetings we hold, but by the improvements we deliver for the people of Sint Maarten,” Prime Minister Mercelina concluded.
