June 16, 2026 No comments
Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell meets with Expert Group on the Democratic Deficit within the Kingdom
THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE) – Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita Arrindell recently participated in an interview with the expert group on the Democratic Deficit within the Kingdom of the Netherlands at the Cabinet in The Hague. The interview formed part of a series of consultations being conducted by the expert group in all four countries of the Kingdom. The group was mandated by the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO) to examine the democratic deficit within the Kingdom and to identify opportunities for strengthening democratic participation, representation and cooperation. During the interview, Minister Arrindell shared perspectives and experiences regarding the functioning of Kingdom governance, the role of the Caribbean countries within the Kingdom structure, and mechanisms for participation and representation in Kingdom decision-making processes. The discussion...
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June 16, 2026 No comments
Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied strengthens cultural partnerships across the SSS Islands
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied (CCG) recently concluded a working visit to Saba, St. Eustatius and Sint Maarten, strengthening relationships with cultural stakeholders, supporting project development and exploring new opportunities for cultural investment across the region. The visit culminated in two key highlights on Sint Maarten: the introduction of the Fonds op Naam (FoN) concept to the business community and the presentation of the 2026 CCG Culture Prize to EPIC (Environmental Protection in Sint Maarten). Throughout the week, the CCG team met with artists, cultural organizations, heritage practitioners, educators and community leaders through a series of information sessions, project consultations and stakeholder meetings across the three islands. Supporting Cultural Development On Saba and St. Eustatius, discussions focused on heritage preservation,...
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June 16, 2026 No comments
Successful No Mas No More Work Conference Held in Sint Maarten and St. Eustatius
SINT MAARTEN/SINT EUSTATIUS - From June 8 to 12, 2026, members of the No Mas No More (NMNM) working group gathered in Sint Maarten and St. Eustatius for their annual work conference. The conference brought together representatives from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, Sint Maarten, and the Dutch ministries of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), Education, Culture and Science (OCW), and Justice and Security (JenV). The goal was to strengthen cooperation in combating domestic violence and child abuse. During the week, participants worked on topics such as the future ratification and implementation of the Istanbul Convention, temporary barring orders, inter-island cooperation for victim support and early detection of risk factors related to gender-based violence. In addition, participants worked on agreements for a...
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June 16, 2026 No comments
DIGITAL HEALTHCARE MILESTONE REACHED AS ALL LOCAL DOCTORS ADOPT NEW SYSTEM
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Sint Maarten has reached a major milestone in the modernization of healthcare, with all general practitioners (GPs), on the Dutch side, now connected through a digital General Practitioner Information System (GPIS), implemented through the coordinated efforts of SZV Social & Health Insurances and the country’s healthcare partners. The implementation marks an important advancement in SZV’s broader healthcare transformation agenda and represents a significant step toward more connected, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare delivery on Sint Maarten. The GP Information System enables healthcare providers to securely register, manage, and exchange patient medical information digitally. The system improves access to important patient information, streamlines administrative processes, and strengthens collaboration between healthcare professionals across the healthcare chain. One of the first major...
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June 16, 2026 No comments
VSA Review Finds No Formal Complaints Against Prime Minister Mercelina and Reaffirms his Commitment to Civil Servant Protection
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Prime Minister Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina, in his capacity as Acting Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), has reaffirmed the Government's unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency, professionalism, and the protection of civil servants throughout the public service. Following recent public statements by Member of Parliament Francisco Lacroes regarding whistleblower protections, safeguards for civil servants, and the ability of public officials to raise concerns without fear of retaliation, Prime Minister Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina, in his capacity as Acting Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), requested a factual review from the Ministry VSA to determine whether any formal complaints, reports, or documented concerns had been submitted through the appropriate...
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