Hundreds of Sint Maarteners and friends of the island came together on Saturday, November 8, for a vibrant St. Martin’s Day 2025 celebration at De Broodfabriek in Rijswijk.
Hosted by the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary and Small Island Unity (SIU), the event carried the theme “Sankofa: Learning from the Past to Build for the Future.” It featured steelpan music, cultural dances, a brass band, and performances by Ebony Empress, Big Mac, and DJ Bean — all celebrating the island’s heritage and unity.
Her Excellency Drs. Gracita Arrindell, Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, reflected on the day’s significance, emphasizing unity within the diaspora. “Our diaspora is not a distant community but an untapped asset full of talent, innovation, and belonging that Sint Maarten needs now more than ever,” she said.
Minister Arrindell also highlighted new initiatives such as the Sint Maarten Diaspora Database and youth programs including the Cari-Aire Internship, designed to strengthen connections between Sint Maarteners at home and abroad.
The celebration, filled with island cuisine, art, and music, was praised by attendees as one of the most spirited cultural gatherings to date — a joyful reflection of the motto, One Island, One People, One Heart.