Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina met with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof to push for clearer timelines and stronger support regarding Sint Maarten’s Country Package reforms and the future of the World Bank–managed Trust Fund. Mercelina described the discussion as constructive, emphasizing practical solutions and shared responsibility.
While reaffirming Sint Maarten’s commitment to the reforms, Mercelina stressed the need for realistic timelines. He argued that the current end date—April 2027—is too soon for Sint Maarten to meaningfully complete the required work. “Reforms must be sustainable,” he said. “Our people deserve changes that work, not rushed deadlines.”
A major focus was the fate of the Emergency Debris Management Project and the closure of the island’s landfill, a long-standing environmental and public health concern. Sint Maarten and the Netherlands have agreed the landfill must close by 2032, but the Trust Fund is scheduled to end in 2028. Mercelina said extended financial and technical support is essential for VROMI to carry out the complex work ahead.
“For us, the landfill affects daily life and the future of our children,” he emphasized. “We are fully committed to the 2032 closure, but we cannot meet that goal if institutions operate on conflicting timelines.”
Mercelina said the meeting allowed for honest dialogue and expressed hope for stronger alignment moving forward. “Our people need stability and steady progress. Today was an important step toward ensuring that.”