Story: Eric van der Burg has concluded the first leg of his Dutch Caribbean visit, ending with key meetings and site tours in Sint Maarten.
The visit, which also included Saba and Sint Eustatius, focused on assessing development projects and strengthening cooperation within the Kingdom.
While on Sint Maarten, the State Secretary met with Luc Mercelina and members of the Council of Ministers to review progress on infrastructure, education, and national recovery efforts.
Key stops included the new library construction site, the landfill, the wastewater treatment facility on Illidge Road, and the Point Blanche Prison project—part of broader efforts to improve resilience and public services on the island.
Prime Minister Mercelina emphasized that the visit reflects a shared responsibility within the Kingdom to ensure Sint Maarten’s development remains sustainable and inclusive, while also advocating for a more tailored approach that recognizes the realities of small island states.
Discussions also touched on the ongoing Country Packages and the possibility of a future round table conference on Kingdom relations.
The State Secretary reaffirmed continued support from the Netherlands, highlighting the importance of collaboration as Sint Maarten advances its recovery and long-term development goals.
He now continues his regional visit to Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire.