Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita Arrindell is looking to Aruba for guidance as Sint Maarten works toward establishing its own National Archive.
During a recent working visit, Arrindell met with representatives of the Aruba National Archives to learn more about the systems, partnerships, and long-term planning needed to build a sustainable archive for Sint Maarten.
Discussions focused on practical steps, institutional structure, funding possibilities, and possible cooperation with cultural organizations and international bodies such as UNESCO.
Arrindell said a national archive is important for preserving Sint Maarten’s history and ensuring public access to records for future generations.
Aruba’s National Archives, established in 1994, serves as the island’s official repository for government documents, photographs, audiovisual material, and other historically significant records.
Officials also highlighted Aruba’s push toward digital access through its “Coleccion Aruba” heritage platform, which allows people around the world to explore parts of the island’s history online.
For Sint Maarten, the meeting marks another step toward building a permanent home for the country’s documentary heritage.