Some of the youngest members of the St. Maarten diaspora in the Netherlands along with Miss Zuid Holland, Miss Dutch Caribbean, Miss Universe Netherlands, and Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita Arrindell at the St. Martin Day 2025 celebration in Rijswijk.
THE HAGUE--Hundreds of St. Maarteners, students, professionals, and friends of the island came together on Saturday, November 8, for a vibrant celebration of St. Martin Day 2025 at De Broodfabriek in Rijswijk.
The event, themed “Sankofa: Learning from the Past to Build for the Future,” celebrated St. Maarten’s culture and unity through music, art, food, and fellowship. Hosted by the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary and Small Island Unity (SIU), the day featured live steel-pan performances, a traditional brass band, cultural dances, and appearances by Caribbean artistes including Ebony Empress, Big Mac, and DJ Bean.
Guests also enjoyed island cuisine, local vendor displays, and art exhibits that showcased the island’s creative spirit.
In her address, Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita Arrindell reflected on the day’s meaning and called for unity within the diaspora.
“Today, we celebrate not only the beauty and resilience of our island, but the spirit of unity that binds us, one island, one people, two nations, yet one heart,” she said. “Our diaspora is not a distant community, it is an untapped asset, full of talent, innovation, and belonging that St. Maarten needs now more than ever.”
Arrindell also highlighted the Cabinet’s recent accomplishments, including the launch of the St Maarten Diaspora Database, designed to connect students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs across the Netherlands and beyond. She highlighted ongoing investments in youth development through programmes such as the Cari-Aire Internship Program and academic collaborations with Dutch universities.
“Through these initiatives,” Arrindell said, “we are strengthening the bridge between home and abroad, ensuring that St. Maarteners everywhere remain part of our nation’s story.”
As the rhythms of bouyon and soca filled the hall, the celebration served as both a joyful reunion and a reminder of the enduring strength of small island communities around the world.
Visitor Candy Hazel praised the event’s success, saying, “Over the past two years, I’ve seen the visibility of St. Maarten in the Netherlands grow tremendously. This celebration was once again amazing!”
