Summit participants.
PHILIPSBURG--Representatives of 23 organisations from across the Dutch Caribbean are in St. Maarten for the Fourth Annual Integrity Summit, which is focusing on strengthening institutions and promoting ethical leadership.
The summit began on November 2 and will continue through November 6. It is organised annually by the National Integrity Bureaus across the Dutch Caribbean, with the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) facilitating the event. This year’s summit is hosted by the Integrity Chamber of St. Maarten.
Held under the theme “Building Stronger Organisations”, the programme focusses on strengthening institutions through stronger integrity infrastructure. It also provides an opportunity for professional development, closer cooperation and discussions about integrity-related responsibilities.
The opening ceremony on Monday, November 2, featured remarks by Integrity Chamber President Rik Bergman, Prime Minister Luc Mercelina and Governor Ajamu Baly.
Integrity Chamber Director Charna Pompier also presented an update on the ongoing progress review of Sint Maarten’s National Integrity System.
The opening ceremony concluded with a keynote address by Lady A. Anande Tropman-Joseph, Executive of the Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies.
Addressing delegates, Tropman-Joseph said that everything rises and falls on leadership. She said leaders must maintain continuous dialogue and share knowledge to strengthen their oversight capacity.
Her remarks also focused on the importance of ethical leadership in developing a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability.
Other speakers scheduled to contribute during the week include attorney-at-law Mirto Murray; Brenda Martinez-Hammer, Administrative Law Judge and Investigating Judge at the Court of First Instance of St. Maarten; Jonathan Soeharno, Professor of
Administration of Justice and Legal Philosophy at the University of Amsterdam; and Public Prosecutor Danny Hazejager.
Their contributions will address issues related to integrity, accountability and the role of public institutions in upholding ethical standards.
The 23 participating organisations and representatives bring together professionals and leaders from the six islands to exchange practical experiences and strengthen regional cooperation.
The summit aims to support stronger, more accountable and resilient public institutions throughout the Dutch Caribbean through continued dialogue, collaboration and the sharing of best practices.
