Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina and other parties who attended the meeting.
THE HAGUE--Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina wants practical results from St. Maarten’s partnership with the Association of Netherlands Municipalities VNG, with discussions focusing on energy sustainability, climate resilience, waste management and strengthening government institutions.
The meeting formed part of Mercelina’s working mission in the Netherlands and followed St. Maarten’s formal signing of its Certificate of Extraordinary Membership with VNG in December 2025. The certificate was signed alongside VNG Chair and Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma.
Mercelina said the partnership should produce practical benefits for St. Maarten rather than remain a formal relationship. “We must now translate that commitment into practical cooperation, stronger institutions and measurable results for our people,” he stated.
The prime minister was accompanied by Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita Arrindell, Secretary-General Abel Knottnerus and Chief of Staff Stuart Johnson.
The discussions explored technical assistance and professional development to help address shortages of specialised expertise within government.
Cooperation concerning utilities company GEBE was also discussed, including governance support and the need to advance renewable energy solutions. Climate adaptation featured prominently, with Mercelina advocating practical flood-prevention initiatives that could benefit from Dutch technical expertise.
The meeting also explored opportunities to access European Union funding mechanisms for eligible climate resilience, environmental sustainability and infrastructure projects.
Mercelina said St. Maarten needed to identify available financing instruments, assess its eligibility and develop credible proposals to attract external support.
“St. Maarten must position itself to benefit from the expertise and financial opportunities available through our partnerships, including European funding mechanisms,” he said.
Waste management was another central topic. Mercelina reiterated that addressing the existing landfill must go hand in hand with establishing a sustainable, long-term waste-management system. The discussions also highlighted the importance of greater technical cooperation with relevant Dutch institutions.
A significant outcome was the shared intention to pursue further engagement between VNG International and St. Maarten’s Council of Ministers.
The proposed engagement would give ministers an opportunity to explore technical assistance, institutional partnerships and potential development financing relevant to their respective portfolios. Further coordination will determine the arrangements.
Mercelina said the next step was to extend the cooperation across government and ensure that it led to improvements for residents. “Ultimately, partnerships must be measured not by the meetings we hold, but by the improvements we deliver for the people of St. Maarten,” he said.
