By Foresee Foundation
Foresee Foundation is grateful to the departing Commander of the Marine Detachment St. Maarten, Major Arie Noordam, for his commitment to fostering meaningful connections between the military and the island’s non-profit sector. Noordam’s tenure was marked by efforts to bridge gaps and enhance collaboration between these two critical sectors, laying the foundation for greater collaboration.
One of Noordam’s notable contributions was his participation in the Foresee Foundation’s workshop series, where he hosted an engaging session titled “The role of the military in the event of a disaster and how it is activated.” The well-attended event provided local non-profit organizations (NPOs) with invaluable insights into the military’s role in disaster response, equipping them with knowledge to collaborate effectively in times of crisis.
Foresee Foundation Director Jose Sommers highlighted Noordam’s contributions: “Major Noordam’s dedication to building bridges between the military and the non-profit community is inspiring. His efforts have fostered a spirit of collaboration that will benefit St. Maarten. We extend our gratitude and wish him every success in his future endeavours. We also look forward to continuing this vital partnership with the Marine Detachment under Major Niels Houtenbos’ leadership.”
During the official handover ceremony on November 28, aboard HNLMS Holland, Noordam reflected on his tenure. Speaking to dignitaries, including Governor Ajamu Baly, Parliament President Sarah Wescot-Williams, and Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, he noted the transformative changes in the detachment since 2013. He emphasized the benefits of a fixed unit, where longer rotations have allowed marines to integrate more deeply with the local community.
“As the marines stay longer, they also feel more connected to the island and its people,” Noordam remarked. “This connection enhances collaboration and integration with local emergency services, leading to better crisis preparedness. The resilience of St. Maarten, especially after Hurricane Irma, has shown us that working together is crucial to safeguarding our community in times of disaster.”
Under Noordam’s leadership, the detachment supported major events, including hurricane relief efforts, the COVID-19 pandemic response, and local elections.
The Foresee Foundation also congratulated Major Niels Houtenbos on his new command and expressed optimism about continuing the strong partnership. Houtenbos plans to uphold his predecessor’s legacy, focusing on readiness and collaboration while preparing for the establishment of a new support centre for the detachment.
As St. Maarten faces future challenges, the connection between the military and the non-profit sector, facilitated by Noordam, will remain a testament to the power of collaboration and the Marine Detachment’s enduring commitment to being helpful in building resilience and serving the community.”
