THE HAGUE – Dutch State Secretary for the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Eddie van Marum, will make his first official working visit to Sint Maarten, Aruba, and Curaçao from August 10 to 15 since taking over the Kingdom Relations portfolio.
The trip is intended as an introduction to the islands and their leaders, with a focus on food security, Sint Maarten’s post-hurricane reconstruction, and economic development.
Sint Maarten
Van Marum begins his visit on Sunday, August 10, with a tour of both the Dutch and French sides of the island. He will meet staff from the Dutch Representation in Philipsburg and the Temporary Work Organization.
On Monday, August 11, he will hold meetings with Governor Ajamu Baly, Prime Minister Luc Mercelina, and the Council of Ministers, as well as Parliament Chairperson Sarah Wescot-Williams. The afternoon will focus on hurricane-season crisis management and the recovery process following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Together with the National Recovery and Program Bureau, Van Marum will visit reconstruction projects, including the new hospital and the Emergency Debris Management Project. He will also learn about the Enterprise Support Project, which supports local small and medium-sized businesses, and will meet with justice sector partners, including Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling.
Aruba
On Tuesday, August 12, Van Marum travels to Aruba. He will meet with staff of the Dutch Representation in Oranjestad and visit Governor Alfonso Boekhoudt. He will then meet Parliament Chair Marlon Sneek and party leaders.
On Wednesday, August 13, he will hold discussions with Prime Minister Mike Eman, Deputy Prime Minister Gerlien Croes, and Finance Minister Geoffrey Wever. A key topic will be food security, with the Dutch government allocating €24 million through a new revolving fund. Van Marum will also tour the AGRI Innovation Park, which focuses on sustainable agriculture and food security, and visit various locations across the island, including San Nicolas and Palm Beach.
Curaçao
Van Marum’s visit to Curaçao begins on Thursday, August 14, with a meeting with Governor Lucille George-Wout, who will step down on November 4 after two terms in office. He will then meet the Council of Ministers, led by Deputy Prime Minister Javier Silvania, and speak with Parliament Chairperson Fergino Brownbill.
He will visit Hòfi Cas Cora, an eco-farm run by young local entrepreneurs, and hold discussions on border security. During a walk through Otrobanda, he will meet with civil society representatives and business leaders. Van Marum will also visit the Mangrove Park Curaçao with Carmabi park rangers to learn about the challenges facing mangroves and coral reefs.
On Friday, August 15, the final day of the trip, Van Marum will visit the newly opened office of the Slavery Memorial Committee and the monument honoring resistance leader Tula. In connection with food security, he will meet with the Zakito fishing cooperative and representatives from the Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Department. His final stops will include a visit to Stichting Bob, which works to protect native birds, and a local supermarket.
