THE HAGUE – The Dutch Council of Ministers has approved the appointment of Gerbert Kunst as the new Representative of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, effective May 15, 2025. His nomination was put forward by State Secretary Zsolt Szabó (Digitalization and Kingdom Relations). Kunst will succeed Edson Hato, who resigned in November 2024, just a year after taking on the role.
A Strong Diplomatic and Policy Background
Gerbert Kunst currently serves as Director of International Policy at the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science (OCW). His previous roles include:
Consul General of the Netherlands in San Francisco
Director of European and International Affairs at the Ministry of Economic Affairs
He holds a law degree from Leiden University and has obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Public Administration (MPA).
Kunst’s Vision for the Kingdom
Reflecting on his new role, Kunst expressed enthusiasm for strengthening ties within the Kingdom:
"In recent years, I have worked with colleagues from Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten to enhance cooperation in education, culture, and science, including through the Strategic Education Alliance. With this experience and the firm belief that our four countries can achieve more together than separately, I look forward to representing the Netherlands across the full spectrum of government policy in these three nations. I am eager to work with a dedicated team at our offices in Willemstad, Oranjestad, and Philipsburg to foster collaboration with governments, businesses, academic institutions, and civil society.”
A Key Role in Strengthening Kingdom Relations
State Secretary Szabó welcomed Kunst’s appointment, highlighting his extensive international experience:
“Gerbert Kunst brings a wealth of expertise, both internationally and within The Hague. He is a highly driven professional, and I expect him to play a crucial role as a bridge-builder in economic, financial, and law enforcement matters. His understanding of the Caribbean part of the Kingdom will be invaluable in fostering a strong partnership between the Netherlands and Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten.”
The Role of the Dutch Representation in the Caribbean
The Representation of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten (VNACS) has offices in Willemstad, Oranjestad, and Philipsburg and serves as the official link between the Netherlands and the three autonomous countries. The Representative leads the VNACS, playing a vital role in maintaining diplomatic and economic relations. The VNACS also contributes to Dutch policy development for the Caribbean territories, provides assistance to Dutch citizens in need, and coordinates Dutch emergency aid during major crises.
Until Kunst’s official appointment in May, Saskia de Reuver, Director of Kingdom Relations at the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, will temporarily assume the role of Representative for Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten.