THE HAGUE, WILLEMSTAD – Gerbert Kunst will step down as the Representative of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten on March 1, 2027, ending his assignment less than two years after taking office. The Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations announced on Tuesday that Kunst requested an early departure due to personal circumstances.
Kunst assumed his position on May 15, 2025, serving as an important link between the Dutch government and the three autonomous Caribbean countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Gerbert Kunst
According to the ministry, Kunst had initially intended to leave earlier but agreed to postpone his departure by several months at the request of senior ministry officials to ensure continuity in the representation.
In a statement, Kunst expressed appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to cooperation among the four countries of the Kingdom.
During his assignment, he focused on several areas of mutual interest, including economic development, support for vulnerable sectors of society, food security, sustainability, and strengthening resilience against crises.
Kunst indicated that he had enjoyed working with government officials, businesses, educational and research institutions, and civil society organizations across the Caribbean countries.
However, unexpected developments in his personal life have made it necessary for him to return to the Netherlands.
"Sometimes unexpected turns in life make me feel compelled to return to the Netherlands," Kunst said.
The ministry has not disclosed further details about the personal circumstances behind his decision.
Barbera Wolfensberger, Director-General for Kingdom Relations at the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, expressed regret over Kunst's departure.
She described him as an important connector who helped strengthen relationships between governments, businesses, knowledge institutions, and civil society organizations.
The position of Representative of the Netherlands plays a significant role in maintaining communication and cooperation between The Hague and the governments of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten.
The representative serves as a point of contact for Dutch government ministries and supports cooperation on matters affecting the Caribbean countries and the wider Kingdom.
Following Kunst's departure, Deputy Representative Marieke van der Linden will assume his responsibilities on an acting basis beginning March 1, 2027.
The ministry has not announced when a permanent successor will be appointed.
Kunst will return to the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations in the Netherlands, where he will take up the position of Director of Knowledge, International Affairs, Europe and Macroeconomics (KIEM).
He will also serve as Cluster Director for Administrative Support.
His departure will mark the conclusion of an assignment that began in May 2025 and focused on strengthening cooperation and maintaining relationships between the Netherlands and its Caribbean Kingdom partners.
Until his departure at the end of February 2027, Kunst is expected to continue carrying out his responsibilities as the Dutch representative in the Caribbean countries.