PHILIPSBURG – More than 90 participants from across the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom gathered last Thursday at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort for a regional pension seminar organized by pension umbrella organization CaPAs under the theme “For Our Shared Future.”
The afternoon seminar focused on the role of pension systems in building long-term prosperity and resilience in the Caribbean region. Representatives from pension funds, governments, financial institutions and other stakeholders from the Dutch Caribbean participated in the event.
Acting Minister of Finance Nathalie Tackling delivered the opening address on behalf of the Ministry of Finance. Tackling, who previously served as chair of the Supervisory Board of the General Pension Fund of Sint Maarten (APS), stressed the importance of sustainable pension systems and stronger regional cooperation.
Governor Ajamu Baly attended not only the opening ceremony but remained present throughout the seminar and actively participated in the working sessions, something participants reportedly appreciated.
The program included keynote presentations by Daniel van Vuuren, Onno Steenbeek and Parveen Boertje, who addressed topics ranging from demographic change and pension governance to financial education and social resilience.
Participants later joined interactive working sessions led by Emilio Kalmera, Johan Oldenboom and Shekinah Dare. The sessions focused on financial resilience, intergenerational solidarity and the long-term sustainability of pension systems.
According to organizers, the interactive nature of the discussions was widely appreciated and encouraged participants to examine pension challenges from different perspectives.
APS director Oscar Williams said he was highly satisfied with the seminar.
“We received a great deal of positive feedback from participants. The seminar was not only about pensions in a technical or financial sense, but about how strong and resilient pension systems contribute to overall prosperity, social stability and a dignified retirement for people throughout the Caribbean region,” Williams stated.
Following the formal closing session, participants continued networking during an informal gathering on the terrace of the Sonesta Maho hotel. Despite a brief rain shower, discussions and exchanges of ideas reportedly continued well into the evening.
The seminar concluded with a forward-looking discussion on strengthening resilience and prosperity in the Dutch Caribbean through sustainable and inclusive pension systems.