THE HAGUE – Sint Maarten’s Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita Arrindell is calling for closer cooperation among Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten in The Hague, saying the three Caribbean countries should coordinate more closely on Kingdom affairs and issues affecting their shared interests.
Arrindell made the remarks following the first meeting of the Kingdom Council of Ministers after the summer recess, held on Friday, August 28.
According to Arrindell, the meeting marked the first time that the three Ministers Plenipotentiary were able to participate together in a collective setting following recent appointments in Aruba and Curaçao.
Aruba’s Minister Plenipotentiary Mildred Schwengle was appointed in March, while Curaçao recently appointed Sidney Justiana to represent the country in The Hague.
Arrindell said closer cooperation among the three Caribbean countries, commonly referred to as the CAS countries, is important to ensure they remain informed and coordinated on developments within the Kingdom.
She stressed the importance of exchanging views on their respective roles and responsibilities while discussing priorities that may affect each country individually or the three countries collectively.
Among the issues that could benefit from closer consultation are the progress and future of the Country Packages, known as the Landspakketten, as well as food security initiatives involving the Carifood Fund.
Other potential areas for coordination include broader Kingdom relations, socioeconomic development, public finance supervision and the implementation of motions and commitments previously adopted by the Dutch House of Representatives.
The Ministers Plenipotentiary represent Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten within the Kingdom Council of Ministers when matters concerning the Kingdom are discussed. Their position gives the Caribbean countries a direct role in deliberations at the Kingdom level in The Hague.
Arrindell said maintaining close engagement is particularly important because decisions and debates in the Netherlands can have consequences for the Caribbean countries.
“It is important for the CAS islands to maintain a strong engagement as Kingdom partners and stay informed on parliamentary discussions that impact the countries of the Kingdom in general, and particularly Sint Maarten,” Arrindell said.
Her comments come amid continued discussions about the future relationship between the Netherlands and the Caribbean countries, including financial supervision, economic reforms and the extent to which Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten are involved in decisions taken at the Kingdom level.