PHILIPSBURG – Eric van der Burg has concluded the Windward Islands leg of his introductory visit, ending with a stop in Sint Maarten after earlier visits to Saba and Sint Eustatius.
During his visit, Van der Burg focused on major reconstruction and development projects on the island, sharing updates through social media platform X.
The State Secretary (m) is concluding his visit to Sint Maarten
Among the key sites visited was the prison, where construction of a new facility has recently begun. According to Van der Burg, the project is not only focused on infrastructure but also on staff training and the resocialization of inmates.
The state secretary also toured several reconstruction initiatives linked to post-hurricane recovery, including the island’s landfill as part of the Trust Fund-financed Emergency Debris Management Project (EDMP). The project aims to improve waste management and move Sint Maarten toward a more sustainable system.
In addition, Van der Burg visited projects under the Sint Maarten Wastewater Management Project (SWMP), which is designed to expand sewer connections to more households and upgrade wastewater treatment facilities. He noted that these efforts are part of broader steps toward a more sustainable future for the island.
Discussions with the Council of Ministers of Sint Maarten also addressed the continuation of the so-called “Landspakketten,” the reform packages agreed within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. A decision on their continuation is expected after the summer.
Van der Burg further met with Prime Minister Luc Mercelina to mark progress on the construction of a new national library. The facility is being rebuilt on the same site where it was destroyed by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
According to Van der Burg, the new library will serve as a space for education, learning, and community engagement.
Following his visit to Sint Maarten, the state secretary is continuing his trip to Aruba.