Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell and Minister of Education Gumbs Discuss Student Engagement and Support

On Tuesday , August 4th, 2026, Minister Plenipotentiary, Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell met with Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS), Melissa D. Gumbs, during a working visit to the Cabinet in The Hague.

During the meeting, Minister Arrindell provided an update on the Cabinet’s ongoing initiatives to support Sint Maarten students in the Netherlands.

Discussions included the Cabinet’s student engagement sessions, the continued growth of the diaspora database, and the Cabinet’s efforts to create platforms that foster greater connection and engagement among students and the wider Sint Maarten community.

Both Minister Gumbs and Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell discussed the importance of equipping students with the knowledge and practical information they need before leaving Sint Maarten, while promoting personal responsibility, ownership, and independence as they transition to studying and living in the Netherlands.

The growing prevalence of mental health challenges among students was also discussed, along with the importance of ensuring that students know where to access the support and resources available to them when needed.

Both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration to support the well-being and success of Sint Maarten students in the Netherlands.