The Council of Ministers has agreed, on the recommendation of State Secretary Zsolt Szabó of Digitalization and Kingdom Relations, to appoint Mr. Gerbert Kunst as the new Representative of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. Mr. Kunsts appointment will take effect on May 15, 2025.
Mr. G.P.G. (Gerbert) Kunst is currently the director of International Policy at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW). He was previously, among other positions, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in San Francisco and Director of European and International Affairs at the Ministry of Economic Affairs (EZ). Mr. Kunst studied law in Leiden and also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Public Administration (MPA).
The Representation of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten (VNACS) has offices in Willemstad (VNW), Oranjestad (VNO), and Philipsburg (VNP) and represents the Netherlands in the three countries. The Representative is in charge of this and plays a crucial role in maintaining a good relationship with the three autonomous countries. VNACS contributes to the establishment of Dutch policy for the countries and its implementation. It also provides assistance and support for Dutch citizens in distress and coordinates the management of aid from the Netherlands during major crises. The representation carries out its tasks in good cooperation with all four countries in the Kingdom.
Gerbert Kunst:“In recent years, I have contributed from OCW with colleagues from Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten to strengthening cooperation within the Kingdom in the areas of education, culture, and science. For example, through the establishment of the Strategic Education Alliance. With that experience and the strong belief that we can achieve more together with four countries in the context of the Kingdom from an equal position than each alone, I look forward to representing the Netherlands in these three countries across the full breadth of government policy. And especially to do so with a team of good and motivated colleagues at the three offices, with whom I would like to be the linchpin and connector in this relationship for partners such as governments, businesses, knowledge institutions, and civil society.”
State Secretary Szabó is pleased with the appointment:“Gerbert Kunst brings a wealth of international and Hague experience with him. He is a driven professional, and I expect him, together with his colleagues, to become the important bridge builder who can contribute to broadening and deepening the relationship in both the economic-financial and law enforcement domains. I am glad that we have found a candidate for this position who, given his knowledge and experience with the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, has an eye for what is needed for good cooperation between the Netherlands and Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten.”
Until the new representative takes office, Mr. Drs. S.J.P.L. (Saskia) de Reuver will act as Representative in Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten in her role as Director of Kingdom Relations/Countries at the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.