Familiarization Trip of Secretary of State Van Marum Focused on Good Governance, Food Security, and Nature Conservation

The secretary of state lands on Sint Maarten over the weekend where he is welcomed by Prime Minister Mercelina. He is also offered a boat tour by the coast guard.

The official working visit starts on Monday, October 13, on Sint Eustatius with a discussion with STENAPA about the challenges for nature and the environment. He then visits the seaport and receives information about the work at the cliff. The secretary of state is also updated on the Regional Deal Sint Eustatius and the activities surrounding the commemoration of First Salute Statia 2026. During an island tour with deputy Rechelline Leerdam, he gets acquainted with agricultural initiatives on the island. Producing affordable vegetables and fruits for the local population is of great importance for Statia. Later that day, the secretary of state meets with the executive council and the island council.

Van Marum arrives early in the morning by ferry on Saba. Upon arrival, he has a familiarization breakfast with the executive council. After this, he meets with the island council. He then visits the location where the new port is to be built. He talks with the Saba Conservation Foundation about the state of nature on Saba and the opportunities for nature tourism. The secretary of state visits St. Johns due to the Regional Deal Saba. This includes the construction of a multifunctional center and a new school. The day ends with an island tour focusing on agricultural projects, reforestation, fisheries projects, and food security.

In Curaçao, the secretary of state speaks with Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas and Governor Lucille George-Wout. He also speaks with farmers and fishermen.

In Bonaire, the secretary of state visits the waste processor Selibon. He also talks with Stichting Pro Lagun, which represents the residents around the landfill. During a visit to the water and energy company WEB, the secretary of state is briefed by the management about the impact of Bonaires rapid growth on energy security and receives a tour of the water facility at the site in Hato. The theme of nature conservation is discussed during a boat tour with STINAPA through the mangroves. In Bonaire, the secretary of state further meets with the executive council and the island council, the director of the Caribbean Netherlands Agency, the special envoy for the EU, and the members of the Central Dialogue.

On the last day of the working visit, Mr. Van Marum talks with the Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries department of the Public Entity Bonaire and looks at several agricultural projects. The working visit concludes with an island tour led by Nolly Oleana, which includes visits to nature reserves and the slave houses.