The Council of Ministers, based on a proposal of Stat Secretary Zsolt Szabó of
Digitalization and Kingdom Relations, has approved the appointment of Mr.
Gerbert Kunst as the new Representative of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaçao
and St. Maarten. The appointment of Mr. Kunst goes into effect per May 15,
2025.
Mr. G.P.G. (Gerbert) Kunst is currently Director International Policy at the Ministry of
Education, Culture and Science (OCW). His earlier functions include consul-general of the
Kingdom of the Netherlands in San Francisco and director European and International Affairs
at the Ministry of Economic Affairs (EZ). Mr. Kunst studied law in Leiden and also has a
Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Public Administration (MPA).
The Representation of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten (VNACS) has
offices in Willemstad (VNW), Oranjestad (VNO) and Philipsburg (VNP) and represents the
Netherlands in the three countries. The Representative is at the head of these branches and
plays a crucial role in maintaining good relations with the three autonomous countries.
VNACS contributes to the realization of Dutch policy for the countries and the implementation
thereof. VNACS also provides assistance for people with the Dutch nationality during
emergencies and coordinates the process of providing assistance from the Netherlands
during large crises. The representation carries out its tasks in good collaboration with all four
countries in the Kingdom.
Gerbert Kunst: “At OCW, I was able in the past few years to contribute to the strengthening of
the collaboration within the Kingdom in the area of education, culture and science. For
example, through setting up the Strategic Education Alliance. With that experience and the
strong conviction that in the context of the Kingdom from an equal position as four countries
we can achieve more than each on our own, I am very much looking forward to represent the
Netherlands across the full range of the government policy in these three countries. And
especially to do this with a team of good and motivated colleagues at the three offices, with
whom together I will gladly be the alliance and connector in this relation for partners such as
governments, businesses knowledge institution and civil society.”
State Secretary Szabó is happy with the appointment: “Gerbert Kunst brings a vast
experience, both international and from The Hague. He is a dedicated professional and I
expect that together with his colleagues, he will become the important intermediary who can
contribute to the broadening and deepening of the relation in the financial-economic and law
enforcement domains. I am glad that for this position, we found a candidate who, considering
his knowledge and experience with the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, has an eye for what
is needed for a good collaboration between the Netherlands, Curaçao, Aruba and St.
Maarten.”
Until the new representative assumes his position, Director Kingdom Relations/Countries at
the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) mr. drs. S.J.P.L. (Saskia) de Reuver
will serve as the acting Representative in Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten.
Gerbert Kunst new Representative in Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten
