Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell,
recently attended and addressed a capacity-building programme at the IHE Delft Institute
for Water Education.
The visit formed part of a five-day mission to the Netherlands focusing on circular-economy
approaches and climate-resilient wastewater management. The mission brought together
government officials, utility representatives, private-sector companies and World Bank
specialists from Sint Maarten and Peru to exchange knowledge and explore practical
solutions.
The initiative was organized by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), while the tailored
training programme was coordinated by IHE Delft, the World Bank Group and the Embassy
of the Netherlands in Peru, which also represents the Netherlands in Ecuador and Bolivia.
During the opening plenary session, Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell emphasized the
importance of developing wastewater-management systems that are environmentally
sustainable, economically viable and affordable, particularly for small island states such as
Sint Maarten.
She underscored the need to account for Sint Maarten’s vulnerability to hurricanes, flooding
and other extreme weather events when planning and investing in critical infrastructure.
“Resilience is not just about rebuilding what was there; it is also about building back
resiliently,” Minister Arrindell told participants.
She emphasized that wastewater management is directly connected to public health,
environmental protection, economic development and the preservation of Sint Maarten’s
coastal and marine ecosystems.
Investments in modern wastewater infrastructure must therefore be designed to meet the
country’s present needs while also preparing it for the effects of climate change.
Minister Arrindell welcomed the opportunity for Sint Maarten to participate in the
international exchange of expertise and best practices, noting that collaboration with
institutions such as IHE Delft and the World Bank can support the country’s efforts to
strengthen its technical and institutional capacity.
The plenary session was also addressed by the Ambassador of Peru to the Netherlands, Her
Excellency Franca Lorella Deza Ferreccio, who underscored that the transition toward
circularity requires broad participation throughout society.
Following the opening session, participants attended specialized workshops covering
financing and investment, water reuse, aquifer recharge, water governance, and the
operation of large- and small-scale wastewater-treatment facilities.
The programme explored ways in which wastewater can be treated as a resource within a
circular economy, including opportunities for water reuse and the recovery of valuable
resources. These approaches could contribute to reducing environmental pressure,
improving water security and strengthening climate resilience.
Minister Arrindell said Sint Maarten can benefit from solutions specifically designed for small
islands, where limited land, financial resources and technical capacity require infrastructure
that is practical, efficient and sustainable.
The programme also builds on earlier discussions between the Cabinet of the Minister
Plenipotentiary and IHE Delft concerning water education, sustainable water management,
knowledge exchange and potential collaboration involving students and technical experts.
IHE Delft has expressed its commitment to continuing its partnerships within the Caribbean
and South America and to strengthening regional capacity in sustainable water and
wastewater management.
Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell reaffirmed the importance of fostering international
partnerships that deliver practical and lasting benefits for the people of Sint Maarten.
“By connecting Sint Maarten with international knowledge institutions, development
partners and experienced water-sector professionals, we can identify solutions that are
appropriate for our island and contribute to a safer, healthier and more resilient country,”
Minister Arrindell concluded.
