Local News
PM Mercelina presses VNG for tangible results from municipal partnership
Prime Minister Luc Mercelina met the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) in the Netherlands to discuss GEBE governance, flood prevention, EU funding and waste management. The meeting ended with a shared intention to keep working together; no arrangements were set.
By SXM Daily ยท
Reported 23 October 2026
Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina met the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) during his working visit to the Netherlands, the Cabinet of the Prime Minister said in a press release from The Hague. SMN News also reported the meeting.
Background
According to the release, the meeting followed the signing of a Certificate of Extraordinary Membership with VNG Chair and Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma in December 2025.
What was discussed
The release said the talks covered:
- technical assistance and capacity building
- support for GEBE governance, and renewable energy
- flood prevention
- access to EU funding mechanisms
- waste management and the landfill
"Last year, we formalized the partnership. Today, we are advancing its implementation," Mercelina said. He added that "partnerships must be measured not by the meetings we hold, but by the improvements we deliver for the people of Sint Maarten."
What came out of it
The meeting ended with a shared intention to pursue engagement between VNG International and the Council of Ministers, according to the release. No agreement or funding was announced, and the arrangements have yet to be set.
Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, Secretary-General Dr. Abel Knottnerus and Chief of Staff Stuart Johnson accompanied the Prime Minister.
Sources
- Government of Sint Maarten press release: https://www.sintmaartengov.org/news/Pages/press-release.aspx?slug=pm-mercelina-pushes-for-tangible-results-at-vng
- SMN News: https://www.smn-news.com/index.php/st-maarten-st-martin-news/52133-pm-mercelina-pushes-for-tangible-results-at-vng.html