PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs, Dr. Luc Mercelina, recently met with representatives of the European Union Delegation to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS, CARICOM, and CARIFORUM to strengthen cooperation and advance ongoing and upcoming development initiatives for Sint Maarten.
The EU delegation included Ms. Chiara Tardivo (Team Leader, Economic Resilience and Trade), Mr. Laurent Bal (Head of Contract, Finance & Audit), Ms. Teodora Deaconu (Contracts and Finance Officer), and Mr. Nuno Silva (Programme Manager, Economic Resilience and Trade).
As of September 1, 2025, the portfolio for the Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) has officially been transferred from the EU Delegation in Guyana to the Delegation in Barbados. The new Head of Delegation, Ms. Fiona Ramsey, and Head of Cooperation, Mr. David Mogollon, will now oversee the OCT portfolio, ensuring continued engagement and cooperation with Sint Maarten and the region.
“Sint Maarten’s relationship with the European Union continues to be one rooted in mutual respect and partnership,” stated Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina. “The transfer of the Caribbean OCT portfolio to the Barbados office reflects a strengthening of our regional engagement and will enhance coordination on critical development and infrastructure initiatives.”
During the mission, discussions also centered around the implementation of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Dutch Quarter Sewerage Project, a vital infrastructure initiative aimed at improving sanitation and quality of life in the Dutch Quarter community.
Present at this meeting were Acting Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI), Ms. Melissa Gumbs, and the Secretary General of the Ministry of VROMI, Mr. Kenson Plaisimond, along with representatives from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), including Mr. Antonio Baio (Senior Project Manager) and Mr. William Squier Gonzalez (Head of Programme).
The Government of Sint Maarten has taken an inclusive approach to the implementation of major infrastructure projects, ensuring that local communities are actively engaged in the process. This includes direct participation of community representatives in high-level management and decision-making as part of the 11th EDF Steering Committee, which will convene its inaugural meeting in the coming weeks.
“Our government believes in empowering our people through participation,” said Prime Minister Mercelina. “By involving community representatives in the oversight of the 11th EDF project, we are ensuring transparency, accountability, and shared ownership of progress. This is how we build trust and deliver results that truly reflect the needs of our citizens.”
“The Dutch Quarter project has been long awaited, and I am pleased that through close collaboration with the European Union and UNOPS, we are now moving toward the implementation phase,” the Prime Minister added. “This initiative embodies our collective commitment to improving living conditions, strengthening infrastructure resilience, and ensuring that no community is left behind.”
The Government of Sint Maarten expresses its gratitude to the European Union Delegation and UNOPS for their continued partnership and technical support in advancing the island’s development priorities.
“This engagement with the EU team reaffirms Sint Maarten’s commitment to responsible governance, international cooperation, and sustainable development,” concluded Prime Minister Mercelina. “Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Sint Maarten.”