PHILIPSBURG:--- From October 20-21, the Ombudsmen of the four countries that comprise the Kingdom of the Netherlands gathered in The Hague for their annual meeting. Jurima Bryson, Ombudsman of Aruba; Keursly Concincion, Ombudsman of Curaçao; Gwendolien Mossel, Ombudsman of Sint Maarten; and Reinier van Zutphen, the National Ombudsman of the Netherlands, came together to share their experiences and discuss key challenges in their work.
A primary focus of the discussions was the escalating waste management issues facing Caribbean countries within the Kingdom. Due to their small size and dependence on imported goods, these islands are increasingly burdened by growing waste volumes. Contributing factors such as rising migration and an expanding tourism sector have led to a substantial increase in waste over the past decade.
The Ombudsmen addressed serious concerns regarding the high costs of waste disposal, the lack of sufficient incineration facilities, and the proliferation of illegal dumping, all of which pose significant threats to public health and the environment. They explored ways their institutions can contribute to tackling these urgent challenges.
This year also marked the tenth anniversary of the Kingdom’s Ombudsman meetings. Reflecting on the success of their collaboration, they recognized that, despite the tradition of annual gatherings, their partnership had never been formally documented. To ensure ongoing cooperation and strengthen long-term ties, they agreed to formalize their alliance. On October 20, the four Ombudsmen signed an official Protocol of Cooperation, reaffirming their shared commitment to maintaining and advancing this vital partnership for the future.
Following the meeting, the Ombudsmen paid a courtesy visit to Ms. Gracita Arrindell, Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, at her request.
