PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina recently returned from an official visit to Suriname, where he represented St. Maarten during the 50th anniversary celebrations of Suriname's independence, known as Srevidenci 50. The visit, which took place from November 21st to November 28th, was marked by high-level meetings, cultural exchanges, and discussions aimed at fostering stronger bilateral relations between the two nations.
Celebrating Suriname’s Independence
Dr. Mercelina was invited as a guest of honor to participate in the festivities commemorating Suriname’s independence. The Prime Minister attended an extraordinary session of the National Assembly, a military parade, and a cultural program showcasing Suriname’s rich heritage. He described the experience as an honor and highlighted the event's importance in strengthening ties between St. Martin and Suriname, particularly given the large Surinamese diaspora residing in St. Martin.
Building Bridges: Key Meetings and Initiatives
The Prime Minister’s visit extended beyond the celebrations, as he seized the opportunity to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in critical areas such as food security, health, energy, commerce, and aviation.
- Meeting with Suriname’s President
Dr. Mercelina held a one-on-one meeting with Her Excellency Jennifer Geerling-Siemens, President of Suriname. The leaders discussed expanding Caribbean cooperation in climate resilience, energy transition, and trade. They also explored alternative trade routes to mitigate the impact of the ongoing U.S. tariff war. - Engagement with the Business Community
The Prime Minister met with the Suriname Chamber of Commerce to explore private sector partnerships. Discussions focused on tourism collaboration and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to drive economic growth in St. Martin. - Port Visit and Logistics Insights
A visit to Suriname's port provided Dr. Mercelina with valuable insights into logistics, supply chain management, and port operations. He expressed interest in applying these learnings to improve St. Martin’s port infrastructure. - Health Sector Collaboration
Dr. Mercelina met with Suriname’s Minister of Health to discuss the contributions of Surinamese medical professionals in St. Martin. The two leaders explored the possibility of exchange programs to strengthen healthcare services further. - Energy and Aviation Opportunities
The Prime Minister visited Staatsolie, Suriname’s state-owned oil company, to learn about their advancements in oil exploration and energy diversification. He also engaged with Suriname Airways to discuss enhancing regional air connectivity and potential commercial alignments with St. Martin.
Gratitude and Cultural Appreciation
Dr. Mercelina expressed his admiration for the hospitality and friendliness of the Surinamese people, as well as their exceptional culinary traditions. “The quality of food in Suriname is awe-inspiring,” he remarked, extending his gratitude to the Surinamese diaspora in St. Martin for their continued contributions to the island’s cultural fabric.
Upcoming Visit to the Netherlands
Following his visit to Suriname, Dr. Mercelina announced his upcoming trip to the Netherlands to participate in the 36th Inter-Expo Congress. The event will bring together leaders from Curaçao, Aruba, St. Martin, and the Netherlands to discuss progress and future improvements within the Kingdom. Dr. Mercelina will also hold one-on-one meetings with the Prime Ministers of the Netherlands, Curaçao, and Aruba to address regional tensions and other pressing matters.
Strengthening Regional Partnerships
Dr. Mercelina’s visit to Suriname underscores his commitment to fostering stronger regional partnerships and exploring opportunities for collaboration that benefit St. Martin. From trade and tourism to healthcare and energy, the Prime Minister’s efforts aim to position St. Martin as a key player in the Caribbean’s economic and diplomatic landscape.
