The Netherlands’ newly appointed State Secretary for Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations (BZK), Eddie van Marum, will embark on his first official visit to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom—specifically Curaçao, Aruba, and St. Maarten (CAS)—from August 10 to 15, 2025. His working trip is designed to foster diplomatic ties and gain first-hand insight into the region’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.
🗓️ Full Schedule Overview
🔹 August 10–11: St. Maarten
Van Marum begins in St. Maarten, with a full tour of both the Dutch and French sides of the island. He will meet with:
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Governor Ajamu Baly
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Prime Minister Luc Mercelina
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President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams
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The Council of Ministers
Key discussions will focus on:
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Crisis management during hurricane season
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Reconstruction projects post-Hurricane Irma and Maria
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Law enforcement collaboration
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Small business support via the National Recovery and Programme Bureau (NRPB)
Site visits will include the new hospital, Emergency Debris Management Project at the landfill, and the Enterprise Support Project.
🔹 August 12–13: Aruba
In Aruba, the State Secretary will meet:
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Governor Alfonso Boekhoudt
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Parliament President Marlon Sneek
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Prime Minister Mike Eman
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Ministers Gerlien Croes (Kingdom Relations, Youth, Innovation) and Geoffrey Wever (Finance and Economic Affairs)
Highlight: A key theme will be food security, backed by a new €24 million revolving fund from the Dutch government. He will tour the AGRI Innovation Park, a hub for sustainable agriculture.
Other stops include:
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The Representation of the Netherlands in Oranjestad
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Cultural and economic hubs in San Nicolas and Palm Beach
🔹 August 14–15: Curaçao
Van Marum’s final leg will be in Curaçao, beginning with:
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Governor Lucille George-Wout (before her November retirement)
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Deputy Prime Minister Javier Silvania
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Parliament President Fergino Brownbill
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The Kingdom Relations Committee
Community & Environment Focus:
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Visit to Hòfi Cas Cora, a youth-run eco-farm
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Discussions on border security and business community resilience
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Walk through historic Otrobanda with civil society leaders
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Tour of Mangrove Park with Carmabi rangers
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Visit to the Dutch representation office in Willemstad
On the final day, Van Marum will:
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Tour the Slavery Past Commemoration Committee office
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Honor resistance leader Tula at his monument
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Engage with Zakitó’s fishermen’s cooperative and the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Department (LVV)
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Learn about native bird conservation with the Bob Foundation
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Stop by a local supermarket to promote food security awareness
🧭 Themes Driving the Visit
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Food Security
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A €24M Dutch revolving fund will support local agriculture across the islands.
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Reconstruction & Resilience
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Follow-ups on recovery from past natural disasters.
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Economic Development
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Encouraging entrepreneurship and sustainable growth through public-private partnerships.
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Environmental Sustainability
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Emphasis on eco-tourism, coral reef conservation, and community-led agriculture.
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Cultural & Social Engagement
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Preserving local heritage, empowering youth, and strengthening justice systems.
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📝 Final Thoughts
State Secretary Eddie van Marum’s visit comes at a pivotal time, as the Dutch Caribbean islands face climate vulnerability, food import dependency, and economic diversification challenges. His focus on hands-on collaboration and sustainable development signals a promising direction for Kingdom relations and regional resilience.
Stay tuned as Aruba and its sister islands host this significant diplomatic mission.
Photo credits : https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/state-secretary-will-visit-cas-countries
