Economic Recovery and Climate Resilience Top the Agenda for Resident Coordinator's Inaugural Visit to Sint Maarten

Climate resilience, alongside economic recovery from back-to-back hurricanes and the Covid-19 pandemic, were among the key development priorities for Sint Maarten that dominated discussions during the inaugural visit of UN Resident Coordinator, Joanna Kazana.  

Ms. Kazana made an official visit to Sint Maarten from September 30th to October 1st to present credentials. She serves as UN Resident Coordinator to Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten.

During her visit, Ms. Kazana held discussions with Prime Minister, Dr. The Honourable Luc Mercelina; the Council of Ministers; Governor of Sint Maarten, His Excellency Ajamu Bally; President of the Parliament of Sint Maarten, The Honourable Sarah Wescot-Williams; development partners, including the World Bank and the Sint Maarten Development Fund; UNICEF and the UNESCO National Commission.

Resilience to shocks in a tourism-dependent economy and the unique climate change vulnerabilities facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as Sint Maarten dominated discussions across all meetings. With climate financing set to headline talks at the upcoming COP 29, the UN's role in advocating for SIDS also featured during the conversations. 

Prime Minister Mercelina welcomed the UN's multi-sectoral approach and said the renewed partnership between Government and the UN would accelerate efforts to rebuild after the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, followed by the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This partnership with the UN comes at a crucial time for Sint Maarten," Prime Minister Mercelina said in a press release. "We are not just focused on recovery; we are charting a course toward sustainable growth and resilience. The collaboration with the UN will provide us with the strategic resources and expertise needed to address our most pressing challenges—from climate resilience to governance reform—ensuring no citizen is left behind.”

Ms. Kazana underscored the UN's commitment to long-term partnerships and highlighted the importance of resilience and inclusive growth in her discussions with Sint Maarten's stakeholders.  

“The UN stands ready to support Sint Maarten’s journey toward a sustainable and prosperous future," she said. "Our goal is to ensure that every person in Sint Maarten, particularly the most vulnerable, benefits from the positive transformation we aim to achieve together.”

Other priorities for Sint Maarten's national development include social protection, youth development, access to concessional financing and data-driven policymaking.

Takeaways from Ms. Kazana's two-day visit will help shape the formulation of a Country Implementation Plan (CIP) for the UN's collaborationSint Maarten. The CIP is a two-year roadmap for the UN's programming in the country, the objectives of which are guided by the UN's Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean (2022-2026). 

Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, Cameron Wathey, called Ms. Kazana's visit a pivotal moment for development collaboration.

 “This visit marks the dawn of a more strategic and dynamic relationship between Sint Maarten and the UN," he said. "Together, we are laying the foundation for a future where international support is directly aligned with our national priorities, enabling Sint Maarten to overcome its challenges and build a sustainable, inclusive future for all.”

The UN System's work with the Government of Sint Maarten includes UNICEF Sint Maarten's Child Resilience and Protection programmes, primarily funded by the World Bank’s Trust Fund. These initiatives have provided critical support for child protection, early childhood development, and disaster preparedness and resilience since 2019.

The UNESCO National Commission is working to preserve Sint Maarten’s cultural and documentary heritage. A UNESCO-financed Memory of the World initiative is digitalising the country’s National Archives, including its historically important Slavery Register. 

In partnership with the Ministry of Justice, UNOPS is leading efforts to strengthen the rule of law, including designing a new prison facility based on the Nelson Mandela Rules. The facility will house 196 inmates and ensure hazard resilience. UNOPS is also supporting institutional strengthening within the justice system and enhancing access to justice through projects across the Dutch Caribbean.

Meanwhile, UNCTAD is working to improve Sint Maarten's external trade and its revenue collection through a customs modernisation technical assistance project. UNCTAD has also supported post-hurricane reconstruction by partnering with the National Recovery Programme Bureau on the redevelopment of the Princess Juliana International Airport and the construction of the Sint Maarten Medical Center.

Other UN-supported initiatives alongside the Government of Sint Maarten include:

• Developing and updating national plans to combat non-communicable disease (PAHO/WHO)
• Gender mainstreaming capacity-building for Parliamentarians (UN Women)
• Improved implementation of labour standards and conventions through workshops and training with Government, employers and workers (ILO)
• Cash-based interventions for vulnerable migrants and strengthening of social protection mechanisms through capacity-building efforts with public sector officials (IOM)