Could you provide an overview of the history and role of the Trust Fund for St. Maarten, along with some key figures or statistics related to its impact?
How the Trust Fund came about: after the devastating Hurricane Irma of 2017, which was a direct hit on Sint Maarten, the damage was about $2.3 billion. As Sint Maarten is a part of the Dutch Kingdom, the Netherlands made €470 million available, equivalent to $550 million US Dollars, which has been entrusted to the World Bank. Projects were earmarked to rebuild Sint Maarten.The Steering Committee consists of three members: one representative from Sint Maarten, which is myself; one from the Netherlands; and one from the World Bank. The Steering Committee takes decisions on projects, approves them by consensus, and monitors their progress.So far, $338 million has been disbursed across various projects, such as rebuilding the airport ($80 million), hurricane shelters, cleaning up the lagoon (137 shipwrecks removed), and the enterprise support project ($25 million) that helps Sint Maarteners start and rebuild their businesses. Other projects include digitalization of government services and the restoration of critical infrastructure, like water tanks, and the placement of high- and low-tension utility cables underground, making the island more resilient to future hurricanes. There is still about $200 million left in the fund, to be disbursed before the fund closes in 2028.The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) serves as the primary agency responsible for implementing activities funded by the Trust Fund. All projects adhere to international best practices and the standards set by the World Bank. Other agencies involved in implementation include SXM Airport, UNICEF Netherlands, VNGI, and the St. Maarten Medical Center.
Do you have plans or specific projects in mind for allocating the remaining $200 million in the fund?
We plan to invest in solid waste management, a major project. Around $25 million will go into a wastewater system that will connect neighborhoods in the Dutch Cul-de-Sac area. Funds will also go toward rebuilding schools, the library, sport facilities, and mental health.
What is your vision for Sint Maarten over the next few years? How do you see its development unfolding?
Sint Maarten has been a major tourist destination since the late 1960s and grew quickly until Hurricane Luis in 1995. Lessons learned from that hurricane included building back better, like placing utility cables underground. After the devastation of Hurricane Irma in 2017, the Trust Fund has helped rebuild key infrastructure.With a fully renovated airport and major ports of entry, Sint Maarten is positioned to better serve both visitors and neighboring islands like Anguilla, Saint Barth, Saba and Sint Eustatius. The island receives around 1.4 million cruise tourists annually. With the infrastructure improvements, we aim to strengthen Sint Maarten's role as a hub for the Eastern Caribbean.
How are you managing climate risk at the Trust Fund?
Mitigating climate risk is essential. A key focus of the Trust Fund is to rebuild more sustainably by improving the resilience of homes, schools, hurricane shelters, police stations, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure, such as the airport, to withstand climate change and hurricane impacts.
Are there any environmental and social programs you want to mention?
We have supported a large NGO program which assisted local NGOs with a lot of social and environmental projects. One notable example is the Great Salt Pond Birding Platform, which is part of an ecotourism and educational initiative led by the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten. Other Trust Fund supported activities are Kidz@Sea who organize underwater clean-ups, involving local youth in environmental protection activities.
Is the majority of the implementation carried out by Sint Maarten itself?
Nearly all projects are implemented locally. It is the aim of the Trust Fund to ensure that the recovery process is driven by local expertise whilst some projects have international collaboration and oversight. Managing large-scale projects after such devastation has been challenging, but we have succeeded, as seen with the reopening of the airport.
Is there anything we haven’t discussed that you’d like to share?
It's important to emphasize Sint Maarten's role for the surrounding islands and how the Trust Fund strengthens governance, social, and economic recovery. The Trust Fund has contributed to local recovery following Hurricane Irma as well as setting an example for regional resilience-building. Key accomplishments include enhanced disaster preparedness, expanded healthcare services, reduced dependence on overseas medical referrals, and support for local enterprises and NGOs. The support of local small businesses and community organizations has strengthened regional trade and economic links which benefits for neighboring economies that rely on Sint Maarten for commerce and transport.
A final message for Newsweek readers who consider Sint Maarten as a potential investment or tourism destination?
We warmly welcome you. The island of Sint Maarten is unique, being both French and Dutch. The Dutch side is part of the Dutch Kingdom, and the French side falls under the French Republic. We’re entering high season, with many mega yachts arriving for the winter. It’s an excellent place to visit and invest in—two nations on one island, truly amazing.
