ST. EUSTATIUS–Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Dutch State Secretary for Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Raymond Knops paid a working visit to St. Eustatius on Sunday.
The visitors were met at F.D. Roosevelt Airport by Government Commissioner Marcolino “Mike” Franco and Deputy Government Commissioner Mervyn Stegers. They travelled to The Old Gin House for a reception and brunch with local officials including the members of the Social Advisory Council. The reception offered an opportunity for Rutte and Knops to speak one-on-one with hosts Franco and Stegers.
An island tour highlighted reconstruction sites after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, housing projects and historical Fort Oranje, a site severely affected by erosion. Stops were made at the port and Lower Town.
Aloei Dancers entertained the visitors in Mike van Putten Youth Centre (commonly referred to as the Lion’s Den). The building was damaged by the hurricanes. The Dutch Government provided free materials for repairs.
The Dutch Government delegation departed Statia for Saba aboard Windward Islands Airways International Winair on Sunday evening.
Bron: Daily Herald