THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE):--- Her Excellency Diedre Mills, Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and Head Mission to the European Union (EU), has expressed her heartfelt gratitude and outpouring of love, support and solidarity on behalf of the Government and the people of Jamaica during this difficult time after the passing of Hurricane Melissa.
In her letter dated October 31, 2025, Ambassador Mills added, “As we begin the recovery and reconstruction phase, we do so with the kind assurance of your unwavering commitment and steadfast support so that we can build back even stronger than ever.”
Her Excellency Sint Maarten’s Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita Arrindell had the pleasure of meeting Ambassador Mills on the sidelines of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s General Conference in Uzbekistan in the historic city of Samarkand.
“The Ambassador personally expressed her gratitude for Sint Maarten’s expression from the outset of my address of solidarity with the people and Government of Jamaica while having the floor and attention of the UNESCO Conference. I also mentioned Haiti, The Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic, which were also impacted by Melissa.
“We are deeply saddened to learn that the Government of Jamaica has confirmed 28 fatalities to date associated with the passage of the hurricane. I extend my condolences to the families who have lost loved ones due to this natural disaster,” Minister Arrindell said on Thursday.
Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell addressed the General Conference on behalf of the Honourable Melissa D. Gumbs, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport.
The 43rd UNESCO General Conference runs from 30 October to 13 November 2025.